Lyon sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, a geographic gift that has shaped its identity for over two thousand years. Unlike the sprawling boulevards of Paris, this city feels intimate, layered, and deeply authentic. It is a place where you can eat in a Michelin-starred temple one hour and explore a hidden silk workshop the next.
Often called the “Gastronomic Capital of France,” Lyon offers a sensory experience that goes far beyond the plate. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, yet it remains a living, breathing neighborhood rather than a museum. From Roman ruins to cutting-edge street art, the diversity of attractions here is staggering.
Understanding the layout of Lyon is key to enjoying it. The city is divided into distinct arrondissements, each with its own personality. The Presqu’île is the bustling heart, Vieux Lyon is the medieval soul, and Croix-Rousse is the bohemian hilltop that once housed the silk weavers.
For travelers, Lyon offers a rare blend of accessibility and depth. The public transportation system is efficient, but the city is also remarkably walkable. You can traverse centuries of architectural history simply by crossing a bridge or climbing a set of stairs.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the essential sights without feeling overwhelmed. We will focus on the attractions that offer genuine cultural value, historical context, and local flavor. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning Francophile, these locations represent the best of what Lyon has to offer.
Below, you will find a curated selection of landmarks, museums, and hidden gems that define the Lyonnais experience. Each entry has been chosen for its ability to provide a memorable and authentic connection to the city.
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
| Address | Pl. Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
I stumbled upon the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist while wandering through Vieux Lyon, and it was a pleasant surprise. The cathedral is beautiful, with impressive architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. It was an easy stop to make, and best of all, there were no crowds during my visit, which made it easy to take in the details and enjoy a quiet moment away from the busy streets of the Old Town.
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a historic Gothic cathedral located in Vieux Lyon, serving as the city’s primary religious landmark and the seat of the Archbishop of Lyon. It is also known as the Primatiale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, reflecting its long-standing ecclesiastical importance in France.
The cathedral was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, featuring a classic Gothic façade with a large rose window, intricate stonework, and a richly detailed interior. One of its most notable highlights is the astronomical clock, a medieval mechanical masterpiece that still operates today.
Located in a UNESCO-listed old town, the cathedral is easily accessible and surrounded by narrow medieval streets, cafes, and historical architecture. Its position makes it a central point when exploring Vieux Lyon.
Overall, it is one of the most significant religious and architectural monuments in Lyon, combining historical depth with strong visual and cultural presence.
Beautiful cathedral to visit, especially during the day when the sunlight shines through the stained glass windows and creates a stunning pink glow throughout the interior. Highly recommend stopping in to explore and walk around the surrounding area as well.
Magnificent structure located at the base of Fourviere hill is filled with centuries religious and architectural history. Due to about 300 years of construction, it is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. One of the most famous features of the cathedral is Astronomical clock. Must see in the old town part of Lyon.
Impressive on the outside and outside. The views of Lyon alone are worth the trek but the interior of the cathedral really sets this apart.
Special mention to the Astrological Clock.
Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
| Address | 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 25 13 01 |
I visited the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière mainly to enjoy the panoramic view of Lyon from the top of the hill. Unfortunately, the basilica was closed at the time, so I didn’t get the chance to see it from inside.
However, the visit was still definitely worth it. The view over Lyon is beautiful and impressive, especially with the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere at the top.
Taking the funicular up the hill was also a nice part of the experience. The journey is quite short, but it is different and enjoyable, and adds something special to the visit.
Even without going inside the basilica, I really enjoyed the experience. If you are visiting Lyon, I definitely recommend coming up here for the views and the overall atmosphere.
It’s important to note that walking around the basilica, its basement and the ‘chapel’ are free. You will need to pay for guided visit or to climb to the towers/roof. The basilica is very beautiful and ornate. Lots of Byzantine mosaics. They glimmer in the lights. Quite an impression. The window paintings make the cathedral shine as well.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière took my breath away. It is absolutely stunning - the most beautiful basilica I have ever seen. Stepping inside felt like entering a dream. The atmosphere was so peaceful, despite the number of visitors. Every surface is covered in intricate mosaics, colorful stained glass, gilded details, and elaborate artwork. No matter where you look, there is something beautiful to admire. Photos simply cannot capture the scale, craftsmanship, and atmosphere of this incredible place.
