Hello everyone! Today, as Mikos Store, we will talk about Lyon. Lyon is a historic city located in southeastern France, at the intersection of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Also known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is known for its rich history, exceptional cuisine and vibrant cultural life. The Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, fascinates visitors with its well-preserved architecture from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In addition, the city hosts many cultural events such as modern art, music, theater and cinema, and offers a dynamic city life.
Lyon is also an important economic and educational centre. The University of Lyon and other higher education institutions make the city a science and research hub. A dynamic city that combines history and modernity, Lyon welcomes many visitors from all over the world every year.
Transportation from Airport to City Center
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is located approximately 25 km from the city centre and offers a variety of transportation options for visitors to Lyon:
- Rhônexpress Tram: The fastest and most practical option for transportation between the airport and Lyon city center. Rhônexpress provides a direct connection from the airport to Part-Dieu, Lyon's main train station. This journey takes approximately 30 minutes and operates frequently throughout the day.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi from the airport to the city centre can be a more comfortable option, but it is also more expensive. Taxi ranks can be easily found at the airport exit.
- Car Rental: There are many car rental companies at the airport. For visitors who want to explore freely, renting a car is a good option to explore Lyon and its surroundings at your own pace.
- Bus Services: There are also bus services from the airport to the city center and some important points. This option is generally more economical, but the travel time can be longer than other options.
Festivals in Lyon
Lyon offers a rich cultural life to visitors and locals, hosting many festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some of the important festivals you should attend in Lyon:
Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights)
Held every December, this spectacular festival turns Lyon into a feast of light and colour. Buildings, streets and squares across the city are illuminated with impressive light installations created by local and international artists.
Nuits Sonores
This electronic music festival, held in May, offers unforgettable experiences to music lovers with performances throughout the day and night at various venues. International and local DJs as well as various musical performances are the attractions of the festival.
The Fourvière Nights
Held in June and July, this festival offers theatre, music, dance and cinema performances at the ancient Roman theatre of Fourvière. The magnificent historical venue takes on a unique atmosphere during the festival.
Lyon Biennale
For lovers of art and contemporary culture, the Lyon Biennale is one of the most important events of contemporary art. Exhibiting works from different artistic disciplines, this event transforms the city into a major centre of the international art scene.
Places to Visit in Lyon
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic district is one of the largest Renaissance neighborhoods in Europe and is famous for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and traboules, which are secret passages.
Fourvière Hill
Considered the symbol of Lyon, this hill offers visitors unforgettable views of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the ancient Roman theater.
Parc de la Tête d'Or (Golden Head Park)
One of the largest urban parks in France, this park offers visitors a nature-focused experience with its vast green areas, a lake, a botanical garden, and a zoo.
Presqu'île
Located between the Rhône and Saône rivers, this area is Lyon's lively city centre and includes important squares such as Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
The largest art museum in Lyon, it has one of the richest collections in Europe, with a wide range of art from ancient to modern times.
La Croix Rousse
Known for its historic silk weaving workshops, today it is a vibrant neighbourhood full of artists, designers and independent shops, and is also known as the "workers' hill".
Activities to Do in Lyon
Discovering the Traboules in Lyon
Discovering Lyon’s unique traboules offers an intimate experience of the city’s history. Discover these secret passages in the Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse districts, and get to know the city’s rich past better.
Discovering Lyon Cuisine on a Gourmet Tour
Join a gourmet tour to experience the rich gastronomy of Lyon. Taste authentic Lyonnais cuisine at Bouchons and experience first-hand why the city is known as the gastronomic capital.
Climbing the Hill of Fourvière
Climb up Fourvière Hill to discover both the historical buildings and the magnificent views of Lyon. The ancient theatres and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière on the hill provide unforgettable moments for visitors.
Visiting an Art Museum
Lyon's various art museums offer art lovers a wide range of works. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée d'Art Contemporain and the Musée des Tissus are ideal places to explore the city's cultural life.
Spending Time at Parc de la Tête d'Or
Parc de la Tête d'Or is the perfect place for those who want to spend time in nature. You can take a walk in the park, take a boat ride on the lake or visit the botanical garden and zoo.
What to Eat in Lyon
Lyon is a world-famous gastronomic city and offers unique flavors to its visitors. Here are some special dishes you should try in Lyon:
Quenelle
A classic dish of Lyonnais cuisine, quenelle is a light and fluffy pastry, usually made from sea bass. This pastry is enriched with cream and eggs and is usually served with lobster or crab sauce.
Coq au Vin
One of the famous dishes of French cuisine, coq au vin is rooster meat cooked in red wine. The Lyon version is flavored with traditional spices and vegetables and is usually served with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Lyonnaise Salad
This traditional salad includes lettuce, croutons, bacon, and poached eggs. Dressed with warm bacon sauce and Dijon mustard, the Lyonnaise salad is a light but filling meal.
Praline Tart
For those with a sweet tooth, you should definitely try Lyon’s famous praline tart. This dessert is a tart filled with almond praline and is usually served with coffee.
Nightlife in Lyon
Lyon also offers its visitors a variety of options in terms of nightlife. The city's bars, clubs and live music venues are full of alternatives to suit every taste. Here are some suggestions for discovering nightlife in Lyon:
Bars and Pubs
Lyon is home to a wide variety of themed bars. The Vieux Lyon and Presqu'île districts offer a wide range of places to drink, from stylish cocktail bars to traditional French pubs. Especially popular in the summer months are the city's lively terrace bars.
Night Clubs
For those who want to dance and party late into the night, Lyon offers a variety of nightclub options. Clubs that offer different music genres such as house, techno, pop or R&B reflect the liveliness of the city's nightlife.
Live Music Venues
Live music is a big part of Lyon's nightlife. Many venues in the city offer live performances of various genres, such as jazz, rock, pop or world music. Venues such as Le Transbordeur and Ninkasi host concerts by local and international artists.
Theatre and Performances
For those looking for a night of culture, Lyon offers a variety of performing arts, including opera, ballet and theatre. The Opéra National de Lyon and the Théâtre des Célestins are known for their high-quality productions.
Festivals and Events
Festivals and events held in Lyon throughout the year add a special dynamism to the city's nightlife. Festivals such as Fête des Lumières and Nuits Sonores offer special events that enrich the nightlife.
As Mikos Store, we wish you a pleasant time during your trip to Lyon and recommend you to take a look at our article titled Florence Travel Guide .
