Lyon Travel Guide
Lyon is a city synonymous with the silk industry, the French Resistance and a reputation as the 'gastronomic capital of the world'. It is located between the Rhone and the Saône rivers in the south of France. Lyon is home to some of the finest restaurants and chefs in the country and forms the second largest metropolitan area in France, after Paris.
Besides the many restaurants, bistros and cafes that entice people to this endearing city, Lyon boasts three large city parks, some 30 museums and countless monuments symbolising Lyon's development through the ages. It is home to the world-famous Lyon Opera House, whose orchestra's reputation has travelled far beyond French borders.
UNESCO lists Lyon as a World Heritage site due to its rich and diverse 2,000-year history, evident in the awe-inspiring Romanesque architecture and medieval buildings in Old Lyon, including the Primatiale St-Jean Cathedral, and the 15th-century Hôtel du Chamarier.
To the west, Fourviere Hill offers panoramic views of the city, and its own attractions include the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, and the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine.
By day, Lyon can be viewed by boat on a trip down its rivers and, at night, dinner cruises add an element of fantasy to the city. Lyon is a city rich in food, history and culture, making it a hidden treasure in the French landscape. It certainly lives up to its Roman name, Lugdunum, meaning 'the hill of light'.
Things to do in Lyon
Attractions in Lyon will delight visitors. This charming city is still not nearly as touristy as Paris, despite its rich heritage, but as a result it is less crowded and less expensive and still feels authentic. The majority of things to see and do in Lyon revolve around the city's magnificent Romanesque, medieval and Renaissance architecture, as well as its famous gastronomic offerings.
The ideal starting point for a trip to Lyon is a stroll around Vieux Lyon, the old part of town, where many of the most beautiful buildings can be found. Visitors will stumble across gems such as the 15th-century Hôtel du Chamarier, and the breathtaking Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste, a 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Another popular attraction in Vieux Lyon is the 200-year-old Lyon National Opera House, a magnificent place to catch a ballet or opera. This area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is full of quaint courtyards and lovely outdoor restaurants.
Another area that must be explored is Fourviere Hill. One of Lyon's most famous attractions is the ancient Roman theatre of Fourviere, which dates back to 15 BC, making it the oldest theatre in France. The preservation of the site is astounding and it is a fascinating place to visit, stroll around and picnic with stunning views of the city. The Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, a wonderful 19th-century church, can also be found on this lovely hill, as can the interesting Musee de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine.
Lyon has three large city parks. The best of them is the Parc de la Tete d'Or, which is spacious and has a lovely rose garden, an ornamental lake, a small zoo, walking and running trails, and even a playground for children. The city also boasts some incredible museums such as the Musee des Miniatures et Decors de Cinema and the The Historical Museum, guaranteed to keep the whole family occupied.
Lyon National Opera House
This 300-year old structure's glass dome has become a landmark attraction in Lyon, situated between the City Hall and the Rhone River. The first five levels of the Lyon Opera House are underground while the six higher levels are encased in vaulted glass. The hall seats 1,200 people and boasts six vertically-stacked balconies overlooking the orchestra level. This Italian-style hall is lined with black wood and gold detail, and is home to the Lyon Opera Ballet company and the world-renown Opera House Orchestra.
The acoustics are so good that it currently makes more recordings than any other French opera house, and has released award-winning opera albums, including 12 world premieres, ballets and symphony performances. The views from the dance studio, with its huge windows, are spectacular and it is worth popping in just to see them, even for those who are not fans of the performing arts. Guided tours of the opera house are available. Of course, the best way to experience the structure is by catching a show. Although some people still dress up, it is not a requirement so visitors need not panic if they don't have formal outfits.
Historical Museum of Lyon and International Puppet Museum
To the right of the river Saône lies the Hôtel Gadagne, one of the most prestigious Renaissance mansions in Lyon. It was built between 1511 and 1527 for the two sons of a spice merchant but fell into the hands of the prominent Gadagne family in 1545. Being rich Florentine bankers, they threw many extravagant parties, infamously linking their name to the mansion. In 1902 the city of Lyon bought the mansion and in 1921 the Historical Museum was installed on the premises. It wasn't until 1950 that the International Puppet Museum became an additional attraction.
The Gadagne Museum houses paintings, sculptures and furniture, as well as archaeological relics dating back from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, illustrating Lyon's vast history. The International Puppet Museum displays hand puppets, stick puppets, marionette puppets and sliding bar puppets originating from countries such as Japan, Cambodia, England, Italy, Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Russia. The museums are both rewarding for visitors and kids in particular will love the puppets. The mansion itself is wonderful to explore and one can just imagine the wild parties it is famous for...
Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
The ancient theatre in Lyon is the oldest in France, dating back to the year 17 BC. Built by the Emperor Augustus, it was originally used for theatre, pageants, musical shows, and poetry competitions. There are actually two theatres on the site: the massive Grand Theatre, which once seated up to 10,000 people; and the smaller Odeon below it on the hillside, which once seated 3,500 people and was used for more intimate performances such as poetry readings. While much of the rich decorations are gone, decorated floors of inlaid marble and porphyry are still visible and the state of preservation of the place in general is astounding.