We took the easy way up via the historic funicular, which was a fun experience for the kids and definitely saved our knees from the steep climb. The short ride up the hill is part of the experience and offers a unique way to reach one of Lyon’s most iconic landmarks.
Admission to the basilica is free, making it an easy addition to any Lyon itinerary. Once at the top, the panoramic views are spectacular. From the terrace, you can look out over Vieux Lyon, the winding Saône and Rhône rivers, the city skyline, and miles beyond. It’s also a short stroll to the ancient theatre. It’s the perfect place to pause, take photos, and appreciate just how beautiful Lyon is from above. It’s also a short stroll to the ancient theatre.
This is the most beautiful, ornate church I've ever been in (and frankly pales in comparison to Notre Dame de Paris which we visited on the previous day). The painted ceiling and huge mosaics on the walls and floor are just incredible. On this my second visit, we found the crypt, which is like a whole second church underneath the first one, and still quite impressive. Even the small side chapel is amazing. Leave yourself plenty of time toarvel at the art here.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a major landmark in Lyon located on Fourvière Hill, offering one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the city. It is a Roman Catholic basilica known for its distinctive architectural style, combining Byzantine and Romanesque influences, with highly detailed mosaics and interior decoration.
The site is accessible via funicular from Vieux Lyon or by walking uphill, and the journey itself adds to the overall experience. The basilica is well-maintained, and the surrounding esplanade provides expansive views over the Saône and Rhône rivers, as well as key city landmarks.
Inside, the structure is richly decorated with mosaics, stained glass, and ornate detailing, making it significantly more elaborate than typical churches in France. It is both a religious site and a major tourist attraction.
Overall, the basilica is one of Lyon’s most iconic points of interest, combining architectural significance with exceptional city views.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
| Address | Boulevard des Belges, 69006 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 10 30 30 |
Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the most stunning parks I have ever visited. It is beautifully designed, exceptionally well maintained, and offers something for everyone. The atmosphere is peaceful, relaxing, and perfect for families.
The park features a large lake along with several smaller ponds, where you can rent pedal boats or electric boats. There are also bicycles and four-person pedal carts available for rent, making it a fun experience for both children and adults.
Throughout the park, you’ll find convenient kiosks offering delicious ice cream, slushies, snacks, fresh juices, water, and everything visitors might need during the day. The walking paths are wide, comfortable, and ideal for long strolls.
One of the highlights is the incredible variety of gardens. There is a beautiful rose garden, a botanical garden with dedicated sections for different types of plants, including aromatic plants, flowers, and many other botanical collections. The small zoo is another wonderful attraction, especially for families with children.
This is truly one of the best parks I have ever visited. It is beautiful, clean, thoughtfully organized, and exceptionally well maintained. A family could easily spend several days here without getting bored, thanks to the wide range of activities and attractions.
The only small suggestion for improvement would be to add more public restrooms throughout the park, as additional facilities would make the experience even more convenient for visitors.
My sincere appreciation goes to everyone responsible for maintaining this remarkable park. If you are visiting Lyon, I highly recommend adding Parc de la Tête d’Or to the top of your itinerary. It is an unforgettable place that should not be missed.
This is a large, beautiful park that we explored for just under an hour. The botanical gardens were closing not long after we arrived, so we only had time to walk through them briefly, but they were quite beautiful.
There's also a family area with a small fairground for kids, and we saw plenty of people jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing under the trees with a book. We didn't have time to explore the zoo, but it's easily accessible from within the park.
It's definitely worth visiting on a warm day if you're looking for a quieter place to relax and enjoy nature. We were especially struck by the variety of plants throughout the park. There are many different types of vegetation from a range of climates, and it was really interesting to see how much they grow and maintain there.
A very large green space near the center of Lyon. The main gate to the Parc is quite impressive, very large black iron gate with gold trimmings.
The parc itself has many walking/biking trails that circle the parc and also surround the lake. Many of the paths are shaded which is a plus when walking during the mid day sun.
