The Presqu'île, one of our favourite places to visit in Lyon

The Presqu'île is as popular with tourists as it is with locals. It's the perfect place to stroll, shop, drink a coffee or go for a walk! The locals know the best addresses and have their own habits... so we'll share them with you. Rue de la République (or rue de la Ré to its friends) is a pedestrian street that crosses a large part of the Presqu'île from the Opéra to Place Bellecour. Lined with shops, it's a magnet for shoppers, but above all it's a place where teenagers and adults alike hang out a lot.

The Ainay district, on the Presqu'île, is home to Lyonnais pur souche, those who love secrets and gossip. They are better informed than the FBI and if you want reliable sources, you have to turn to them! With its restaurants and bars, rue Mercière is a bit like Lyon's version of Thirst Street Any self-respecting Lyonnais has already had a few too many drinks on this street.

The city of Lyon has the distinction of being crossed by two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône. Twice the number of opportunities to spend an evening drinking on the quays. As well as giving the city a unique appearance, there are several riverbanks, each with its own character.

The banks of the Saône, from Confluence to Ile Barbe, are perfect for a stroll. Stretching for more than 15 kilometres, you can stop off for a picnic or to admire the works of art that dot this route embellished by nature. Whether on land or on board a barge, as soon as the fine weather arrives, the locals organise outdoor parties. The liveliest spot? La Fosse aux Ours in Guillotière.

There's nothing like a good walk in the right place. The riverbanks have been well developed for pedestrians, making them one of the city's most popular walking areas. What's more, they offer great views and a chance to watch the many Rhône barges go by. These barges can be taken a little further for a drink, dinner or even a party.

Built by the architect Gaspard André in the same way as the Jacobins fountain, the Célestins theatre is a superb temple to the dramatic arts. Along with the Comédie Française and the Odéon, it is the only theatre to commemorate more than 2 centuries of performance. Renovated in 2003, the Théâtre des Célestins can now accommodate 1,030 spectators.

No one can remain indifferent to its red velvet armchairs, its horseshoe-shaped galleries, its gilded details, its chandelier weighing over a tonne and its hushed atmosphere. Whether inside or out, its beauty never ceases to amaze.

Lyon's landmark Grand Hôtel-Dieu, ideally located on the banks of the Rhône, was founded in the 12th century. Sold to the city in 1478, this jewel of Lyon's architectural heritage was a hospice, hospital and maternity hospital before becoming what it is today. Completely renovated, it is now a multi-faceted place where hospitality still reigns. People come to the Grand Hôtel-Dieu to stroll, shop, eat, drink, relax and learn. The conversion of this landmark monument in Lyon has been a real success. You can visit it as you please, through a route designed around 4 worlds, between courtyards and historic gardens.

⭐ Sofitel Lyon Bellecour