Visit Lyon, discover the capital of Gaul
The former capital of France under the Roman Empire, the city of Lyon is full of treasures. Also known as "The City of Light" or "Capital of Gastronomy". Being the third largest city in France, there is historical monuments, contemporary architecture and traditional dishes to be discovered, but also the cultural events. With so much to offer, it is impossible to be bored in Lyon !
What to visit in Lyon: the peninsula in the center of the city
The must-do to this beautiful city of Lyon, is to visit the peninsula bringing together many points of interest. Located between the rivers Rhône and Saône, it can be explored on foot to discover the beautiful squares surrounded by historic buildings. From Place Bellecour, one of the largest in France, to Rue de la République, ideal for shopping, to Place des Terreaux and its famous fountain, with a detour to Place des Jacobins, the city center has plenty to offer.
Lyon's flavours in the Old Lyon's bouchons
In Lyon, you just have to cross one of the bridges over the Saône river to go back in time and walk through the magnificent alleys dating from the Middle Ages. It's easy to get a change of scenery despite the size of the city. It is a district full of charms in which one finds a great number of "bouchons", these are small restaurants known in all France. Which serve only the typical dishes of Lyon like the quenelles of pike, the gratin of andouillette or the cervelle de canut, dish containing white cheese and/or cream which can be consumed as an appetizer or before the dessert.
Dominate Lyon from Fourvière
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is one of the most important places to visit in Lyon. Built in the 19th century, it dominates the city from its hill. It is possible to reach it by taking the funicular from the Old Lyon. The more athletic can go up by foot through the gardens of the Rosary; beware, it can be a challenging climb! The reward is great, between the panoramic view on the whole city and the visit of this religious building known for its mosaic-covered walls, now a UNESCO world heritage site.
Relax with your feet in the water along the rivers
Between two visits, it is essential to be able to rest and enjoy the landscape. To do this, don't hesitate to go to the quays of the Rhône, where you will find many barges. Sit on the deck or on the terrace to enjoy a good cocktail or a local wine while admiring the view of the river and the bridges. The more festive ones can even linger after sunset, as some barges turn into nightclubs afterwards.
The Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon's green lung
If you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours, Lyon has one of the largest urban parks in France. While walking through the 105 hectares of the Parc de la Tête d'Or, you will discover rose gardens, a lake, a botanical greenhouse and even a zoological garden with giraffes, zebras, signs or pink flamingos. An ideal place for families, thanks to the many activity choices for the children. You can ride a pony, attend a puppet show or even try your hand at mini-golf.
Architecture and contemporary art in Confluence
Architecture fans should not miss the Confluence district, located at the tip of the peninsula. The avant-garde buildings found there rub shoulders with rehabilitated industrial warehouses. A district resolutely oriented towards culture, because one also finds there the famous museum of Confluences, which tells "the origins of humanity and the diversity of civilisations" and organises many temporary exhibitions. Described as a real laboratory of contemporary architecture, this recently rehabilitated district is one of the places to visit in Lyon.
The Traboules of the Croix-Rousse
If you ask a resident what to visit in Lyon, the Traboules will surely be one of your must-see discoveries. These passages allow you to go from one street to another by crossing the courtyards of private buildings. There are about 500 Traboules in Lyon. These discreet paths are often reserved for the initiated, but some of them are open to the public, especially in the famous Croix-Rousse district, known as one of the historic and authentic districts of the city. It is also possible to visit these Traboules with a guide.
Lyon through the painted walls
Lyon is known for its frescoes retracing the history of the city. The fresco of the Canuts, the largest painted wall in Europe, is the most beautiful example, with its scenes of life that are regularly renewed. The fresco of the Lyonnais allows you to meet the greatest names of Lyon, like the Lumière brothers or Paul Bocuse. More recently, many street art artists have come to the capital of the Gauls to try their hand. So you can walk through the city with your nose in the air, discovering new works of art at every street corner.
Practical information
Coming to Lyon
Entry requirements in Lyon, France:
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Map of Lyon
How to get to Lyon
Going to Lyon from Noumea
To easily reach Lyon from Noumea, consult our page Flight Noumea Lyon.
Travel time
The shortest travel time for a Noumea to Lyon trip is 25 hours. This travel time may vary depending on your itinerary. Flights beyond the Aircalin network are operated by our partner airlines.
Time difference
It is 9 hours later in Noumea, New Caledonia than in Lyon, France.
When to go to Lyon
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
Lyon has an oceanic climate and can therefore be visited at any time of the year. Depending on what you want to do in Lyon, the best times to visit are :
- Summer period : Enjoy Lyon in the sun! Visit Fourvière and Old Lyon in temperatures that can reach 30°C in the hottest part of the summer.
- Winter period : From October to March, take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures (between 0°C and 15°C) to visit the city's cultural institutions. Museums, exhibitions, theatres... you are bound to find something to entertain you.
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