There are many trees in the parc, very limited flowers. Walking under these massive trees is quite peaceful and shady, which is so nice. There are a few pieces of sculpture in the parc, they are beautiful to see.
The parc is very large, you could spend hours walking through the parc or around the lake.
Great spot to spend the afternoon.
A must-visit urban oasis!
Had a fantastic day at Parc de la Tête d'Or! It's massive, beautifully kept, and completely free to enjoy.
Free Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Amazing to see giraffes, zebras, and gorgeous plant collections without paying an entry fee.
Great for Picnics: Tons of spacious, peaceful green spots to roll out a blanket and relax.
Clean Facilities: Plenty of free public restrooms available throughout the park.
Highly recommended for a relaxed afternoon in Lyon!
It’s a very nice park with a lot of things to do.
It will be a great place for families as there so many things to do and entertain kids
But unfortunately, all the toilets we have tried we completely un maintained and not working
This is highly disgusting and other families were trying to even lose their business outside the toilet making it even dirtier.
Having working toilets is a minimum. With high temperatures in July, it’s completely unhygienic and smelling terribly bad around
That will be one of the highest priority for the management to make sure families, people will need to go like elderly, people with difficulties school go to decent toilets as we will expect in an average park.
Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
| Address | 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 38 49 30 |
LUGDUNUM - Musée & Théâtres romains turns Lyon’s Roman hillside into a layered reading of name, site, objects, and architecture. “Lugdunum” combines a Gaulish divine name, usually linked with Lugus, and dūnon, a Celtic term for a fortified height; it remained the formal Latin name for centuries before medieval “Lyon” took over. The museum itself was long imagined before Bernard Zehrfuss was commissioned in 1966. Built into Fourvière’s slope and opened in 1975, it keeps the theatre and odeon visually dominant while using raw concrete, a broad spiral ramp, and deep daylight shafts to reconnect the collections with the ruins outside. Beyond the auditoria, roads, cisterns, shop units, hypocaust remains, and reclassified structures show a Roman quarter that was practical, commercial, and complex.
This marvelously laid out museum brings the Roman Theatre site to life for visitors. Though the museum is remarkably unattractive from the outside, the interior design is ingenious and quite inviting to the visitor. Great explanatory signage is provided, and there is enough space to properly exhibit the huge number of sometimes massive objects. Cudos to the designers and curators of this museum!
The museum has a nice selection of artifacts. They also are one of the few places that offer seniors free admission. Admission was 7 euros for adults. You start at the top and work your way down chronologically experiencing the artifacts and history of the city. I recommend you store items on the lockers at the entrance. You can return by elevator once you reach the bottom of the museum.
Excellent exhibition in a fabulous building, built into the hillside. Visitors flow easily, gradually downward. (Even if you’re not interested in the subject matter, the building design is worth seeing!) Many, but not all, signs provide English as well as French. Two large windows overlook the theatre ruins outside. There are even some comfortable chairs to rest in along the way. There are some interactive displays and a children’s area. It’s the museum’s 50th anniversary. A very well done museum.
This museum was simply the best surprise of our stay in Lyon. The curating and organization were well done, and the way each piece is displayed is incredible. We loved the experience the museum offered!
Place Bellecour
| Address | Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 72 77 69 69 |
Place Bellecour is a great spot in the center of Lyon. It’s a beautiful square and a very convenient place to walk through, relax, or attend events. I was there during a French national holiday, and there was plenty of space, with benches and a very well-organized setup.
It’s also one of those places that feels both lively and open at the same time, which makes it especially enjoyable. A very nice place in the heart of the city.
Place Bellecour is one of the largest open squares in Europe and a central landmark in Lyon. Its expansive layout offers unobstructed views and serves as a key urban hub connecting major shopping streets, cultural sites, and public transport lines.
The square is well-maintained, with wide pedestrian areas that make it ideal for walking, meeting, or simply passing through the city center. A notable feature is the statue of Louis XIV, which adds historical significance to the space.
Accessibility is excellent, with direct connections to metro and bus networks, making it a convenient starting point for exploring Lyon. While the square itself is relatively minimal in terms of shade and seating, its central location compensates with easy access to nearby cafes, shops, and attractions.
