5 Things to do in Lyon, France

Have you ever wanted to visit Lyon, France? It’s one of those cities that surprises you! Not with the flashy energy of Paris, but with a slower, deeper kind of charm.

It’s a place where ancient Roman history, Renaissance alleyways, panoramic viewpoints, and delicious food all coexist within walking distance.

If you’re planning a trip, here are five unforgettable things to do in Lyon, especially if you’re visiting in the cooler months.

How to get to Lyon?

Lyon is a really well-connected part of France and very easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in France or traveling internationally.

By Plane

If you get in by plane, you’ll arrive at Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)

with direct flights from major European cities and several long-haul connections. From the airport, the fastest way into the city is the Rhônexpress tram, which takes about 30 minutes to reach Lyon Part-Dieu station.

Taxis and ride-shares are also available but cost more.

By Train

Lyon is very well accessible by train. High-speed TGV trains run from:

• Paris in just 2 hours
• Geneva in 2 hours
• Marseille in 1 hour 40 minutes
• Brussels in 3 hours 45 minutes

The two main stations are:

• Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu (central, business district)
• Gare de Lyon Perrache (closer to the historic center)

Both stations connect easily to the metro and tram networks.

1. Fourvière Hill for the Best View in the City

If there’s one place you have to see in Lyon, it’s Fourvière Hill.

Rising high above the rooftops, it offers a beautiful viewa over the whole city, the two rivers, the terracotta skyline, and even the Alps on a clear winter morning (we didn’t have that luck).

ou can climb up on foot or, if you want to save your energy, take the funicular from Vieux Lyon — a small ride that carries you straight into the heart of Lyon’s history.

2. Vieux Lyon — The Old City Centre

Just below Fourvière lies Vieux Lyon, the real old city centere of Lyon. It’s easily Lyon’s most atmospheric neighborhood.

It’s all cobbled streets, pastel buildings, cozy cafés, and hidden passageways known as traboules.

The whole area feels like an open-air museum, but lived-in and warm rather than touristy.
Don’t skip the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, especially when its bells echo through the square.

3. Parc de la Tête d’Or and Its Free Zoo

One of Lyon’s most surprising gems is Parc de la Tête d’Or — a huge park that feels like a city escape within a city. And yes, it has a free zoo.

Here you’ll find giraffes, zebras, deer, monkeys, and other animals living in spacious enclosures. The botanical garden is also worth a stroll, especially in colder months when the greenhouses offer bursts of tropical warmth.

Whether you’re walking beside the lake, grabbing a coffee, or watching the animals, the parc is perfect for a slow, refreshing afternoon.

4. Lyon’s Christmas Market (Winter Only)

We visited Lyon in the winter period, meaning there was a christmas market!

From late November to late December, Lyon’s Christmas Market adds an entire layer of magic to the city. Located at Place Carnot, the market has glowing wooden stalls, mulled wine, regional food, handmade crafts, and warm holiday lights everywhere you look.

It’s smaller and more intimate than some European Christmas markets, which makes it feel cozy rather than chaotic. Don’t forget to try vin chaud (Glühwein) and Lyon’s classic pink praline brioche while wandering through the stalls.

5. The Ancient Roman Amphitheater

Lyon is home to two Roman theaters, both beautifully preserved and completely open to explore. The main one: Théâtre Gallo-Romain, is perched on Fourvière Hill and dates back to 15 BC.

You can walk down the stone steps, imagine ancient performances, and take in the dramatic view over the city. It’s one of those places that makes history feel incredibly close. If you’re lucky, you may even stumble upon a rehearsal or small performance happening in the open air. (We didn’t)

Transportation in Lyon

Getting around Lyon is incredibly easy thanks to its well-designed public transportation system and compact city layout. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or hopping on the metro, you’ll find the city simple and stress-free to navigate.

By Metro

Lyon’s metro is fast, clean, and efficient, with four main lines (A, B, C, D) connecting the city’s key neighborhoods — from Vieux Lyon to the Presqu’île and out to Part-Dieu. Trains run frequently, and most major sights are within a short walk of a station.
A single ticket lets you use the metro, trams, and buses for 1 hour.

By Tram

The tram network covers areas the metro doesn’t, including parts of the riverbanks and business districts. Trams are especially useful if you’re heading to Parc de la Tête d’Or, Confluence, or residential neighborhoods.

By Bus

Buses fill in the remaining gaps, especially for routes outside the city center or later at night. They run reliably, but during peak hours traffic can slow things down.

By Funicular

Lyon has two funicular lines that climb Fourvière Hill. They’re the easiest (and least sweaty) way to reach:

• Basilica of Fourvière
• Roman amphitheaters
• Panoramic viewpoints over the city

They depart from Vieux Lyon metro station and take just a few minutes.

By Bike (Vélo’v)

Lyon’s public bike system, Vélo’v, is one of the best in France. You’ll find docking stations all over the city, and dedicated bike lanes make it safe and enjoyable. Riding along the Rhône riverbanks is a highlight, especially at sunset.

By Foot

Lyon is extremely walkable. Neighborhoods like Vieux Lyon, Presqu’île, Confluence, and the river promenades are best explored on foot. Expect cobbled streets in the old town, though.

Tickets & Passes

The TCL network offers:

• Single tickets (valid 1 hour)
• Day passes
• 48/72-hour visitor passes
• Tickets from airport → city (Rhônexpress separate)

Most tickets can be bought at metro stations or via the TCL app.