Lyon City Guide
Lyon is in the heart of the Rhône Valley, and the city sits between the Rhône River and the River Saône. Lyon is famous for its excellent and varied restaurants, which are situated within the beautiful Gothic and Renaissance buildings of the Old Town. Explore the tiny covered passage or Traboules, relax in one of the parks, or just enjoy the gastronomic delights!
Lyon is 2 hours from Paris by train.
What to do and see in and around Lyon
Vieux Lyon (Old Town Area)
Lyon Old Town area dates back to the Roman occupation of the site, and consists of what was 3 separate villages - St-Jean, St-Georges, and St-Paul. The area is now the artists quarter, with narrow streets, medieval gothic and renaissance buildings, and the covered passageways (known as traboules) leading to hanging gardens, spiral staircases and tiny courtyards.
Fourvière Hill
North of Vieux Lyon, rising above the city is Fourvière Hill. At the top of the hill is the Basilique de Fourvière, built in the 19th century, visit the church for fantastic views across Lyon. Below the church is the Jardin Rosaire, a peaceful park offering more views of Lyon. On the west of the hill are the remains of 2 huge Roman theatres, and the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romain. On a clear day you can see Mont Blanc!
Musée des Tissus
Lyon was the centre of the European silk industry until the 19th century, and the Musée des Tissus covers the history of decorative cloth from the over 2000 years. The collection includes 3rd century Greek cloth, brocade from Marie Antoinette's bedchamber at Versailles, Persian carpets, as well as samples of silk work from Lyon.
Musée Historique de Lyon and Musée de la Marionnette
The Musée Historique de Lyon is housed in the 16th century Hôtel de Gadagne. The collection includes sculptures, ceramics from Nevers, and various paintings of Lyon. On the first floor of the building is the Musée de la Marionnette which contains a collection of French puppets - from glove puppets to marionettes including the marionettes Guignol and Madelon (French Punch and Judy).
Musée des Beaux Artes
The Musée des Beaux Artes occupies the old Benedictine Abbey, and is France's second museum after the Louvre. The collection covers over 7000m² and includes antiquities, sculptures, paintings and ceramics. Highlights of the collection include 19th century paintings by Degas, Rubens, Monet, El Greco and Tintoretto, and Asian ceramics from the 6th-19th century.
St Jean Cathedral
In Vieux Lyons is the St-Jean Cathedral, built between the 12th and the 15th centuries. Don't miss the beautiful 13th century stained glass windows, and watch the 16th century clock at noon, 2pm or 3pm to see the Angels and Crow automation. The Cathedral's treasury is in the 12th century wing of the Cathedral called the Manécanterie.
Croix Rousse
The winding streets of the Croix Rousse area are where Lyon's silk weavers used to live, and there are still some working modern silk looms in the area. The covered passages (traboules) also run through the Croix Rousse, and were used by the silk workers to hide from the National Guard during the Silk Strike of 1831. Visit La Maison des Canuts to see some of the original silk looms.
La Presqu’île
La Presqu’île (Peninsula) is the centre of Lyon - the area sits between the River Rhône and the River Saône. The heart of La Presqu’île is the huge place Bellecour, in the centre of the square if a statue of Louis XIV. The area has many antique shops in the streets around place Bellecour, and Lyon SNCF train station is south of the place Bellecour.
Gourmet Lyon
Lyon is famous for its world class restaurants and cuisine. Vieux Lyon area is the best area for all types of restaurants and cuisines from all over the world. Visit one of the "bouchon" restaurants for a traditional Lyon meal, bouchon means cork - referring to the vast amounts of wine drunk in these restaurants.
Centre d'Histoire de la Resistance et de la Déportation
In La Presqu’île area of Lyon is the Centre d'Histoire de la Resistance et de la Déportation, which tells the story of the French resistance in Lyon. There is a 45 minute video of the trial of Lyon's Gestapo leader Klaus Barbie, including evidence from his victims.
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