Now it is primarily a tourist site, but the Nuits de Fourvière festival is held here every year. Nearby visitors can also see the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele, as well as some burial sites and an ancient Roman aqueduct. To really explore the site visitors have to do a fair bit of walking and climbing so it's best to wear comfy shoes and bring a water bottle. The Ancient Theatre of Fourviere is beautifully situated and promises many great photo opportunities.
Getting Around
Getting around in Lyon is easy and fairly cheap compared to other European cities. Lyon takes full advantage of the Rhone Valley's roads and rivers, and transport routes into and out of the city are numerous. Air-rail links are made simple with Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport's TGV high-speed train station, as well as the highly developed TGV network and freeway system. The urban transport network consists of over 130 bus lines, two funiculars, four metro lines and six tramway lines. Tickets can be used across all modes of transport. A single ticket is valid for an hour and allows for multiple changes across the different forms of transport, but not a return journey. The City Card is ideal for sightseeing as visitors can get to most places in the city with it and receive free entry to some sites. The metro runs from 5am to midnight and night buses are available thereafter. Taxis are widely available. Commuters should make sure the meter has been reset before travelling and that the meter is on during the journey. If there is no meter then agree on a fee before setting off. Lyon's Old Town is a charming part of the city to explore on foot, and bicycles can also be rented.
Lyon Climate and Weather
Lyon has a humid subtropical climate influenced by its position in the Rhône Valley. The cold winds blowing in from the Alps are tempered by the warm Mediterranean breezes from the south to create a relatively mild climate. Winters (December to February) are cold, with average temperatures around 36F (2C) and biting winds that make the temperature seem lower. Snow and freezing rain are common. Summers (June to August) are warm and sunny, with average temperatures between 57F (14C) and 82F (28C), although temperatures can occasionally climb as high as 95F (35C). Precipitation is fairly steady throughout the year, with an average of 8 to 10 rainy days per month, although Lyon receives nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. The best time to visit Lyon is on either side of the peak summer months (June and September) to avoid extreme temperatures and large crowds.
France travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels, though visitors will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not accepted.
Tipping
Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15 percent service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another two to three percent is customary if the service has been good. If service is not included then 15 percent is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10 to 15 percent of the fare, and hairdressers about 10 percent. Hotel staff generally receive about €1.50 a day and tips of about €1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped.
Health
No particular vaccinations or medications are required for travel to France. The prevalence of certain tick-borne infections, such as lyme disease, tularemia, tick-borne encephalitis, and rickettsial diseases, mean that travellers should take precautions against ticks if they are travelling in rural or forested areas in warm weather. French hospitals and health facilities are first class. Visitors from other EU countries are entitled to discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Otherwise, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, so medical insurance is advised.
Safety
While violent crime against tourists is rare and holidays in France are generally trouble-free, visitors should be mindful that security has been heightened following a series of terrorist attacks in recent years, particularly in the transport sector. Unattended luggage left in public places will be removed or destroyed by security staff. While generally safe, visitors to France are advised to take precautions against petty theft and to ensure their personal safety. Thieves and pickpockets operate on the metro and around airports. Theft from cars is prevalent, particularly in the south, around Marseilles, and in Corsica. Tourists are advised to conceal bags and purses even when driving, and to never leave valuables unattended in the car. Bag snatching is also common, particularly on public transport and in shopping centres, and visitors should also be vigilant of luggage while loading bags into and out of hire cars at airports.
Local customs
French culture is of paramount importance to the French people. In an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to protect it, and it is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of French. Locals do not respond well to being shouted at in English. While the food is second to none, foreigners may find the service in many restaurants sloppy. Waiters can appear rude (particularly in Paris) and take their time. This is just the way they are. Traditional games such as pétanque (similar to lawn bowling but played on gravel) are popular in village squares, but the national sports are football, rugby and cycling. Smoking in public places is not allowed and will incur heavy fines.
Doing business
Business etiquette is important in France. A smart, fashionable sense of dress is common as the nation prides itself on haut couture. Punctuality is not always observed though and the 'fashionably late' tactic may be applied. A handshake is the common form of greeting for men and women upon first introductions. Titles are important and the person is to be referred to as 'monsieur' (Mr.), 'madame' (Mrs.), or 'mademoiselle' (Ms.). Meetings usually occur over lunches, and the French are known to enjoy food. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years of age entering France can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco. Four litres of wine and 16 litres of beer and one litre of spirits over 22 percent or two litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent. Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers, and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €175 for children under 15 years of age).
Communications
The international access code for France is +33. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Additionally, travellers must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay in France, and proof of repatriation (a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination). Note that Schengen visas, if required, are also valid for French Guiana and French West Indies and Reunion, provided that the Schengen visa is endorsed "Also valid for French territories being in observation of the respective French territories". We recommend that passports always be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter France. Note that entry and transit will be refused to holders of Temporary passports.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival. No visa is required.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
Maison de la France (Tourist Information Agency), Paris: www.france.fr/fr
112 (General emergency)Embassies / consulates in other countries
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 6195.
French Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073 1000.
French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795.
French Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6216 0100.
French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 1600.
French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 277 5000.
French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 384 2555.
Embassies / consulates in France
US Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
British Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
Canadian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
Australian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
South African Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
Irish Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4417 6700.
New Zealand Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4501 4343.