France’s third-largest city, Lyon, is often overshadowed by Paris and Marseille. However, Lyon has much to offer – from its gorgeous streetscapes to its bustling nightlife. If you are planning on visiting France or are already there, then it’s definitely worth spending some time in this beautiful and historical city.

When to visit Lyon in France?

If you have limited time to visit Lyon and want to explore as much of it as possible, spring is an ideal time. Not only is it a prime travel season in Europe but April through June also marks festival season in many cities throughout Europe. In addition to festivals for gastronomy (Lyon: March), jazz (Lyon: May), cinema (Annecy: May) and wine (Beaujolais Wine Festival: June), there are several music festivals happening all over Europe during these months.

The best time of year to visit Lyon is between March and June. Weather is great and you can still avoid tourists if you want. The summer months can be stiflingly hot, but on a warm day there’s no place better than a terrace on one of Lyon’s many pedestrian streets with their graceful architecture and friendly cafés. If you want cooler weather go in September or October when the vines are turning colors around St Jean de Gardon.

Things to know about Lyon, France

As one of the most important economic hubs in France, Lyon stands out as one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the country. While there are plenty of reasons to be excited about moving here, there are also plenty of things you should know before you make your decision.

Visitors can feel safe in Lyon. There is a low rate of violent crime and an even lower rate of property crime. The police are quick and effective at handling incidents, so you should rarely have cause for concern. Since it is a major tourist destination, scams do exist but they’re nothing out of the ordinary (for example: women being lured into bars with free drinks and then robbed). Most are quite obvious if you keep your wits about you. Of course, it never hurts to use common sense!

Lyon’s public transportation system, including its network of buses and trams, is one of France’s best. Buses run regularly through most areas and stops are clearly marked. If you don’t feel like walking, metro stops are located a few blocks from many attractions. While purchasing tickets can be confusing at first, you’ll quickly get used to it if you want to save money by taking public transportation often. 

Located in France’s Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is famous for its cuisine. Enjoy a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant or indulge in a slice of decadent French cake at one of the many specialty boulangeries. Whatever you choose, remember that tourism is seasonal here: restaurants are very busy in summer and slow down in winter. If you come during slower times, it’s best to make reservations for both food and lodging!

Walking tours

Want to get a feel for a new city, but don’t have much time? Walking tours are a great way to take in all of Lyon’s attractions, and they provide an opportunity for you to meet new people—including locals. Take along some comfortable shoes and leave your itinerary (and pretensions) at home. 

Explore the city on foot

While many travellers opt for public transportation, there’s no better way to get a sense of a city than walking its streets. Walk through several neighbourhoods, take in some of France’s beautiful architecture, and discover hidden cafes and shops as you stroll around Paris. 

Biking tours are fun and easy!

Biking tours are a great way to see Lyon in its entirety, and even get some exercise while you’re at it. In fact, many people believe that biking is a fantastic way to stay healthy and lose weight as well. If you’ve never tried biking before, now is your chance—we highly recommend it!

Places to Visit in Lyon, France

Presqu'île District

The Presqu'ile District is one of Lyon's most prestigious neighbourhoods. Here you'll find a number of gorgeous homes and apartments that give an aesthetic look into what life is like for many city residents.

Theatre of Fourviere

The Theatre of Fourviere is one of Lyon’s most visited sites. Located atop Fourvière Hill, it overlooks a breathtaking view of downtown Lyon and features some incredible architecture (notably its stunning facade) that will appeal to art enthusiasts.

Quartier Saint-Georges

This is one of my favourite districts for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s where you’ll find Le Halle Tony Garnier, which is basically a cornucopia of great food. There are also a few top-notch museums and galleries here too (Musée des Beaux Arts and Musée Gadagne), plus an incredible selection of shops; luxury and boutique alike.

Colline de la Croix-Rousse

The hill of Croix-Rousse stands out for its buildings with multicoloured tiled roofs that form a mosaic of blue, yellow and brown. The district is located on a hill in central Lyon between États-Unis Avenue and Bellecour Square. People have lived on Croix-Rousse since Roman times. There is even evidence that they used tiles as roofing material then!