Guide to Lyon
Neighborhoods
La Croix-Rousse
Vieux Lyon
Place Bellecour
Place BellecourLa Confluence
Fourvière
Sightseeing
Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
8 Pl. de FourvièreI love this little “museum” in the middle of Vieux Lyon. It is a wonder to see how they’ve created such tiny scenes as well as famous (full-size) costumes for big-name movies.
303 locals recommend
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
60 Rue Saint-JeanI love this little “museum” in the middle of Vieux Lyon. It is a wonder to see how they’ve created such tiny scenes as well as famous (full-size) costumes for big-name movies.
Not only a gorgeous piece of architecture, this museum hosts unusual exhibits (great for kids!) and it is right on the edge of where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge.
353 locals recommend
Confluence Museum
86 Quai PerracheNot only a gorgeous piece of architecture, this museum hosts unusual exhibits (great for kids!) and it is right on the edge of where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge.
La Tour Rose was also known as la Maison du Crible. The spiral stairway that gives the tower its name was painted pink in the 1970s. Once part of a private house dating back to the Middle Ages, it is a traboule which has now been restored. To get a good view of the tower, head into the traboule and look up, or visit the upper floor of the Food Traboule (eatery) to see its glass ceiling.
13 locals recommend
La Tour Rose
22 Rue du BœufLa Tour Rose was also known as la Maison du Crible. The spiral stairway that gives the tower its name was painted pink in the 1970s. Once part of a private house dating back to the Middle Ages, it is a traboule which has now been restored. To get a good view of the tower, head into the traboule and look up, or visit the upper floor of the Food Traboule (eatery) to see its glass ceiling.
Just up the hill from the apartment is an ususual architectural sight. (It's within the residential building but is open to the public.)
98 locals recommend
Cour des Voraces
9 Pl. ColbertJust up the hill from the apartment is an ususual architectural sight. (It's within the residential building but is open to the public.)
A small museum worth a peek; it includes a few items for purchase and gives a sense of what the silk workers used to make their oeuvres.
82 locals recommend
Maison des Canuts
10 Rue d'IvryA small museum worth a peek; it includes a few items for purchase and gives a sense of what the silk workers used to make their oeuvres.
A lovely little park in Croix Rousse with a Tuscan-style villa that was built in 1913 that has children's playgrounds and a fitness trail.
58 locals recommend
Parc de la Cerisaie
25 Rue ChazièreA lovely little park in Croix Rousse with a Tuscan-style villa that was built in 1913 that has children's playgrounds and a fitness trail.
Biggest and best mural/fresque in Lyon - and within walking distance of the Croix Rousse market. Perfect photo opportunity!
83 locals recommend
Mur des Canuts
36 Bd des CanutsBiggest and best mural/fresque in Lyon - and within walking distance of the Croix Rousse market. Perfect photo opportunity!
Opened in 1857, this park is immense and gorgeous on sunny days. It’s great for a peaceful walk around the lake (with a few places to stop for a drink or ice cream) or to take the kids. In the park's central part, there is a small free zoo that has giraffes, deer, reptiles, primates and other animals. There is also an adorable mini-train from which to take in some of the 117 hectares of scenery.
Lyon Botanical Garden
Opened in 1857, this park is immense and gorgeous on sunny days. It’s great for a peaceful walk around the lake (with a few places to stop for a drink or ice cream) or to take the kids. In the park's central part, there is a small free zoo that has giraffes, deer, reptiles, primates and other animals. There is also an adorable mini-train from which to take in some of the 117 hectares of scenery.
Opera National de Lyon
1 Pl. de la ComédieFood scene
ULTIMO
4 Rue Giuseppe VerdiCulina Hortus
38 Rue de l'Arbre SecAu 14 Février
36 Rue du BœufL'Institut Restaurant
20 Pl. BellecourEmpanadas Club
BOTANI Café
RESTAURANT Takao Takano
33 Rue MalesherbesFood Traboule
22 Rue du BœufGuests have told me that this is a wonderful bar with friendly service - a place to stop for drinks after a great meal in Vieux Lyon (or just to say hi to the welcoming bartender, Charles).
L'Apostrophe
6 Rue Octavio MeyGuests have told me that this is a wonderful bar with friendly service - a place to stop for drinks after a great meal in Vieux Lyon (or just to say hi to the welcoming bartender, Charles).
Soul Brothers is a really cool bar that plays soul music. They offer bruschetta and a few other light snacks. Great vibe!
Soul brothers
Soul Brothers is a really cool bar that plays soul music. They offer bruschetta and a few other light snacks. Great vibe!
City advice
Getting around
GPS for public transit
If you have any trouble with Google Maps for directions on public transit, use the 'Citymapper' app for door-to-door (including walking and biking) directions.
https://citymapper.com/lyon
Useful phrases
Say "bonjour" to everyone!
In France, it is customary to say "bonjour" when you enter a restaurant, store or anywhere else. Of course, "merci" ("thank you") is always appreciated!
When you leave, you might say:
"Bonne journée" - "good day"
"Bonne après-midi" - "good afternoon"
"Bonne soirée" - "good evening"
Tip: the French don't say "good night". The word "night" ("nuit") means the time when you sleep - not something you would wish a stranger!
Other words/phrases that are good to know in any language:
> Santé! - Cheers!
> Merci - Thank you (merci beaucoup - thank you very much)
> S'il vous plaît - Please
What to pack
Sneakers are cool!
Finally! Folks in France have embraced sneakers - and they are all the rage! Any type/style/brand will do. Comfort is king!
Fanny packs are also considered stylish.
Unfortunately, shorts are still not very popular... yet!!
Useful phrases
Additional French words/phrases that are important to know
An 'entrée' is a starter or appetizer. The 'plat' is the main dish.
A store may be closed for 'vacances', 'congé' (day off) or 'férié' (holiday).
'Emporter' (sounds like "omportay") - food to go (often less expensive than eating on-site at a restaurant)
A 'manifestation' (or 'manif' for short) is a demonstration or protest; the French 'grève' (strike) can seriously impact your travel plans!
'Commander' (comanday) is to order; 'Régler' (rayglay) is to pay/settle the bill.
'Régler par carte' is to pay by credit/debit card.
Book before you go
Make reservations for restaurants
People love to eat out in Lyon! With so many wonderful restaurants, it's hard to believe that seating can be limited but it's often the case. It is advisable to make reservations in advance wherever reservations are accepted. Otherwise, you might be stuck with only a Lyonnais taco! (Which really isn't so bad; it's just not the same type of "eating out".)