Top 10 must-see attractions in Lyon

Lyon is a charming city that attracts countless tourists to explore. If you plan to travel to Lyon, this guide will provide you with some practical information and recommended attractions and activities. As the food capital of France, Lyon is not only famous for its rich history and culture, but also has many unforgettable attractions. It is recommended that you visit the Vieux Lyon, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière on Fourvière Hill, and the modern Confluence district. In addition, don’t miss Lyon’s famous food market-Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, and experience the local food culture. I hope this guide will make your trip to Lyon more exciting.

1. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is one of the most famous religious landmarks in Lyon, France. It is located on the top of Fourvière Hill and overlooks the entire city. The basilica was built between 1872 and 1884 in Roman Byzantine style and designed by architect Pierre Bossan. Its gorgeous exterior and exquisite interior decoration make it an important tourist attraction in Lyon.

The exterior of the temple is composed of four tall towers and a central bell tower, forming a unique skyline. The interior is richly decorated, with mosaic murals, stained glass windows and a magnificent altar showing superb artistic skills. The underground church of the temple (Crypt of Saint Joseph) is also worth a visit, its tranquil atmosphere is in sharp contrast to the grandeur of the main temple.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is not only a religious site, but also an important symbol of culture and history. Every December, Lyon’s Light Festival (Fête des Lumières) is held here, attracting thousands of tourists. The terrace of the basilica offers a great view of the panoramic view of the city of Lyon, making it an ideal place for tourists to take photos.

2. Boat tour in Lyon

A cruise in Lyon is the perfect way to experience the unique charm of this French city. Cruises travel along the Rhône and Saône rivers, allowing visitors to see the beautiful sights of Lyon from the water. Usually departing from the city center, the cruise passes many important sites, including the Vieux Lyon district, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and the modern La Confluence district.

The boat tour provides a relaxing and enjoyable way to explore the city’s history and culture. The buildings along the way vary in style, from medieval old buildings to modern structures, showcasing Lyon’s rich architectural heritage. The guided tour will detail the background and stories of each attraction, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the city.

Some cruise ships also provide catering services, so tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the strait while enjoying the food. Whether it is the bright sunshine during the day or the brilliant lights at night, cruise sightseeing can bring tourists a unique visual experience and peaceful enjoyment.

A boat tour of Lyon is a great way for all ages to experience the city’s unique charm, combining relaxation, education and beauty.

3. Old Lyon

Vieux Lyon is one of the most historically and culturally attractive areas in Lyon, France, and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Located on the west bank of the Saône River, the old town has well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings and is an important window for exploring the history of Lyon. The narrow cobblestone streets and colorful houses make visitors feel as if they have traveled back hundreds of years.

The heart of the old town is Place Saint-Jean, where the magnificent Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste) is located. The church attracts many tourists with its exquisite Gothic architecture and magnificent rose windows. The nearby Saint-Paul Church (Église Saint-Paul) and Saint-Georges Church (Église Saint-Georges) are also worth a visit.

One of the most unique features of the old town is its “Traboules”, secret passages between buildings that were originally used by silk workers to quickly transport goods. Today, visitors can explore these Traboules and soak up the traces of history and mysterious atmosphere.

Old Lyon also has many traditional French bistros and cafés, making it a great place to experience authentic Lyon cuisine. Whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or a tourist who likes a romantic stroll, Old Lyon has a lot to offer.

4. Museum of Illusions

The Musée de l’Illusion de Lyon is a fun and interactive exhibition hall in the heart of Lyon that engages visitors of all ages. Dedicated to exploring optical illusions and perceptual phenomena, the museum allows visitors to learn about scientific principles while having fun through a variety of interactive exhibits and experiences.

There are several exhibition areas in the museum, each of which displays different types of visual illusions, including trompe l’oeil, holograms, anti-gravity rooms and mirror mazes. Visitors can experience the feeling of weightlessness in the anti-gravity room, find the exit in the mirror maze, or take interesting photos in front of the trompe l’oeil.

The Museum of Illusions in Lyon is not only a place of entertainment, but also provides rich educational value by explaining the scientific principles behind each illusion. The museum’s interactive design allows every visitor to experience and understand firsthand how vision and the brain work together to perceive the world.

Whether it is a family outing, a gathering with friends or a school educational activity, the Lyon Museum of Illusions provides a place full of fun and inspiration. It not only brings laughter and wonder to visitors, but also stimulates interest in science and visual arts.

5. Parque de la Tête d’Or

Parc de la Tête d’Or is the largest urban park in Lyon, covering an area of ​​about 117 hectares, located north of the city center of Lyon. Since its opening in 1857, the park has been a popular leisure place for citizens and tourists. The park is famous for its beautiful landscape, diverse activities and rich flora and fauna.

The park has a vast lake where visitors can enjoy boating and peaceful water time. The lake is surrounded by large green areas and forest trails, making it an ideal place for walking, jogging and picnicking. The park’s zoo is free and open to the public, showcasing a variety of animals including giraffes, lions and gorillas, and is a popular attraction for family visitors.

