First time in Lyon, France

Our Local Expert Says:

For fascinating insight into the conception and evolution of cinematography, Institut Lumière is a must-visit site in Lyon.

Description:

In 1895 the Lyonnaise inventor Louis Lumiére patented a device which he called the ' cinématographe', and thus, the world of cinema was born! The Institut Lumiére pays tribute to this achievement and the development of cinematography since its birth.

The institute is located on the grounds of the former Lumiére family residence (Lumiére Villa) and the Lumiére factory, which provided the set for the world's first ever film footage. The institute includes a museum dedicated to the lives of the Lumiére family and the world of cinema, a cinema theatre, a library and a gift shop. Don't miss the 'filmmaker's wall', which includes comments from international directors who have made the pilgrimage to the birthplace of cinema.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located in the distinctive 'village' of Croix-Rousse, the 'traboules' form the arteries that create a unique pulse in this area of the World Heritage zone.

Description:

The Croix Rousse district started developing in the 18th century when the silk workshops moved here from the Vieux Lyons area. These slopes became a typical working class neighbourhood where the silkworkers known as canuts lived and worked. The density of the buildings created a maze of streets and it is easy to imagine the bustle in the streets when Lyons was the centre of silk manufacture in Europe. To help people get from one street to another, staircases and passages (traboules) were added inside buildings and inner courtyards. The idea was to create short cuts from street to street to go up and down the hill. Some of the traboules were used as hiding places for the silkworkers protesting in the 1831 revolution. As in the area of Vieux Lyon, some of the traboules are only accessible to residents who know the entrance door codes. The Croix-Rousse area and it s unique passages is absolutely charming. One of its most famous site is undoubtedly the cours des Voraces (entrance at 9, place Colbert, exit rue Imbert Colomès) which takes its name from a secret " canut " society headquartered in this building. The huge staircase is particularly impressive by day or by night with its special... read more

Description:

The Croix-Rousse is an area famous for its stairways, bistros and gardens hidden among the buildings, former silk workshops and its passages known as Traboules de la Croix-Rousse. On every street, you will see lots of different things typical to the Croix-Rousse area. Being a culturally rich area, you will find here old churches, monasteries, amphitheaters and many other buildings of historic and cultural interst. So as not to miss anything, take the 2 hour guided tour organized by the Office du Tourisme and discover the silk workers area and then take the famous passageways on the hills to return quickly to the Place des Terreaux.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain makes for an interesting visit any time of year, but it really comes alive in the summer when it's used as the venue for a music festival that last for 6 weeks.

Description:

An inscription that was discovered in 1958 and is now on display in the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation helped date the construction of the Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain to 19 AD, under Tiberius. This amphitheater was used for entertainment and showcasing of tragicomedies, but it was also the federal sanctuary of the Three Gauls in which each tribe was represented, thus ensuring loyalty of the Gallic people to the Emperor. The highest social standing a Gaul could reach was to become a federal priest of Rome and Augustus. The amphitheater is nestled atop a hill and measures 128 x 104m. Coins displayed in the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation reproduce the holiness of the altar of Rome and Augustus which is overlooked by two statues of the Victory perched on columns. Call the museum for more details.

Our Local Expert Says:

This beautifully landscaped park should not be missed on a visit to Lyon. Mature lush greenery, cultivated flower gardens, an outdoor zoo and a romantic boating lake, all accessed via grand tree lined pedestrian walk ways that may leaving wishing you were accessorized with a parasol and 19th century perambulator.

Description:

Visitors entering the lovely Parc de la Tête d'Or may find it reminiscent of locations used in a multitude of English period dramas; in fact, the park design was inspired by traditional English gardens, but landscaped on a very grandiose scale. Covering 105 hectares, the park includes a large man-made boating lake, which covers roughly one quarter of the park area. The lake features an enigmatic island area which can be accessed using an underground tunnel (closed after 5pm), or used as a landing spot for boaters. The rest of the park includes large green spaces with mature flora, a zoo, botanic gardens and tropical greenhouses. Access to the park and all mentioned attractions (excluding boat hire) are provided free of charge. To experience the most enchanted entrance to Parc de la Tete d'Or, take a walk along the tree lined river Rhône and enter the park through the 'Enfant du Rhône' gate.

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing what mankind can do in the name of religion, and Basilique de Fourvière pays testimony to that. You can see the mighty basilica from everywhere in the centre of Lyon, but going in is where you'll find the real 'wow' effect!

Description:

Built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan, the Basilique de Fourvière, that has been nicknamed the "upside down elephant" is representative of the eclecticism of the end of the 19th century. The oriental, symbolist and neo-classic influences (twisted columns and columned porticoes) are mixed with architecture inspired by the medieval style machicolated towers, which creates a shocking fortress church. An observatory offers spectacular views, and under the basilica is a crypt, accessible from the esplanade. Guided tours are available. Check website for mass and admission details.

