Lyon, France’s third-largest city, is a beautiful and historic destination with something to offer everyone. From its Roman amphitheater to its medieval churches and Renaissance palaces, Lyon is full of fascinating history and culture. And with its vibrant culinary scene and lively nightlife, Lyon is also a great place to eat, drink, and be merry. If you’re planning a trip to Lyon in June 2024, here are 10 of the best places to visit:
Lyon is a city that truly comes alive in the summer, and there’s no better time to visit than June. The weather is warm and sunny, the days are long, and the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife, Lyon has something to offer everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Vieux Lyon is the historic heart of Lyon, and it’s one of the most charming and atmospheric neighborhoods in the city. The narrow streets are lined with centuries-old buildings, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Be sure to visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, one of the most beautiful churches in Lyon. And don’t miss the Traboules, secret passageways that connect the buildings in Vieux Lyon.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is one of Lyon’s most iconic landmarks. The basilica is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, and it offers stunning views of the city. Be sure to take the funicular up to the basilica, and then explore the gardens and the crypt.
Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences is a world-class museum of natural history and anthropology. The museum is home to a vast collection of exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to human evolution. And the building itself is a work of art, with its striking glass and steel facade. Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Musée des Confluences, and don’t miss the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of Lyon.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
The Parc de la Tête d’Or is Lyon’s largest park, and it’s a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is home to a lake, a botanical garden, a zoo, and a puppet theater. There are also plenty of walking and biking trails, and you can even rent a boat to explore the lake. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon
The Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon is one of the leading contemporary art museums in France. The museum is home to a collection of over 1,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. And the museum’s building is a work of art in itself, with its striking black and white facade. Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon, and don’t miss the temporary exhibitions.
Institut Lumière
The Institut Lumière is a museum dedicated to the history of cinema. The museum is housed in the former home of the Lumière brothers, who invented the cinematograph in 1895. The museum tells the story of the Lumière brothers’ lives and work, and it also has a collection of their films. Be sure to watch one of the films in the museum’s theater, and then explore the exhibits on the history of cinema.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is one of the oldest and largest art museums in France. The museum is home to a collection of over 70,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. And the museum’s building is a work of art in itself, with its beautiful Renaissance architecture. Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, and don’t miss the temporary exhibitions.
Théâtre des Célestins
The Théâtre des Célestins is one of the leading theaters in France. The theater is home to a company of over 50 actors, and it stages a variety of productions throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and dance performances. Be sure to check the theater’s website for upcoming productions, and book your tickets in advance.
Opéra National de Lyon
The Opéra National de Lyon is one of the leading opera houses in France. The opera house is home to a company of over 100 singers, musicians, and dancers, and it stages a variety of operas and ballets throughout the year. Be sure to check the opera house’s website for upcoming productions, and book your tickets in advance.
Halle Tony Garnier
The Halle Tony Garnier is a multi-purpose event space that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and trade shows. The Halle Tony Garnier is a unique and iconic building, and it’s worth visiting even if you’re not attending an event. Be sure to take a tour of the building, and then explore the surrounding area, which is home to a number of restaurants and cafes.
Culture
Lyon is a city with a rich and diverse culture. The city is home to a number of museums, theaters, and music venues, and there are always plenty of cultural events happening throughout the year. Be sure to check out the city’s official website for a list of upcoming events.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Lyon is during the shoulder seasons, May-June and September-October, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. However, Lyon is a great destination year-round, so don’t let the weather stop you from visiting during the summer or winter months.
Nearby Transportation
Lyon is well-connected by public transportation, and it’s easy to get around the city by bus, metro, or tram. There are also a number of taxis and ride-sharing services available in Lyon. The city is also served by the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which is located about 20 kilometers from the city center.
Local Food
Lyon is known for its delicious food, and there are a number of great restaurants to choose from in the city. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as quenelles (dumplings made from fish or meat), saucisson (sausage), and gratin dauphinois (potato casserole). And don’t forget to try some of the region’s famous wines, such as Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône.
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels to choose from in Lyon. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Fourvière Hôtel
- Hôtel Le Royal Lyon – MGallery
- InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu
- Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
- Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
Conclusion
Lyon is a beautiful and historic city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife, Lyon has something to offer you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
