Lyon, the City of Lights
Lyon, the jewel of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historical capital of Gaul, offers a mosaic of activities that attract visitors from all over the world. This city, rich in historical heritage and vibrant modernity, is a crossroads where art, culture, and adventure meet.
Whether you're looking for a cultural getaway, an unusual activity, or simply an offbeat weekend, Lyon promises unforgettable experiences. Every street, like Rue Mercière, every square, like the famous Place Bellecour, every traboule (covered passageway) holds a story waiting to be discovered.
So take the time to visit this magnificent city, where every corner reveals a piece of history and an invitation to escape.
Discovering Lyon's cultural heritage
Exploring the traboules of Old Lyon
Old Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is famous for its traboules, secret passageways that cut through building courtyards and open onto picturesque streets. Exploring these traboules is a must-do activity in Lyon, offering a unique experience that transports visitors back in time.
These passageways were used by the canuts, silk workers , to transport their goods sheltered from the elements. Today, they reveal a hidden part of Lyon's history and enchant all those who love to unravel the mysteries of a city.
Visit to the Art Museums of Lyon
Lyon, often hailed as a cultural hub, is home to numerous museums of historical, contemporary, and modern art, which are jewels of the French art scene. Among the most famous are:
- Museum of Fine Arts , Lyon 1st
- Museum of Contemporary Art or macLyon , Lyon 6th arrondissement
- Museum of Confluences , Lyon 2nd arrondissement
- Museum of Textiles and Decorative Arts , Lyon 2nd arrondissement
- Lumière Institute Museum, Lyon 8th arrondissement
Each museum offers visitors a new experience with every visit and numerous activities to do with children. Internationally renowned works are displayed alongside creations by emerging talents, perfectly illustrating Lyon's creative dynamism .
Unusual outings in Lyon
Gaining a bird's-eye view of the rooftops of Fourvière
Visiting Notre-Dame de Fourvière is certainly a must in Lyon, but discovering the behind-the-scenes and hidden places of the basilica such as the Great Tribune, the architects' office, the gallery of Angels or even the attics promises an unforgettable experience.
Climbing the 345 steps to the rooftops of the basilica offers a unique view of the city of Lyon . Whether to admire the sweeping panorama of the city or to capture spectacular sunset photos, this activity is a must for anyone visiting Lyon.
In addition to the Basilica of Fourvière , one of the city's architectural landmarks, visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and ancient Roman ruins, adding a cultural and historical touch to their visit.
Discover the wine scene with a visit to an urban winery
Lyon, renowned for its gastronomy, also boasts an emerging and innovative wine scene. Urban wineries, a novel concept in France where wines are produced and aged in the heart of the city, offer a unique tasting experience.
These establishments invite visitors to discover the nuances of local and French wines and to understand the winemaking process, all within a unique setting and a surprising urban environment. It's the perfect opportunity for wine lovers to combine a cultural visit with an enriching tasting experience.
In Lyon, the first urban winery in the city of the Gones and Fenottes – Chai Saint Olive, located at 34 rue Malesherbes in the 6th arrondissement, introduces intrigued travelers, amateurs and/or connoisseurs of wine to a visit of the winery and a tasting of the wines produced at the winery.
The wines from Chai Saint Olive are produced according to traditional methods and are labeled Made In Lyon . 
Participation in the Festival of Lights and nighttime exploration
The Festival of Lights , a highlight of the Lyon calendar, transforms the city into a living tableau of light and color over four days. During this event, monuments such as the Bartholdi fountain in Place des Terreaux, parks such as the Parc de la Tête d'Or, and streets such as Rue de la République are illuminated by spectacular and sometimes interactive art installations.
Participating in this festival allows you not only to appreciate light art but also to explore Lyon from a different perspective. At night, when the lights dance on the facades of historic buildings, it offers a magical and completely different view from that of the day.
A unique activity to do in Lyon when it rains
Blending workshop in an urban winery
When the skies over Lyon turn over, here's a unique activity to enjoy indoors while immersing yourself in the region's wine culture: a blending workshop in an urban winery. With friends, colleagues, or family (18+), these educational sessions offer a unique opportunity to create your own wine, guided by the passionate and experienced team at Lyon's first urban winery – Chai Saint Olive.
Participants learn not only the subtleties of the different grape varieties produced at the winery but also the blending techniques that define the character of a wine.
It's an educational and fun experience, perfect for wine lovers who want to deepen their knowledge while having fun.
The added bonus of this introductory journey to discover local grape varieties: each participant leaves with their own creation.
Visiting Lyon offers a unique experience with activities that are as unusual as they are diverse . From its art museums to its historic traboules, via the rooftops of Fourvière, its urban wine cellar and the magical Festival of Lights, Lyon promises moments of discovery and wonder.
Many activities require advance planning to fully enjoy this exceptional city.
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