Overall, Place Bellecour functions more as a strategic urban space than a leisure park, offering strong connectivity and a sense of scale that reflects the city’s structure.
Large city square that could really benefit from more trees, but there are practical obstacles for city implement it: just below the surface there is a massive underground garage and 2 lines of Metro, so no space for tree roots… Another reason is that historically the square was an open parade grounds. The attempt to solve the problem by installing colorful masts and arches looks somewhat weird on historic square.
Place Bellecour is one of those places that instantly makes you feel the scale and spirit of Lyon. The square is large and open, giving you a rare sense of space right in the middle of the city.
The view of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in the distance adds a beautiful backdrop, especially around sunset when the light softens the entire square. There’s often a relaxed atmosphere here—people walking, sitting, or just enjoying the surroundings—without it ever feeling too crowded or overwhelming.
Place Bellecour was never only a promenade for the addresses around it. The façades and open sweep suited display, and the good society used it that way, but the square also lay across the city’s daily routes. To live south and go north for trade, administration, school, worship, or sociability meant crossing the same exposed ground, so prestige and passage were bound together from early on. Later access widened that mix further, bringing in people who did not live on its edges but used it as Lyon’s common threshold. That is why Bellecour still feels unsettled in a productive way. It has to carry ceremony, shortcuts, waiting, events, and rest on the same hard, heat-prone surface, and every attempt to cool or soften it also asks how a shared square should be lived.
Mur des Canuts
| Address | 36 Bd des Canuts, 69004 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 78 50 44 57 |
Mur des Canuts was not painted simply to decorate a corner. At boulevard des Canuts and rue Denfert-Rochereau, it turns a blind wall into an anchorpiece of Croix-Roussien identity: steps climbing through stacked façades, tall canut windows, shopfronts, passageways, residents and the steep movement of the hill. Unveiled in 1987 on a formerly blank side wall, it was made to change. The 1997 reworking drew in more everyday neighbourhood life during rehabilitation, 2002 repairs followed water and frost damage, and the 2013 renewal added the greener upper wall, with climbing plants and a garden above the steps. Across those repaintings, faces alter, children grow older and the same corner keeps being rewritten as the quarter around it changes.
Impressive large detailed mural
It is said that this is the largest mural in France and I have no reason to doubt that.
The Mur des Canuts (Wall of the silk-weavers) is often called a fresco but it is not. It is a large mural made with long-lasting paints, not pigments applied to wet plaster.
I’ve seen other similar trompe l'oeil creations, but nothing on this scale. Spend some time studying the details in this magnificent piece of street art. You will enjoy it!
Beautiful piece of art! Amazingly stunning! I enjoyed the view so much. It is for free and I hightl recommend you to give it a try! It is quite interesting what art can do to a residentiel flat! What else should I say? Just go, let yourself immersed into the art and breath deeply! Sometimes, we need a break and these are the right moments we strive for! Just do it! I am sure you will enjoy it, even though for only 5 minutes!
I visited the Mur des Canuts and was really impressed.
It’s incredible how an entire wall has been painted in such a detailed and realistic way – it almost feels like you’re looking at a real street scene rather than a mural.
It’s also a great spot for photos, with plenty of beautiful angles.
Getting there involves a bit of an uphill walk, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Alternatively, you can take public transport that brings you close to the top.
Overall, a very unique and worthwhile stop when visiting Lyon.
The Mur des Canuts is one of those places in Lyon that makes you stop and look twice. At first, it looks like a real street with stairs and buildings, but it’s actually a huge, incredibly detailed mural. The illusion is impressive, and the small details—especially those reflecting Lyon’s history—make it even better.
It’s a quick stop (about 10–15 minutes), and a bit outside the center, but definitely worth seeing if you’re nearby. Simple, clever, and memorable.
