Lyon Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Lyon has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Viewpoint

It’s sometimes possible to climb the north tower of the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière for spectacular views over the city. Otherwise the esplanade next to the church is an equally good vantage point.

Arts and culture

Lyon has an excellent opera house on Place de la Comédie staging major productions (+33 8 26 30 53 25). The building is a striking mix of old and new with the original 18th-century building now possessing a sleek glass-roof extension designed by Jean Nouvel. The whole edifice is spectacularly lit at night. The Musée des Beaux-Art in the Palais Saint-Pierre is one of the finest in France containing a treasure trove of art, from ancient Greece to the works of Monet, Picasso and Gauguin.

Something for nothing

At nightfall 300 of the city’s landmarks and monuments are illuminated by thousands of projectors and spotlights, creating a magical setting for an evening stroll.

Shopping

The area between Place Bellecour and Cordeliers in the Carré d’Or district is filled with enough stylish boutiques to rival any Parisian boulevard; Rue Emile Zola, Rue Président Edouard Herriot and Place Kléber are the best places to head. There are also excellent open-air markets on Croix-Rousse hill and Quai St-Antoine, ideal for seeking out delicious local delicacies. You can pick up some superb wines at the English-speaking Antic Wines in Rue du Boeuf.

Daytripper

The countryside around Lyon has numerous beautiful châteaux. One of the finest in southern Burgundy is Château de Cormatin, between Tornus and Cluny surrounded by a moat and set in spectacular formal gardens (www.chateaudecormatin.com).

Activities

Lyon is a city dedicated to the fine French pastimes of eating, drinking and shopping. The Beaujolais region to the north of the city is ideal for wine tasting, horse riding and cycling (not necessarily in that order). The Ecole Beaujolaise des Vins in Villefranche (+33 474 022 218) offers wine-tasting courses and tours (www.beaujolais.com).