In addition, the Tête d’Or Park also has a botanical garden with several greenhouses and open-air gardens, which display rare plants and flowers from all over the world. The rose garden in the park is particularly famous, with hundreds of roses planted, attracting a large number of flower lovers every spring and summer.

6. Beaujolais

Beaujolais Wine is a wine produced in Beaujolais, a famous red wine producing region in France. It is famous for its light and fruity flavor. Beaujolais is located in the south of Burgundy and mainly grows Gamay grapes, which give Beaujolais wine a unique taste and aroma.

The most famous category of Beaujolais wine is Beaujolais Nouveau, a red wine made quickly from grapes harvested that year. It is released simultaneously around the world on the third Thursday of November every year, becoming a grand celebration for wine lovers. Beaujolais Nouveau is popular for its bright red fruit aroma, soft taste and lively acidity, and is suitable for drinking when young.

In addition to Beaujolais Nouveau, there are other classifications of Beaujolais, such as Beaujolais-Villages and Cru Beaujolais. These wines usually have more depth and complexity than the new wines and are suitable for aging.

Beaujolais wine is loved by wine lovers all over the world for its fresh and easy-drinking characteristics. Whether it is a relaxed social occasion or a formal dinner, Beaujolais wine is an excellent choice, perfectly demonstrating the diversity and charm of French wine.

7. Light Festival

The Fête des Lumières is a grand annual celebration in Lyon, usually held in early December and lasting four days. The festival originated in 1852 to celebrate the erection of the statue of the Virgin Mary, and has now become an international event that showcases the city’s light and shadow art.

During the Festival of Lights, Lyon’s streets, squares and buildings are decorated with a variety of light installations and works of art. Major landmarks in the city center, such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon Cathedral and the City Hall, are transformed into light shows that attract tourists from all over the world. Artists use projections, LED lights and interactive installations to create stunning visuals that tell stories of history, culture and modern life.

In addition to the large-scale light show, there are also various street performances, concerts and interactive activities during the Light Festival, and the whole city is filled with a festive atmosphere. Local residents and tourists flocked to the streets to celebrate this visual feast together. Shops, cafes and restaurants also extended their business hours and provided a variety of food and drinks to meet the needs of tourists.

8. Lyon food

Lyon is known as the “City of French Gastronomy” for its rich traditions and diverse flavors. The gastronomic culture here combines the flavors of the French countryside with exquisite cooking techniques, reflecting Lyon’s unique culinary tradition. Bouchon Lyonnais is the best place to taste authentic Lyon cuisine. These traditional restaurants offer hearty local specialties.

Typical Lyon dishes include the Saucisson de Lyon, a dried pork sausage with a distinctive taste. Another famous dish is the Salade Lyonnaise, made with chamomile, bacon, bread and poached eggs, served with mustard sauce. There is also the Tablier de Sapeur, a delicious dish made with cured beef tripe.

Lyon’s desserts are equally mouth-watering, with the famous “Pralines Roses” known for their unique pink color and sweet taste. Local pastry shops and bakeries also offer delicious “Tarte Lyonnaise”, which is very popular among diners.

Whether in a traditional bistro or a modern restaurant, Lyon cuisine offers a rich taste experience. Lyon’s dining culture not only showcases the essence of French cuisine, but also provides diners with a variety of food choices.

9. Roman Theatre of Fourvière Hill

The Théâtre antique de Fourvière is one of the most important historical sites in Lyon, located on Fourvière Hill, overlooking the entire city. Built in the 1st century AD, the theater originally accommodated about 10,000 spectators and was an important entertainment and social venue in the ancient Roman period. The design of the theater fully reflects the excellence of Roman architecture, including semicircular stands, stage areas and exquisite carved decorations.

After many restorations and protections, the Roman Theatre of Fourvière Hill is now not only an important site for archaeological and historical research, but also a vibrant cultural venue. Every summer, the Nuits de Fourvière Festival is held here, attracting artists and audiences from all over the world. Various performances such as concerts, dramas, dances and film screenings have given the ancient theatre a new lease of life.

Visiting the Roman Theatre of Fourvière Hill, visitors can admire the magnificent remains of ancient architecture while overlooking the magnificent view of Lyon. Whether it is history lovers or culture and art lovers, this place provides a unique experience that showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Lyon.

10. Musee des Confluences

The Musée des Confluences is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in Lyon, France. It is a modern museum that integrates natural sciences, anthropology and the history of civilization. The museum opened in 2014 and was designed by the Austrian architectural firm Kup Himmelblau. Its avant-garde exterior looks like a giant crystal flower, becoming a new landmark in Lyon.

The museum has multiple exhibition halls, displaying a wide variety of themes, from the formation of the earth, the evolution of life to the rise and fall of human civilization. The exhibition content spans multiple fields such as science, history, and culture, aiming to explore the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the exchange and integration between different civilizations. The permanent exhibition includes dinosaur fossils, rare minerals, ancient artifacts and modern artworks, attracting audiences of all ages.