Fresque des Lyonnais
| Address | 2 Rue de la Martinière, 69001 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Created by Lyon muralists CitéCréation in 1994/95, the Fresque des Lyonnais turns an 800-square-metre blind wall at Quai Saint-Vincent and Rue de la Martinière into a trompe-l’œil building inhabited by the city’s history. Figures appear at painted windows, doors and balconies, arranged in a vertical order rather than scattered across the façade: the lower levels stay close to the present-day street, while older figures rise through the upper floors. Around 250 proposed names passed through learned, historical and heritage circles before 24 historical Lyonnais figures were chosen. The result places saints, scientists, writers, filmmakers, inventors, cooks and popular figures into everyday view, making civic memory public, readable and distinctly tied to Lyon’s mural tradition.
Beautiful place to walk out to sit and enjoy a coffee. Great recreational space and very peaceful in the bustling hear of the city.
Erm. Will not say fantastic. No need to come just for this unless you have time or feeling to fill the gap of your time.
Nonetheless, looks nice, just that the graffiti below don’t look good on this building.
A very beautiful, quite real feeling that those personalities are standing there. Even the impression that you can walk inside, hahaha. I definitely recommend it for watching.
The Fresques des Lyonnais in Lyon, is absolutely stunning!
These murals bring the streets of Lyon to life with incredible detail and color, showcasing the city’s history and culture in a vibrant way.
Walking along the streets and discovering these paintings feels like exploring an open-air museum. The artwork is lively, creative, and truly impressive—each mural tells its own story.
A must-see for anyone visiting Lyon who loves art, culture, and a little surprise around every corner!
Place Saint-Nizier
| Address | Pl. Saint-Nizier, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
This is a peaceful place in a beautiful city in front of a church that’s hundreds of years old. It’s a great place to stop for a rest or give thanks for the beauty around you and reset before exploring the many other wonderful churches, shops, restaurants, Bouchons, and museums around Lyon. Enjoy the glorious façade of the church and take a few moments to recognize that the towers are in two different styles - built in two different centuries.
A wonderful Cathedral. Don't climb up to it if you are in the slightest way frail.
Beautiful church
Just next to a nice church, where you find couple of coffee shops around, as a break for lunch or a snack could be really nice idea, specially when the sun on :).
Not impressing
Pont de la Feuillée
| Address | Pont de la Feuillée, 69005 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
View from the bridge: The Pentes de la Croix-Rousse form the southern slopes of the hill in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, rising steeply from Place des Terreaux up to the plateau. Here streets climb as named “montées”, staircases cut between blocks, and long buildings stack workshops and flats on narrow plots. This hillside is one of the four components of Lyon’s UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised as a place where Roman, medieval and industrial layers have been built into the same terrain rather than wiped away. Roman routes, canut staircases, traces of the silk workers’ uprisings, heritage plaques and bright street art now coexist on barely 1.4 square kilometres, making the Pentes one of Lyon’s most compressed landscapes of class, work, memory and night-time culture.
When you take a walk in Lyon, you will inevitably use one of the many bridges. During this, you can enjoy the many currents of the river surrounded by colorful buildings. The small suspension bridges are especially wobbly on windy days and provide a fun experience.
Lovely view over the soan River.
On the way to the old city of lyon, worth it to stop by and take a look.
Cheers
Beautiful place for pray and the best view of Lyon.
Picturesque photo point
Place des Cordeliers
| Address | 2 Pl. des Cordeliers, 69002 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Very nice restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Fabulous
Place des Cordeliers shows Lyon repeatedly redefining one strategic point in the Presqu’île. Opened in 1557 from the Cordeliers’ precinct, the square still keeps Saint-Bonaventure inside its present outline. In the nineteenth century, the Rue Impériale scheme recast this inherited site with the Palais du Commerce, while the Halles des Cordeliers and then the Grand Bazar concentrated buying, selling and display at a single address. When Louis Lumière filmed pedestrians and vehicles here in 1895, he captured a centre already thick with daily exchange. Today wider pavements, a larger pedestrian zone and the Cordeliers bus pole show the process continuing. Cordeliers explains how Lyon kept redefining what its city centre was for.
Very beautiful place
Worth seeing, but I've seen better.
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
| Address | 60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 1:30 – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Amazingly impressed by their cinema colelctikn as well as the miniatures! I was so thrilled to see them! So cute and also the presence of the objects, costumes or machines utilized in different movies makes the experience quite lively and vivid! Great location, nice staff and indeed, it feels a bit too small for the price they ask for, that is the reason why I am giving 4 stars. All in all, a great experience that I recommend it!!