Description:

This zoological garden in the middle of the Parc de la Tête d'Or on the corner of boulevard des Belges and avenue Verguin is a real home for over 1100 animals. Next to the deer park, visitors of all ages can see wild animals from all over the world, such as elephants and giraffes and in the spring you may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of their babies. A little patience and a stroll in the park will probably reward you with a sighting of a grey heron by the lake, a squirrel on a bench or even a rather bad-tempered Florida turtle (which some people unfortunately drop in the lake!). Admission is free. Hours vary seasonally. Check website for more details.

Description:

The word "terreaux" describes the old moats and medieval mud ("terre") walls that protected the town up to the end of the 16th century. These were filled in to make room for a large square where the town's guillotine was erected. It is the second most important square after Place Bellecour, as it is flanked by Palais Saint Pierre and the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). In 1892, the city council bought a statue from the famous sculptor Bartholdi (of Statue of Liberty fame) which Bordeaux had commissioned then refused.

Description:

Previously a Benedictine Abbey, Musee des Beaux-Arts has housed France's second largest collection of fine arts since 1803. The museum's collections include paintings from 14th to the 20th century (including works by Manet, Monet and Matisse), 19th century sculptures, a large collection of Egyptian antiques (displayed in 9 separate rooms!), antiques from ancient Greece and Italy and artefacts from the Sumerian, Assyrian and Babylonian civilisations. The museum also houses France's second largest collection of coins and medals. With so much to see, you really need to leave a few hours free to take it all in, after which, you can enjoy a coffee and take in the sights of the grand Place des Terreaux, located on the doorstep of the museum.

Description:

Bellecour is one of the largest public squares in Europe and is a great place to start any tours around the city of Lyon. Situated on the Presqu'île - within the UNESCO World Heritage area - the square provides great views of Basilique de Fouviére, on top of the nearby Fouviére hill. If the square could speak, it would talk of a turbulent and often bloody history; revolutionary battles and public executions all took place on the Place Bellecour of latter days. Today you won't see any guillotines on the square, but Bellecour does somehow speak its history and it's not hard to imagine all that has passed over this iconic location.

Description:

This is one of the busiest bistros in Lyon, and sometimes the most amusingly raucous. Open only on weekdays and catering to the office-worker crowd, it's operated with panache by a team of hardworking employees who would probably perform beautifully in the trenches of a war zone. The fixed-price menus offer a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Each evokes old-time Lyonnais cuisine at its least pretentious, with such options as a green salad with bacon and croutons; eggs en meurette (poached in red wine); pork chops; andouillette (chitterling sausages) served with gratin dauphinois (potato croquettes); and several other kinds of sausage, usually with pommes de terre dauphinoise (a potato gratin dish with cream and garlic).

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're looking for friendly 'bouchon' banter and the best 'quenelle' in the area,look no further than Café du Soleil.

Description:

Café du Soleil is situated on the historic Rue Saint George in a quieter area of the UNESCO World Heritage zone. Having resided on the premises for over a hundred years, this established Lyonnaise bouchon is proud of its heritage, and is equally proud that the Café du Soleil kitchen supplies most local restaurants with the Lyonnaise speciality 'quenelle' (pike dumpling).

In true bouchon style, the interior of Café du Soleil is characterised by homey intimate surrounding. Be ready to have a conversation with your neighbour, as the tables are grouped together in a fashion that promotes a collective dining experience. Adding to the collective dining experience, the staff at Café du Soleil tend to float from table to table, sharing jokes and good humour, while treating all diners as guests in their home. The atmosphere is full of jovial banter; don't ask for an English menu if you don't want to be heckled (in a friendly way), but do ask the accommodating waiters to help you if you're unsure of the menu.

The menu at Café du Soleil consists of Lyonnaise specialities including the prized ' quenelle', Lyonnaise tripe, terrine de foie gra (liver of duck or goose that has been specially fattened),... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Evolving French cuisine amidst romantic surroundings; La Maison Villemanzy is a top restaurant pick that won't break the bank.

Description:

The Maison Villemanzy restaurant is situated on the slope of the Croix-Rousse and offers a unique view of the city. Warning: you absolutely must book to be able to enjoy such a wonderful panorama. This former bourgeois house has managed to keep all of its style. On the food side, one of the particularly popular dishes is Poultry Livers in Red Pepper Sauce or Cauliflower Crème Froide with l'oeuf du vigneron.

Description:

The name of this restaurant (my father was a lemonade maker) is funny, but this restaurant could have just as well have been called "meeting place for friends" as the atmosphere is simple and convivial. The décor, done in the style of a junk room, is original and adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Come here for the carefully-served traditional cuisine, but also come in a group for a moment of pure relaxation. Everyone comes out of this restaurant with a smile on their face.

Description:

The peninsula is crammed full of bouchons and other Lyonnaise restaurants, so why is it that this one has been so successful for such a long time? The answer is simple, they have mastered the perfect blend of a friendly welcome, reasonable prices and good quality food. It is that simple. Therefore, the menu is full of Lyonnaise specialties like Pike Quenelle and the ingredients are always fresh.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the place to be for house and techno music 'til the wee hours!

