Lyon: Gastronomic, architectural and cultural excellence

👉 Visitor pass

Lyon is very easy to discover on foot and thanks to the strong public transport network, and there is a great deal of cultural life. The tourist office offers the Lyon City Card, which gives free access to many attractions and museums as well as the city's public transport. It also offers guided tours, cruises and even discounts in certain shops. The card costs €24.90 for 24 hours, €33.90 for 2 days, €42.90 for 3 days and €51.90 for 4 days. The perfect compromise for making the most of your Lyon break, without depriving yourself or spending too much!

For more information on the Lyon City Card: click here

🚌 Public transport

Getting around Lyon is child's play: the metro, tramway, bus and funicular serve thewhole city. Depending on the length of your trip, opt for*long-term tickets** rather than single tickets, which are generally cheaper after 2 or 3 journeys. Taking the funicular is not just a means of transport but also a real attraction, for €3 each way. No need for an additional season ticket if you've opted for the Lyon City Card!

For more information on the public transport network: click here

☀️ Ideal period

A spring or summertrip is the ideal way to visit Lyon for a weekend or more! June is the perfect time to take advantage of the hot weather and enjoy the city's bustle from morning to night. In summer, as in Paris, the city is emptied of its inhabitants, so you can enjoy quieter times and fewer crowds at the most popular sites. To enjoy the famous Fête des Lumières, the date is always the same: early December.

🛒 What to bring back?

The capital of gastronomy doesn't get its name by chance! Don't leave with your suitcases too full, and save some room to bring back a few specialities. Sunday cooks can try their hand at the recipe for praline tart, by buying a bag of pink pralines. For fans of charcuterie, rosettes and sausages are the perfect thing to pack. On the sweet side, bugnes, which are eaten during Lent, were originally made from flour and brewer's yeast mixed with water and then fried in oil. Nowadays, we add butter, eggs and lots of secrets to the basic recipe. A delicious treat!

🚨 Safety

Lyon is a large, very touristy city. As in Paris, don't leave your belongings lying around and make sure your bags are securely fastened. Also be careful with mobile phones, especially on public transport. Lyon is a great place to live, but some areas such as La Guillotière are not ideal for a solo visit or an evening out.

🏞️ The surrounding area

A slightly longer stay will take you away from Lyon, towards the Beaujolais region. There are many wine cellars to explore, and charming villages such as the medieval town of Oingt, the Couvent de la Tourette, the Hameau du Vin and the Monts d'Or in the north are not to be missed if time permits. If you have to make a choice, head for the pearl of the Pierres Dorées region: Oingt. A former Roman camp, the village is famous for its chapel, its gates and its dungeon, which can be visited and offers a breathtaking view over the Beaujolais vineyards. It certainly deserves its place among the Most Beautiful Villages in France!