Surprisingly wonderful stop!
Thought expensive for a little museum and didn’t think much of it…but what a delight! A respite from the heat, but the floor of miniatures is incredible. If you’re into films and filmmaking, the other floors are also wonderful with real assets from some of your favorite films.
It's an old building of around 4 floors converted into a museum. If you are born in the 70s or 80s you know the famous Hollywood movies of those times heavily depended on miniatures and mechanics special effects rather than CGI. You get a glimpse of those. The whole museum is divided into 9 sections with different themes from different cinemas, the star wars, aliens, creature features, horror, action etc you can easily spend 1 or 2 hours there. And many more miniature creations by famous people who worked in the Hollywood and French cinemas are presented there. You can walk up the steps or those who has issue can use elevator.
But i think the price can be reduced a bit, but not complaining.
Such a unique and unexpected museum to run into. Located in the Vieux Lyon area, this museum has a unique collection of original artifacts used in movie sets across the Western World. We saw the original helmet of the Mandalorian, the original mask of Darth Vader and much much more. Check out the miniature sets and make sure you take time looking at each one of them. A definite must do if you are in Lyon and want to check out something different!
Honestly one of the most interesting museums that I have visited recently. Very fun and exciting to see original props/sets/costumes of famous movies/actor/actresses. Definitely recommended no matter who you are, if you enjoy watching movies in general then you will enjoy this museum!
Fontaine de Place Antonin Poncet
| Address | 11 Pl. Antonin Poncet, 69002 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Between Bellecour and the Rhône, Place Antonin Poncet carries its modern story through the surface underfoot. In the 1980s, metro lines and underground parking opened and reorganised the ground below the square; parking construction also prompted archaeological excavation in 1987. With cars moved beneath, the upper level could be remade as public space. Michel Bourne’s 1990s scheme gave that released surface raised lawns, red-sand paths and a 33-jet fountain on the Rhône-facing side. At the Bellecour end, the Charité clocher marks the older edge of the composition, while the redesigned square draws movement across the open surface between tower, paths, planting and fountain.
Its a rather empty public square... I rarely see anybody there. However it has a rather open view over hill of fourvière from one side and on the Rhône on the other side.
Absolutely stunning fountain at Place Antonin Poncet. The view of the flower tree and the Rhône on one side, with the bell tower on the other, creates a picturesque setting.
A delightful fountain display close to the river
Excellent place to spent time for an hr or 2. Kids will enjoy the fountain and adults can express their creativity with spectacular backgrounds. A evening should demand it at Belcoure.
Fontaine des Jacobins
| Address | Pl. des Jacobins, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
A beautiful monument set in a quiet square in one of Lyon’s tourist areas.
I liked it more than the larger and more famous nearby squares (such as Place Bellecour, Place de la Republique, and Place des Terreaux) because, even at peak times, it was relatively uncrowded.
There are many cafés, bars, and restaurants in the area, but, as expected, they are quite expensive.
Gaspard André’s fountain places Delorme, Audran, Coustou and Flandrin at the centre of Place des Jacobins, giving the square the character of a civic roll of honour. Earlier prestige gathered here too. The Dominican convent on this site hosted the 1316 election of Jacques Duèse as Pope John XXII. Nearby Notre-Dame-de-Confort became the church of Lyon’s Florentine merchant-bankers, whose chapels, embellishment and burial claims tied devotion, money and status to the address. In 1810 the city bought the former monastery for the Prefecture, carrying state power into the same setting. The recent redesign opened the square around the fountain again, and the centre of the Presqu’île still presents status as something to be displayed in public.
Beautiful fountain with great sculpture. It is made of white marble and it's cool to the touch. It's over 100 years old and it's in the centre where one can marvel it at different angles. Quite near this area there's restaurants and cafes. There's many beautiful building surrounding this fountain.
Beautiful fountain in a nice square in Lyon. I loved the detail of the statues and listening to the water was soothing. Plenty of places to sit around the statue and square. Also many cafes and restaurants in the area. We loved our visit.
