Hotels in Lyon

Situated at the point where France's Rhône and Saône rivers merge is Lyon, the country's third-largest city and the capital of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is well-known for its fine cuisine, historical sites and cultural importance. The districts of Vieux Lyon and Presqu'île are among the top must-see areas. The former offers museums, Renaissance-era architecture, and the Lyon Cathedral, while the latter serves as the modern city's very heart. The city centre provides a range of shops, entertainment venues, restaurants and various other attractions.

Visitors love Lyon's wide variety of accommodation options. You can find anything from budget-friendly hotels dotted around the city's outskirts to sublime resorts, villas and spas tight in the city's centre.

Neighbourhoods of Lyon

Vieux Lyon, or 'Old Lyon', is the city's oldest district and home to several cultural sites. Some of the most popular areas and neighbourhoods of Lyon include:

• Presqu'île is the heart of the modern city.
• La Part-Dieu is the city's central business district.
• Fourvière district lies just west of the old town and plays a pivotal role in the Festival of Lights, an annual event locally known as Fête des Lumières.
• La Croix-Rousse sits on a hill of the same name and is one of the city's most culturally unique areas.

What to see and do in Lyon

Among the most popular attractions in Lyon are:

• The Cathédrale St-Jean and Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière are two of the most popular attractions in the area.
• The Opéra Nouvel is home to the famous Opéra de Lyon Company and great for those seeking some evening entertainment.
• The Théâtre des Célestins puts on dramatic theatrical performances.
• The Parc de la Tête d'Or is the city's largest park and includes a small zoo.
• The city's museums cover everything from regional history to fine arts and science, along with technology and film or cinema.
• The Olympique Lyonnais is a football club venue that is ideal for any fan of live sports.

What to eat in Lyon

Lyon is globally famous for its quality cuisine— to the extent that many renowned food critics refer to it as "The Food Capital of the World". Coq au vin is one of the region's best-known meals. It consists of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms and pork fat. The region itself is known for sausages and various pork dishes, while the surrounding area is associated with wine production. An especially popular local speciality is Beaujolais red wine.

Typical events and festivals in Lyon

Lyon is home to the unique tradition known as The Festival of Lights. This event takes place on or around the 8th of December every year. The celebration intends to give thanks to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and it includes spectacular light shows and other amazing performances. Many residents celebrate by placing candles in their windows. Les Nuits Sonores is a well-known electronic-music festival that takes place every May. Quai du Polar Festival takes place in March, which celebrates crime fiction and various art-related forms.

How to move around in Lyon

Lyon has two large railway stations: Lyon Perrache and Gare de la Part-Dieu. The Lyon Metro System enhances the city's rail travelling options by boasting four additional lines and 40 stations. The Tramway de Lyon is a tram network that links many major parts of the city, including business and retail centres, and Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport. Regular bus, coach and taxi services are available throughout the city. You also have the option to hire a car and make use of Lyon's vast road network. Moreover, Lyon is also well-known for Vélo'v, a bicycle-sharing system that allows you to hire bikes and return them to any of the city's 300+ stations.

The climate in Lyon

The characterised climate in Lyon hot, humid summers and mild-to-cold winters. July and August are the hottest months. Still, with the city's abundance of indoor and outdoor attractions and fun events held throughout the year, including the winter months, tourists should feel free to visit the city at any given time. Regional tourism peaks between May and July, but tourists commonly visit outside the peak season. Many travellers enjoy visiting when the slightly is cooler weather, including April, May, September, October and November. The Festival of Light in December is also a major draw for winter tourists.