Whether you're in Lyon for the first time or you've already been here for a while, a single day can be enough time to get a feel for the city. The key is to plan your day wisely so you can experience as many of the sites as possible. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Place Bellecour
Whether you're planning a one-day trip to Lyon, France, or are extending your stay for a few days, there are some must-see places to visit. This article provides practical tips on where to go and what to see.
First, let's take a look at the biggest square in Europe: La Place Bellecour. It is located in the second district of Lyon. There are two ways to get there. You can either walk or use the metro.
You can also find some of the largest murals in the city in this square. The city is home to around 100 murals.
You can also check out the famous Bartholdi fountain. It features water vapour and horses with smoking nostrils. It is also located in the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.
The Lyon Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to see interactive displays that examine the meeting of civilizations. There are several permanent exhibitions covering topics such as migrations, death, and the afterlife.
You can also visit the Auguste Lumiere museum. It is located in the former home of the world's first film maker. This is a fun place to visit and includes an impressive collection of art deco and contemporary art.
Another must-see place to visit is the Basilica of Fourviere. It is the best view in the city. You can see all of Lyon and the Alps in the background. You can also purchase a souvenir from the small shop located inside.
Presqu'ile
Located in Lyon, Presqu'ile is one of the most vibrant commercial districts in the city. Originally formed as a peninsula between the Saone and Rhone rivers, the district is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting to the area from the centrally located Hotel de Ville will be easy if you use the metro line C or D. The area has many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options.
The area is home to the Institut Lumiere, a museum highlighting the contributions of brothers Auguste and Louis Lumiere. The museum has special events throughout the year.
You can also visit the Fourviere Basilica. This hilltop church offers panoramic views of Lyon and features lavish interiors. The basilica was built between 1872 and 1884. You can go inside for free.
A few minutes south of the basilica, you will find the Place des Jacobins. This plaza is surrounded by classical buildings and houses a huge fountain. The fountain was designed by Gaspard Andre.
Next to the plaza, you will find Rue de la Republique, a main commercial street of Lyon. This street has become one of the longest pedestrian ways in the city.
You will also find the Carre d'Or shopping district, which is between Place Bellecour and Cordeliers. The area is home to 70 different stores that sell designer goods.
You may also want to visit the Opera of Lyon, which is located in the Plaza de la Comedie. This is also where you can find the Statue de la Republique, a tribute to the French revolution.
Vieux Lyon
UNESCO-listed, Vieux Lyon is Europe's oldest Renaissance district. The area was once populated by wealthy merchants who built sumptuous homes in the Italian renaissance style. There are many boutique hotels in the area.
If you are looking for a good view of the city, you should head up to the Basilica of Fourviere. It is one of the highest places in the city and offers a magnificent interior. The church also has a small souvenir shop and a great view of Lyon.
There are also many museums in the area. The Silk Museum is a nice choice, as it contains artefacts and documents from the silk industry. The museum also features hundreds of antique puppets. The best part is the museum is free to enter.
Another notable museum is the Institut Lumiere, which is dedicated to the inventors of the cinematograph. You can book a tour, attend an event, or just watch silent films paired with live music.
The Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is a fine art museum. It is housed in a former abbey from the 17th century and features a peaceful garden with original bronze sculptures by August Rodin.
You can visit the Roman Ruins of Lyon, which are a short tram ride away. The museum is free to see, and open during regular hours.
The city has a funicular, which is an historic transportation system. This is located a few blocks to the right of Fourviere.
Museum des Avocats
UNESCO has declared the historic building of the Maison des Avocats in Vieux Lyon as a World Heritage Site. This 17th-century mansion has an elegant Tuscan style courtyard. It also houses a Silk Museum, which focuses on the role of the silk industry in the evolution of the city. The museum features 100 "hyper-realistic" miniature scenes, along with artifacts and documents.
Dan Ohlmann is a famous miniature artist from France. He has a museum that is housed in one of the most famous buildings in Lyon. He has an impressive collection of miniatures, and offers an interesting walking tour. It is free to visit with the City Card. You can find out more about the museum's opening hours, and its admission rates.
Lyon was once the world's capital of gastronomy, and it continues to honour that title today. There are many Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the beautiful lake in the middle of the city. It's easy to get around the city with public transport. The Lyon city pass gives you unlimited use of the public transport, and includes entry into several museums.
One of the best places to see in Lyon is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere. It's located on Fourviere hill in the city's oldest part. The basilica is built in Byzantine architecture. It's also a popular pilgrimage site. It's accessible by a funicular.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Whether you're visiting the French capital for the first time or you've been to Lyon dozens of times, there are still plenty of things to see and do. One of the best things to do is visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an indoor food market that celebrates the local gastronomy of the city.
This market is not only located in the heart of the Part-Dieu neighborhood, it also features a large selection of fresh produce. The market is a 3-storey building that houses 48 vendors. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., though some stands may not reopen until the afternoon.
There are a number of shops on the lower floor, as well as a few restaurants and bars. Most of the stands have additional seating upstairs. The market is also free to visit.
The market's name comes from a legendary chef, Paul Bocuse. His cuisine reached unprecedented levels in the 1960s, and he became the most awarded cook in France. He is a culinary icon throughout the world. He is also credited with helping to establish the reputation of the Lyon market.
Despite its name, the market is open for business every day of the week. It's a good idea to arrive early. If you do, you can beat the crowds and get a better deal. You can find meat, fish, cheese, vegetables, and more. There are also several restaurants and bars open in the evening.
Lyon Zoo
Located in southern France, Lyon is a city that's worth a visit. It's the opposite of its northerly rival Paris, and a great weekend getaway from the capital. Unlike Paris, Lyon has a jovial atmosphere and is known for its cuisine and silk production.
The oldest part of Lyon, called Old Lyon, is part of a Unesco World Heritage site. This area includes the Cathedrale Saint-Jean, a 12th-century cathedral. This area is home to wealthy merchants, who built beautiful homes in a variety of architectural styles.
There's a lot to see in the city of Lyon, and you can spend a day exploring its main attractions. There are many museums, including the Musee d'Art Contemporain, the Musee d'Histoire de Lyon, the Musee d'Histoire et Archeologie, and the Institut Lumiere.
The city also boasts a lively culture scene and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll find over a hundred large murals on the walls of the city. These murals are typically found in less-known neighborhoods and will attract visitors.
Another must-see in Lyon is the Museum of Contemporary Art. This institution is designed to tell the story of humanity. It's dressed in a spectacular steel envelope, and its lineup can get long. The Musee Urbain Tony Garnier is a outdoor mural museum, and features monumental murals around residential architecture.
You can explore the city on your own, or you can take a private tour. There are several options, including the Lyon Culture and Tasting Tour, the Fete des Lumieres tour, or the Saone River cruise.