Nice clean area, well kept fountain from 1856 with 4 statues of local artists.
Lyon Zoo
| Address | Parc de la Tête d'Or, All. de l'Orangerie, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM |
| Phone | — |
A really lovely place to spend a few hours in Lyon, especially considering the zoo is free.
What makes this place special is that it combines a zoo with a large public park and a botanical garden, which creates a really beautiful atmosphere. The gardens were absolutely stunning everything looked very well maintained, with lots of flowers, greenery, and different types of plants in bloom.
It was nice to see the animals, and overall they appeared well cared for. The park was quite crowded, especially with families and children, but still enjoyable.
That said, there were a few things that could be improved. For such a large public space, I was surprised by the lack of amenities I only noticed one water fountain and didn’t come across any bathrooms, which felt inconvenient.
The other thing that could really improve the experience is the signage. There are a couple of large maps at the beginning, but once you start walking, it becomes easy to lose track of where everything is. Smaller signs throughout the park pointing toward different animals (for example, “this way to the tigers” or “this way to the giraffes”) would make it much easier to navigate, especially for first-time visitors. I actually ended up missing the big cats section entirely, which was a bit disappointing.
Overall though, it’s a beautiful and well-maintained place, and the combination of animals, gardens, and open green space makes it well worth visiting.
A comely zoo with free entry. There are some exotic animals like red pandas, binturongs, or gibbons, yet the diversity doesn't live up to the expectation. However, you don't regret as you don't pay at all.
The enclosures are generally more spacious and better arranged for the welfare of its "inhabitants" than other zoos I have visited so far, which is an elementary upside.
The place is also a good spot for refreshment thanks to its numerous trees and water masses.
Appreciated!
I took away a star due to the following reasons:
-lacking diversity despite its size
-insufficient security against intruders that might transgress the forbidden fences and stuff.
Good experience, especially those who are going with KIDs... very much recommended... Haf lot of tracking walk way.. spend time with loved ones by walking, halting, seeing animals.. etc..!!
Nice green area in Lyon and have lots of animals to see and also some rare animal like Tapir, red panda, and some cool bull which i have no clue what its name is. Surprisingly, it is free of charge! Perfect place to chill and picnic. There are also botanic garden, not so big but also not so bad.
Lyon Zoo, set within the beautiful Parc de la Tête d’Or, offers a pleasant and accessible experience for visitors who want to enjoy wildlife in a relaxed urban setting. One of its biggest advantages is that entry is free, making it an attractive stop for families, tourists, and locals alike. It’s also a great place for kids, with plenty to see in a safe and welcoming environment. We especially loved strolling through the zoo—it has a wonderful sense of calm and a really inviting atmosphere.
Place de la Baleine
| Address | Pl. de la Baleine, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
I loved walking in the old streets of lyon and seeing the nice colors and architecture, and the marionnettes related references and shops all around. You can take a guided tours or just walk and explore yourself
Lovely area, fully occupied with different shopping artisan and local products.
Prices tourist level, still reasonable.
The fact you walk around with ice-cream or having a coffee ☕️ in a little place around the corner already amazing.
Recommended
This square and the surrounding streets are beautiful. It feels like stepping back in time. It's wonderful to stroll through here.
A rather picturesque spot just off the pedestrian street in the Saint Jean district. A small, shaded square with relatively clean benches. And above all, the café terraces, a tobacconist, and the famous ice cream parlor... a neighborhood bursting with life all on its own. 😍😍
A lively atmosphere and many touristy places to eat (with all that implies). Few places to sit.
Fontaine d'Ipoustéguy
| Address | Pl. Louis Pradel, 69001 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Sculptor Jean-Robert Ipousteguy, who in 1982 created four works of art for the square. In the extension of Rue de la République lies “Le Soleil.” This fountain “La Fontaine d'Ipoustéguy” is crowned with a disc bearing one of Louise Labé’s most renowned verses: “Let me think some madness...”. Originally, at the base of this disc, there was a small raft featuring young girls with the likenesses of the artist’s daughters. Regrettably, this element was stolen in 2000.
