{"id":16803,"date":"2022-04-12T16:42:49","date_gmt":"2022-04-12T14:42:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winalist.fr\/blog?p=16803"},"modified":"2026-09-28T18:15:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T16:15:49","slug":"visit-lyon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/travel-france\/rhone-valley\/visit-lyon","title":{"rendered":"A Taste of Lyon: 15 Best Things to Do in France\u2019s Culinary Capital"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Food may put Lyon<\/strong> on the map, but it\u2019s only part of the story. This lively city in southeastern France combines 2,000 years of history<\/strong>, beautiful architecture<\/strong>, hidden passageways<\/strong>, riverside walks<\/strong>, and an exceptional food and wine scene<\/strong>. Whether it\u2019s your first visit or a return trip, these 15 best things to do in Lyon<\/strong> will help you experience the city beyond its famous bouchons<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do in Lyon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Wander the Renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Start with Vieux Lyon<\/strong>, the city\u2019s atmospheric old town stretching along the Sa\u00f4ne at the foot of Fourvi\u00e8re Hill. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with 15th- and 16th-century buildings<\/strong>, courtyards, towers, and Italian-style galleries, particularly around Rue Saint-Jean and Rue du B\u0153uf. Take your time rather than ticking off individual sights: this is one part of Lyon where getting pleasantly lost is half the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Discover Lyon\u2019s Hidden Traboules<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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One of Lyon\u2019s most distinctive features, traboules<\/em><\/strong> are passageways running through buildings and courtyards, connecting one street to another. They are especially characteristic of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse and are closely linked to the city\u2019s architectural and silk-making history. Some are open to the public, while others pass through private residences, so a guided tour<\/strong> is a good way to discover them while respecting local residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Climb Fourvi\u00e8re for the Best City Views<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Make your way up Fourvi\u00e8re<\/strong> Hill to visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvi\u00e8re<\/strong>, one of Lyon\u2019s most recognizable landmarks. Built in the late 19th century, the basilica is known for its richly decorated interior and shimmering mosaics. Take the funicular<\/strong> from Vieux Lyon for an easy ride up, then step onto the esplanade for sweeping views across the Rh\u00f4ne, Sa\u00f4ne, and Lyon\u2019s rooftops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Step back into Roman Lyon <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Just below the basilica, the ancient theatres of Lugdunum<\/strong> reveal Lyon\u2019s Roman past. The site includes a large theatre and the smaller Odeon<\/strong>, built when Lyon was a major city of the Roman Empire. The ruins are particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon, and the adjacent Lugdunum museum<\/strong> adds context if you want to dig deeper into the city\u2019s ancient history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Stroll Around Place Bellecour and the Presqu\u2019\u00eele<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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From Vieux Lyon, cross the Sa\u00f4ne toward the Presqu\u2019\u00eele<\/strong>, the peninsula between Lyon\u2019s two rivers and the city\u2019s main shopping and dining district. Start at vast Place Bellecour<\/strong>, then continue toward Rue de la R\u00e9publique, Place des Jacobins, and the elegant streets around the Rh\u00f4ne. This is a good area to slow down for a caf\u00e9 terrace, browse independent shops, or simply watch the city go by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Admire Place des Terreaux and the Fine Arts Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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At the northern end of the Presqu\u2019\u00eele, Place des Terreaux<\/strong> brings together some of Lyon\u2019s most impressive architecture, including the H\u00f4tel de Ville<\/strong>, the Mus\u00e9e des Beaux-Arts<\/strong>, and Bartholdi\u2019s fountain<\/strong>. The Mus\u00e9e des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is housed in a former 17th-century abbey and contains an impressive collection spanning antiquity to modern art. From here, it is also easy to continue uphill into Croix-Rousse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Eat your way through Les Halles Paul Bocuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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For a taste of Lyon\u2019s food culture, head to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse<\/strong>, a covered market named in honor of Paul Bocuse, the legendary chef<\/strong> who put Lyon on the culinary map. Inside, dozens of specialist producers showcase high-quality French produce<\/strong>, from local cheeses and charcuterie to seafood, pastries, and regional specialties. Come around lunchtime to browse the stalls and sample some of the city\u2019s best-known flavors under one roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Sit Down for a Traditional Bouchon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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No Lyon food guide would be complete without a bouchon lyonnais<\/strong>. These traditional restaurants are the place to try local dishes such as quenelle de brochet<\/em>, tablier de sapeur<\/em>, and pink praline tart. For a more reliable choice, look for the official Bouchons Lyonnais label<\/strong>, created with the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Lyon tourism authorities to identify restaurants meeting specific standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9. Explore the Creative Side of Croix-Rousse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Climb into Croix-Rousse<\/strong>, the former home of Lyon\u2019s silk workers,<\/strong> known as the canuts<\/strong><\/em>. Today, the neighborhood mixes independent shops, caf\u00e9s, street art, steep stairways, and some of the city\u2019s most interesting views. Look out for the Fresque des Canuts<\/strong>, a huge trompe-l\u2019\u0153il mural depicting everyday life in the neighborhood, or visit the Maison des Canuts to learn more about Lyon\u2019s silk-making tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10. Visit the Mus\u00e9e des Confluences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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At the meeting point of the Rh\u00f4ne and Sa\u00f4ne, the Mus\u00e9e des Confluences<\/strong> stands out with its dramatic glass-and-steel architecture<\/strong>. Inside, its collections explore natural history, anthropology, science, and human civilizations<\/strong>, making it a good option when you want a break from historic buildings. Allow a few hours for the museum, then continue exploring the contemporary Confluence district around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11. See Lyon from the Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A river cruise on the Sa\u00f4ne<\/a><\/strong> offers a different perspective on Vieux Lyon, Fourvi\u00e8re, and the Presqu\u2019\u00eele without requiring another climb. For a more local option, hop aboard the Navig\u00f4ne river shuttle<\/strong> and see the city from the water as you travel along the Sa\u00f4ne.

Then head over to the Rh\u00f4ne side, where the Berges du Rh\u00f4ne<\/strong> come alive with p\u00e9niches<\/strong><\/em>, the barges moored along the riverbank that double as bars<\/strong> and restaurants<\/strong>. It\u2019s a great spot for sunset drinks and relaxed summer evenings by the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12. Escape to the Parc de la T\u00eate d\u2019Or<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When the city starts feeling a little busy, head north to the Parc de la T\u00eate d\u2019Or<\/strong>, Lyon\u2019s largest and most popular urban park<\/strong>. Its 105 hectares include a large lake, rose garden, botanical areas and a zoological park<\/strong>. It is an easy place to slow down for a walk, picnic, or coffee and see how locals enjoy the city at a different pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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13. Discover Lyon\u2019s Urban Winery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lyon\u2019s wine culture isn\u2019t limited to the vineyards outside the city. At Chai Saint Olive<\/a>, Lyon\u2019s first urban winery<\/strong>, wine is made right in the heart of the city. Join a winery tour and tasting<\/strong> to learn about the winemaking process and taste several cuv\u00e9es, or go one step further with a wine blending workshop<\/strong> where you can create your own cuv\u00e9e. No previous wine knowledge is required, making it an accessible and hands-on way to explore Lyon\u2019s wine culture.

For more ways to discover the region\u2019s wines without leaving the city, browse our selection of Lyon wine tours and tastings<\/strong><\/a>, from guided tastings to hands-on wine experiences.
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