TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN LYON | FRANCE
Discover the gastronomic heart and rich history of Lyon, France, with this curated guide. From the confluence of its majestic rivers and the vibrant modern architecture to the ancient Roman ruins and the bustling foodie markets, Lyon offers a captivating blend of old and new.
Confluences neighborhood
Lyon's ultra-modern Confluences neighborhood, located where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, is the largest urban redevelopment project in Europe, featuring unique architectural and environmentally friendly design, a sprawling shopping complex, and the Musée des Confluences.
Rhône
The Rhône river's position allowed Lyon to import raw silk and weave it into textiles.
Saône
The Saône river's position allowed Lyon to import raw silk and weave it into textiles.
Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences is a Natural History Museum showcasing over 2.2 million artifacts in the Confluences neighborhood.
Croix-Rousse
The Croix-Rousse district was the center of the silk weaving industry in Lyon.
Maison des Canuts
Maison des Canuts provides information about the invention of using perforated cards to produce patterned fabrics.
Soierie Vivante
Soierie Vivante is one of the last family-owned silk workshops in the Croix-Rousse district, offering live demonstrations of trimmings being assembled on looms from the 19th century and showcasing how silk workers lived and how looms evolved.
Vieux-Lyon
Vieux-Lyon, the city's oldest district, is a picturesque area lined with narrow cobblestone streets and well-preserved buildings from the Renaissance period, and is the first protected historic district in France.
Fourvière district
The Fourvière district, rising high above the Saône river, is a popular area to visit with attractions like the Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Roman ruins.
Saône river
The Fourvière district rises above the Saône River.
Fourvière Hill
The Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière is located at the top of Fourvière Hill.
Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière, built in the 1800s on Fourvière Hill, features intricate detailing both on the exterior and interior.
Roman theatre
The Roman theatre in the Fourvière district features partially intact ruins dating back to 15 BC.
Roman Odeon
The 2nd century Roman Odeon in the Fourvière district hosts concerts and operas in the summer months.
Les Halles de Lyon
Les Halles de Lyon, created by Paul Bocuse, is an indoor market featuring over 60 food stalls showcasing the best regional products around Lyon.
bouchon
Bouchons are traditional, family-run restaurants found only in Lyon that feature menus filled with hearty homemade dishes.