Description:

Moored on the bank of the river Rhône, at the smartly renovated Quai Victor Augagneur, the Q-boat is in a prime location for getting noticed. Quai Victor Augagneur, which begins under the central Pont de la Guillotiére, is a hotspot for riverside activity, particularly in the spring and summer months when the place comes alive with outdoor musical performances, street art and even the odd public film viewing. The Q-boat, formerly called 'The Fish', provides a swanky terraced area during the day when the weather is good. This is a great place to sit back and watch the action of the quay while enjoying a drink or a light meal. By night, the Q-boat opens its spacious interior and turns up the volume attracting Lyon's young clubbers, who come to dance the night away to house and techno music. Entrance is free, but the bar is a bit pricey.

Description:

Something of an institution in Lyon, this café has been in existence since 1864: it houses luxurious historical glassware, lush interiors and a brasserie-style menu. You can choose from rice and veal, mussels (when in season), sauerkraut and even filet of wolf! You can eat late in the evening, but during the day people go mostly to drink tea. You can also choose to sit at the terrace during the summer and winter months. A distinguished and serious establishment, the, "Négos", as it's fondly called by locals, is frequented mostly by people who know the café. With philosophy evenings every month, it welcomes great thinkers, and it must be said, those who like to show off!

Our Local Expert Says:

Ninkasi Kao is 'the' place to go in Lyon for a truly eclectic music programme and some creative home brewing!

Description:

Located in Gerland - not far from the Olympic Statuim - Ninkasi Kao is the original of an ever growing family of Ninkasi creations, which keep popping up all over Lyon and beyond. Gerland is home to Ninkasi Kao and the Ninkasi Kafe, both of which are located on the same premises. Ninkasi Kao is the place to be for live entertainment. The venue holds a capacity of 600 and opens the stage with live music from France and beyond. Recent concerts have included blues, reggae, electro and rock bands of both little and well known names. There are generally five or six concerts per month and some DJing tours offering electro break, drum'n'base, house and disco pop. Ticket prices range from 13€ to 25€ (depending on the gig) and student discount is available on some, but not all events. Ninkasi Kao is also famous for the grand selection of beers they have on offer, all of which are brewed on the premises in Gerland. They're so proud of their micro brewing talents, Ninkasi invites the public to come and learn about their brewing enterprise on the first Saturday of every month at 11am. It costs just 3€ for adults to take the one hour tour and children under twelve can join for free. For more information... read more

Description:

This is a barge which, at different times, serves as a café-theatre, and turns its English pub into an intimate and warm venue for intelligent, spicy humor. The program is varied and embraces all kinds of comedy, which is quite rare in Lyon. It is generally popular with higher income people ages 30 to 40. Live DJs rumble weekly with disco, jazz, jungle and salsa tunes and the upper terrace is open for star gazing.

Description:

If there is one opera house that bears witness to the theatrical past of its town, then it is the Opera House of Lyons. This opera house was built between 1756 and 1832 to cater to the growing popularity of opera in Lyons at the end of the 18th century. The style is neo-classical, which was typical of the time, with a peristyle on the ground floor and décor you would expect in a Greco-Roman temple with its chimera and muses. Following a competition set up by the Council of Lyons, the Opera House was renovated by the architect Jean Nouvel who retained its original structure and the four outer façades whilst giving it a modern face lift. It now accommodates a corps de ballet, an orchestra as well as many rehearsal rooms, storage areas for costumes and props. The main hall has been decorated using various black and red materials such as granite and wood and uses a soft lighting system which is particularly effective at nightfall when combi ned with the outside lights. Apart from opera performances, audiences will definitely enjoy the impressive line-up pf dance shows, cultural events and concerts they feature eevry year. Check website for details.

Description:

Place Commandant Arnau, located within the Croix-Rousse neighborhood of Lyon, is known for the 'Marché alimentaire Commandant Arnaud' that it hosts. Apart from localites, tourists who want to get a taste of local fare, also attend the market with zest. The place is flanked by shops on both sides and comes to life especially during the market days. Call for further details.

Description:

Situated between Rue Tronchet and Rue de Seze, the street Place du Maréchal Lyautey offers a breathtaking view of the adjoining river. The street has become popular for being the venue of the weekly market called Lyautey Book Market ( Marché aux livres Lyautey) that attracts a lot of crowd. The market offers all kinds of books and is a book lovers paradise.

Description:

Place des Martyrs de la Résistance is simply a famous hub of a number of market products. Edible products like fruits, vegetables, snacks and cold storage products are available. Moreover, household products such as kitchenware and appliances are available too. This street is certainly reliable, when it comes to household shopping.

Description:

Known for hosting St Louis Food Market ( Marché alimentaire Place St Louis ), the Place Saint Louis is a popular landmark. With several metro stations situated nearby, it is no wonder that this place is easily accessible by the locals and the tourists. The food market held here, offers everything from vegetables, fruits to meat and fish.

Description:

Situated between Rue Aime Collomb and Pont de la Guillotiere, the street Quai Victor Augagneur is popular for hosting Victor Augagneur Food Market (Marché alimentaire Victor Augagneur). Overlooking the river, this street bustles with the shoppers and the tourists during the ongoing weekly market. Easily accessible by train, bus and car, the street has become an important landmark of the city.