{"id":11300,"date":"2023-03-13T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/?p=11300"},"modified":"2024-10-09T14:44:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T14:44:30","slug":"things-to-do-in-lyon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com\/magazine\/travel\/things-to-do-in-lyon\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Lyon: A different side of France"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you\u2019re planning a trip to France, it\u2019s tempting to go to the most popular destinations, such as Paris or the French Riviera. But this country has so much more to offer than these classic vacation spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyon is France\u2019s second-largest city, and it truly has it all: History, nature, culture, and so much more. There are so many things to do in Lyon, though, that it\u2019s difficult to know where to start. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve made a list of Lyon tours, Lyon restaurants and Lyonnaise cooking, as well as other things to see in Lyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The St. Georges bridge and church in Lyon. Photo: tianalima on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lyon Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not sure where to start on your own, it\u2019s a good idea to take a guided tour of Lyon. This will help you hit all the big spots and learn the basics of things to do in Lyon in a short amount of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of tours to choose from depending on what you\u2019re interested in. From the Women Who Left Their Mark on Lyon tour to the Presqu\u2019ile Tour: 2,000 Years of History, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking to delve deeper into the city\u2019s character? Take one of the many district tours available to learn about specific parts of town, like the Bellecour district or the Terreaux district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Terreaux Square in Lyon. Photo: prochasson frederic on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lyon Restaurants & Cooking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

French food is world-renowned, but Lyon has its own special way of cooking. This is why it\u2019s known as the gastronomic capital of the world. Boasting over 4,000 restaurants and more than 20 with Michelin stars, this is the perfect destination for a foodie. Its location gives chefs access to the freshest high-quality ingredients, such as beef and chicken from Burgundy and incredible wine from the surrounding vineyards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may have heard the phrase \u201ca la Lyonnaise,\u201d meaning the meal was prepared with Lyonnaise sauce. This regional sauce is made of onions sauteed in butter, white wine and vinegar, providing an amazing flavor alongside your meat or potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the most authentic culinary experience, head to one of les bouchons Lyonnaise, or certified Lyonnaise restaurants.\u202fOne of the best Lyon restaurants is S06 La Saucissonnerie at Cabane. If you’re looking for something super high-quality, check out Food Traboule, a local favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lyonnaise sausage and sauce. Photo: bonchan on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lyon Nightlife<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a hearty Lyonnaise meal, you\u2019ll want to wash it down with a few glasses of local wine. The nightlife in Lyon is unique across each district. You\u2019ll find everything from local pubs to cozy wine bars to cafe-theaters and plenty of nightclubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For great cocktails, head to Brooklyn Bar. For wine, beer and rum, check out Les Valseuses. For a true French experience, however, head to Aromo. This bar has more than 150 wines from around the world and you can pair it with charcuterie and French cheese. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old Lyon and Croix Rousse are known to be some of the best areas for nightlife in the city. You’ll also find plenty of bars on the banks of the river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyon Museums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve explored the food and drink scene, one of the best things to do in Lyon is to hit the museums. Lyon has plenty of them, so you\u2019re sure to find something that will interest you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out the Mus\u00e9e des Confluences for science and anthropology or Mus\u00e9e Cinema et Miniature which houses movie props and special effects exhibits. Film lovers will also love the Mus\u00e9e Lumiere, while those into contemporary art will appreciate a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Lyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Statue outside the Museum of Fine Arts. Photo: IMG Stock Studio on Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other Lyon Attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aside from food and museums, there are several other historical sights to see. These include La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvi\u00e8re, la Cath\u00e9drale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Place Bellecour and Parc de la T\u00eate d\u2019Or, among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, there are way more things to do in Lyon than meets the eye, especially for food-savvy travelers. This French city has just as much to offer, if not more, than classic destinations like Paris and the French Riviera. Since it\u2019s a little more off the beaten path, that also means it will be less crowded, so you\u2019ll have plenty of time and space to explore as you please. As a bonus, you can use SIXT ride services<\/a> to make your way around the city or even to head to the nearby Alps for the day. If you’re flying into or out of Lyon-Saint-Exup\u00e9ry Airport we also offer airport transfer service<\/a> for a stress-free experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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