Situated on the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon was once the bustling epicenter of politics and culture in Roman Gaul, complete with temples, amphitheaters, and important legislative chambers. Later it was transformed into the silk manufacturing capital of France, generating both wealth and prestige. Nowadays highly-regarded for its beautiful outdoor spaces, medieval ruins, and world-renowned cuisine, Lyon is known as France’s second city. Read on to discover 10 of the best things to do in Lyon while you’re vacationing.
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1. 1. Visit Place des Terreaux
The historic Place des Terreaux, once the site of public beheadings, is now a wide outdoor square where business people, shoppers, and tourists convene for a breath of fresh air. Crafted by the famous French sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty, the 19th-century Bartholdi fountain is the main focal point of the square, depicting France’s emblematic female figure Marianne. It is also bordered by Hôtel de Ville and the highly cherished Musée des Beaux Arts.
Place des Terreaux
Address: 69001, Lyon, France
Website: Place des Terreaux (in French)
2. 2. Get lost in the beauty of wandering
Readily offering up some of France’s most photo-worthy sites and scenes, the streets of Lyon may as well just be one big exquisite art gallery for the careful perusal of citizens and travelers. In a glorious homage to Lyon’s vibrant cultural and artistic heritage, the city is adorned with some 60 murals, such as the Mur des Canuts, a welcomed optical illusion depicting the daily lives of silk workers and townspeople. Also popular among the city’s murals is the Fresque des Lyonnais, which represents notable Lyonnais personalities with magical realism.
Le Mur des Canuts
Address: 36 Boulevard des Canuts, 69004, Lyon, France
Website: Le Mur des Canuts
3. 3. Uncover hidden architectural gems
A natural progression from what started out as a curious traveler’s aimless meanderings can easily turn into something more deliberate and profound. Covered underground passages called traboules are unique to the city and once provided Lyon’s silk weavers with ground access to the river and back. Running beneath shops and private residences, these sheltered pathways were instrumental in protecting merchandise from the elements during transport. Why not set out on an afternoon adventure of your own?
Les Traboules de Lyon
Website: Traboules Maps and Info
4. 4. Climb atop the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière
Although Paris has a Notre Dame of its own, Lyon’s leading lady is no less stunning. Originally constructed as an early Christian church during the Middle Ages, the reigning beauty is perched atop what has come to be known as the praying hill, thanks to the throngs of devotees who flocked there to ask for religious tolerance, protection from illness, and divine salvation. In addition to exploring the prayer chapel and crypt, visitors can also expect to delight in the basilica’s sacred treasury of gold works and donated artifacts. The observatory offers a sublime panoramic view of the city, and the visit ends with a graceful descent upon the Gardens of the Rosary.
Notre Dame de Fourvière
Address: 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France
Website: Notre Dame de Fourvière
5. 5. Find your focus at the Institut Lumière
Lyon’s Institut Lumière celebrates the fascinating life and work of French brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière: the Lyon natives credited with the creation of the world’s first film camera in 1892. At once a museum and cultural center, Institut Lumière is housed in the childhood home of the talented duo and showcases some of their most notable inventions, including the ground-breaking Cinematograph, which served as the prototype for our collective understanding of modern film.
Institut Lumière
Address: 25 Rue du Premier Film, 69008 Lyon, France
Website: Institut Lumière
6. 6. Breathe in the Parc de la Tête d’Or
Picnics, cycling, boating - there always seems to be a myriad of things going on at Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or. Once the site of an urban exhibition center, this magnificent outdoor public space encompasses more than 260 acres (105 hectares) of land, which include a bountiful lake, charming zoo, sprawling rose gardens, and public greenhouses. Also, as local legend would have it, the park may be the site of a hidden underground treasure made of gold. At its western and northernmost perimeters it stretches as far as the banks of the Rhone River.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
Address: Place du Général Leclerc, 69006 Lyon, France
Website: Parc de la Tête d’Or - in French)
7. 7. Conquer the Gallo-Roman Museum
The Musée Gallo-Romain is hands down the most important center for unpacking Lyon’s Roman history. Situated on Fourvière hill, the site is home to several incredible roman ruins, restored through careful preservation efforts by a team of dedicated researchers. The grand amphitheater is an imposing edifice of 108 meters (354 feet) in diameter with room enough for a staggering 10,000 spectators. Meanwhile L’Odéon is a smaller, first century music theater featuring the exalted colorings of precious rocks from Africa and Asia. Roman bath-houses and temples can also be found on-site.
Musée Gallo-Romain
Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, France
Website: Musée Gallo-Romain
8. 8. Marvel at fine art
Posted by Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon on Saturday, 15 April 2017
Housed in a superb 17th-century edifice, the Musée des Beaux Arts reveals the pride and joy of French art, as well as exquisite exhibits from all over the world. Signature pieces include Egyptian mummies and coffins, Italian paintings, Roman tapestries, Grecian sculptures, pottery works, and masterpieces by famed French artists like Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, and Paul Gauguin. While collections may seem a bit spontaneous at times, visitors won’t be disappointed by the chance to whet their palates with a delicious smorgasbord of these wonderful artistic samplings.
Musée des Beaux Arts
Address: 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
Website: Musée des Beaux Arts
9. 9. Deep reflection at the Centre of Resistance and Deportation History
Located at the former seat of the Gestapo in Lyon, the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation provides a sobering look at the city’s complicated history. The museum has been dedicated to the memory of the many political detainees jailed within the confines of its darkened cellars. During the second world war, Lyon came to be known as a distinctive stronghold of opposition against the impending juggernaut of the Nazi regime. The museum judiciously recounts that narrative, reminding visitors that there is still much to smile about in this magnificent French City.
Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation
Address: 14 Avenue Berthelot, 69007 Lyon, France
Website: Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation
10. 10. Scout out fine apparel
Calling all aspiring fashionistas and style trend setters. It turns out Lyon is a clothing aficionado’s paradise. The Textile Museum is dedicated to both the historical and cultural significance of clothing. Vintage selections include 4,000-year-old Egyptian tunics, iconic dresses of the Marie Antoinette era, and rare ancient garb of all sorts. Meanwhile, La Maison des Canuts offers a free, informative tour detailing the history of Lyon’s lucrative silk industry. Handmade silk scarves, ties, and handkerchiefs available for purchase in the gift shop give new meaning to the old adage dress to impress.
Musée des Tissus et Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Lyon
Address: 34 Rue de la Charité, 69002 Lyon, France
Website: Musée des Tissus et Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Lyon (in French)
Lovable Lyon
Boasting an impressive reserve of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Lyon, France has a lot of great activities and things to do. However, mural surfing, museum visits, and ancient ruins are just a small part of the beauty that makes the city so great. Lyon also happens to be the birthplace of French gastronomy, a badge of honor it wears with pride. With all that it has to offer, what’s not to love?
History
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