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Lyon travel guide

France

Basics

CountryFrance

Time zoneEurope/Paris

CurrencyEUR

Official language(s)French

Using public transportation is convenient when traveling in major cities. It is advisable to book major attractions in advance.

Places to visit

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

An iconic basilica on the hill overlooking Lyon, known for its interior decoration and views.

Location8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France

Nearest stationVieux Lyon - Cathédrale Saint-Jean

HoursUsually open daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit during daylight for the best views; you can reach it by funicular or on foot.

Vieux Lyon

Lyon's historic district with a Renaissance atmosphere, famous for its alleys and traboule passages.

LocationVieux Lyon, 69005 Lyon, France

Nearest stationVieux Lyon - Cathédrale Saint-Jean

HoursOpen at all times

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThe best way to enjoy it is to walk slowly and explore the buildings and passageways.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Lyon's largest urban park, with a lake, botanical garden, and zoo, ideal for walking and relaxing.

LocationParc de la Tête d'Or, 69006 Lyon, France

Nearest stationMasséna

HoursUsually open daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt gets busy on weekends, so mornings are usually calmer.

Food to try

Bouchon Lyonnais

A classic spot to try traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty dishes.

Location19 Rue des Trois Maries, 69005 Lyon, France

Nearest stationVieux Lyon - Cathédrale Saint-Jean

HoursUsually open daily for lunch and dinner

AdmissionVaries by menu

Travel tipIt can get busy at dinner peak hours, so booking ahead is helpful.

Pralus

A famous Lyon pastry shop, best known for the signature Praluline brioche and chocolates.

Location29 Rue de la Barre, 69002 Lyon, France

Nearest stationBellecour

HoursUsually open daily

AdmissionPrices vary by product

Travel tipIt is popular for souvenirs, so some items may sell out by the afternoon.

Events

Nuits de Fourvière

Lyon's signature summer festival blending theatre, music, dance, and film, with performances in the ancient theatres.

WhenSummer (June–July)

LocationThéâtres antiques de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France

Nearest stationVieux Lyon - Cathédrale Saint-Jean

HoursMainly evening performances in summer

AdmissionPaid per show

Travel tipPopular shows sell out quickly, so it is best to book as soon as the program is released.

Fête des Lumières

Lyon's signature festival in December, with light installations and projections across the city.

WhenEvery December

LocationLyon citywide, France

Nearest stationBellecour

HoursUsually four days, mainly in the evening

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt gets extremely crowded, so plan your lodging and route in advance and rely on public transport.

Subway lines

Ligne A : Perrache ⇒ Vaulx-en-Velin - La SoieLigne B : Saint-Genis-Laval Hôpitaux Sud ⇒ CharpennesLigne C : Cuire ⇒ Hôtel de Ville - Louis PradelLigne D : Gare de Vénissieux ⇒ Gare de VaiseRhônexpress : Aéroport Lyon - Saint-Exupéry -> Gare Part-Dieu - VilletteTER 21 : Brignais − LyonTER 22 : Sain-Bel − L'Arbresle − Tassin − LyonTER 23 : Lozanne - Tassin

Basic travel phrases (French)

Bonjour

Bonjour · Greeting

Merci

Merci · Thanks

Enchanté

Enchante · Nice to meet you

Bonne journée

Bonne journee · Wishing a good day

Bienvenue

Bienvenue · Welcome

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