The sculpture draws attention with its dynamism and expressiveness; the figures seem to move and interact with each other, creating the effect of living water movement.
This place is of interest not only to art lovers but also to tourists. The fountain stands out against the backdrop of classical buildings and adds a unique artistic touch to Lyon.
A round fountain, like a sun burning with love, and a phrase by Louise Labé: "Permit, my love, think a few follies." In the evening, illuminated jets normally spray the disc resting on a wide basin. No luck for us, no water jets or illuminations...like all the fountains in Lyon...who knows, maybe to save water...the new ecological governance of the city hall has already removed the Christmas tree, so why not the water and light from the fountains?!
It is a very beautiful fountain, best enjoyed when the water is flowing. It is the creation of Jean-Robert Ipoustéguy, a French sculptor born in 1920. It is located in the Place Louis Pradel, one of Lyon's most beautiful squares, bordered by the Lyon Opera House and the City Hall, making it a prime location.
Be careful on the steps, they're treacherous. I fell here coming home from a night out. The fountain's design needs improvement.
Escaliers Montée des Carmélites
| Address | Mnt des Carmélites, 69001 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
It’s worn out and nothing like the pictures. Visit only if you have nothing more to see. Not many come here anymore
It's worth seeing if you're in the neighbourhood.
Faudrait rajouter la couleur
A fine example of Street Art, but lacking visibility.
Just stairs! Don't miss the garden next door though.
Fresques La Tour de Babel
| Address | 69008 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Amazing
Genial es realizing
They're revitalizing it. Beautiful! There are 2 or 3 more in the area.
It's a shame there was scaffolding, but it's still magnificent.
Assez jolie. Il y a des travaux autour des autres immeubles et donc beaucoup de matériaux autour
Tips for Visiting Lyon
To make the most of your time in Lyon, a little local knowledge goes a long way. The city operates on a rhythm that differs slightly from other major French metropolises, and understanding these nuances will save you time, money, and potential frustration. Here are five essential tips to enhance your visit.
1. Leverage the Lyon City Card
If you plan to visit more than two museums or use public transport frequently, the Lyon City Card is almost always a worthwhile investment. It includes unlimited access to the TCL network (metro, tram, bus, and funiculars), free entry to 23 museums, and often includes a guided tour or a river cruise. It also allows you to skip the line at popular attractions like the Musée des Confluences.
2. Respect the “Closed” Days
Unlike tourist-centric cities that operate seven days a week, many of Lyon’s independent shops, boulangeries, and even some restaurants close on Sundays and Mondays. Additionally, museums are typically closed on either Monday or Tuesday. Always check the official website of an attraction before heading out, as the opening hours listed on third-party aggregator sites are often outdated.
3. Master the Traboules Etiquette
The famous hidden passageways of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse are a must-see, but they are also private residential areas. While many are open to the public during the day, they close in the evening. When walking through, keep your voice down, do not linger in doorways, and avoid taking photos directly into people’s windows. Look for the small lantern symbols next to doors that indicate a public traboule.
4. Eat on the Lyon Schedule
Lunch service in Lyon is strict. Most restaurants serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM sharp. If you arrive at 2:30 PM, you will likely find the kitchen closed and may be limited to fast food or a boulangerie. Dinner usually starts no earlier than 7:30 PM. To experience a traditional bouchon, always book a reservation, as the best ones are small and fill up with locals quickly.
5. Use the Funiculars, Not Your Legs
The climb to Fourvière Hill is steep, and while it offers great views, it can be exhausting in the summer heat. The funicular railway (F1 and F2 lines) is included in a standard metro ticket. Take the funicular up to the Basilica and walk down through the gardens, saving your energy for the winding streets of Vieux Lyon below.
Lyon is a city that rewards curiosity and patience. It does not shout for attention like some European capitals; instead, it invites you to sit down, observe, and taste. The magic of Lyon is found in the steam rising from a market stall, the echo of footsteps in a Renaissance courtyard, and the golden light hitting the rivers at dusk.
As you leave the main tourist arteries, you will discover why the Lyonnais are so fiercely proud of their home. It is a city that honors its history without being trapped by it, offering a travel experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
