Tu te demandes quoi faire à Lyon, en France? Entre les charmantes ruelles du Vieux Lyon, les traboules cachées et les magnifiques mosaïques de la basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon est une ville qui regorge d’histoire, d’architecture, de gastronomie et de superbes points de vue.
Que tu prévoies passer une journée à Lyon, un week-end ou quelques jours à explorer la ville, ce guide rassemble les meilleures attractions de Lyon, les activités gratuites, les endroits où manger et quelques expériences à ne surtout pas manquer.
Lyon est aussi une destination idéale pour les voyageurs qui souhaitent découvrir une autre facette de la France, au-delà de Paris. Avec plus de 2 000 ans d’histoire, deux cours d’eau, des quartiers historiques classés au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et une gastronomie réputée, la ville a énormément à offrir.
Table des matières
- Se promener dans le Vieux Lyon
- Visiter les théâtres romains et l’Odéon
- Découvrir la basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- Manger dans un bouchon lyonnais traditionnel
- Visiter la cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
- Prendre un verre au bord du Rhône
- Explorer le quartier de la Croix-Rousse
- Se détendre au parc de la Tête d’Or
- Comment se déplacer à Lyon?
- Combien de jours prévoir pour visiter Lyon?
- Est-ce que Lyon est une destination dispendieuse?
1
Se promener dans le Vieux Lyon
S’il y a un quartier à ne surtout pas manquer lors de ton passage à Lyon, c’est bien le Vieux Lyon.
Situé entre la colline de Fourvière et la Saône, le Vieux Lyon est l’un des plus grands quartiers Renaissance d’Europe. Ses petites rues pavées, ses bâtiments colorés, ses cours intérieures et ses passages cachés en font l’un des endroits les plus agréables à explorer à pied. Ce quartier historique fait également partie du site de Lyon inscrit au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO.
La meilleure activité à faire ici, c’est tout simplement de se perdre dans les ruelles.
Promène-toi sur la rue Saint-Jean, explore la rue du Bœuf, arrête-toi dans les petites places et garde l’œil ouvert pour découvrir les célèbres traboules de Lyon.
Qu’est-ce qu’une traboule?
Les traboules sont des passages cachés qui permettent de relier deux rues en traversant des bâtiments et des cours intérieures. Elles sont particulièrement caractéristiques de Lyon et étaient historiquement utilisées pour des raisons pratiques, notamment pour permettre aux ouvriers de la soie de transporter leurs marchandises.
Il existe des centaines de traboules à travers Lyon, mais seulement une partie d’entre elles sont actuellement accessibles au public. Certaines se trouvent dans des immeubles résidentiels. Il est donc important de respecter les lieux : parle doucement, évite de courir dans les passages et rappelle-toi que des gens habitent réellement dans ces bâtiments.
L’une des plus connues du Vieux Lyon est La Longue Traboule, qui relie le 54, rue Saint-Jean au 27, rue du Bœuf.
- Coût : Gratuit
- Notre conseil : Viens le matin si tu souhaites profiter d’une expérience plus tranquille. L’Office de tourisme de Lyon fournit également des renseignements sur les traboules accessibles aux visiteurs.
Pour obtenir les informations officielles concernant les quartiers, les attractions et les heures d’ouverture, consulte le site de l’Office de tourisme de Lyon avant votre visite.
2
Visiter les théâtres romains et l’Odéon
L’un de nos endroits gratuits préférés à Lyon a été le théâtre romain et l’Odéon, situés sur la colline de Fourvière.
Se promener au milieu de ces ruines antiques donne une impression un peu surréaliste, surtout lorsqu’on réalise qu’elles se trouvent en plein cœur d’une ville moderne.
Le site remonte à l’époque romaine, lorsque Lyon portait le nom de Lugdunum. Le grand théâtre accueillait notamment des représentations de tragédies et de comédies, tandis que le plus petit, l’Odéon, était utilisé pour la musique, les lectures et d’autres activités culturelles.
Ne manque pas l’Odéon et le jardin romain
On te recommande particulièrement de prendre le temps de découvrir l’Odéon et le jardin romain qui l’entoure. C’est un endroit magnifique et paisible où se promener, et l’accès est complètement gratuit.
Tu trouveras également le musée Lugdunum juste à côté du site archéologique. Nous n’avons pas visité le musée nous-mêmes, donc nous ne pouvons pas te donner notre avis personnel, mais c’est une option intéressante si tu souhaites en apprendre davantage sur l’histoire romaine de Lyon.
Le site archéologique est généralement ouvert tous les jours, de 7 h à 19 h, bien que des fermetures exceptionnelles puissent survenir.
- Coût : Gratuit pour les théâtres romains et le site archéologique.
- Musée : Entrée séparée, entre 4 € et 7 € (environ 6$ à 12$ CA), selon la présence ou non d’une exposition temporaire.
- Temps à prévoir : 15 à 45 minutes pour explorer les ruines.
- Adresse : 6, rue de l’Antiquaille, Lyon.
- Notre conseil : Combine cette visite avec celle de la basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, puisque les deux attractions se trouvent sur la même colline.
3
Découvrir la basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
C’est facilement l’un de nos endroits préférés à Lyon.
Et sincèrement, l’intérieur nous a encore plus impressionnées que ce à quoi on s’attendait.
La basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière se trouve au sommet de la colline de Fourvière et surplombe toute la ville. De l’extérieur, le bâtiment est déjà spectaculaire, mais assure-toi de prendre le temps d’entrer à l’intérieur.
On y découvre des mosaïques incroyablement détaillées, du marbre, des vitraux et des décorations élaborées.
Ce qui nous a particulièrement surprises, c’est de réaliser qu’une grande partie de ce qu’on croyait être des peintures était en réalité composée de minuscules morceaux de pierre et de verre colorés, assemblés pour former des mosaïques.
On n’avait jamais vraiment pris le temps de remarquer ce genre de détails auparavant, et les voir d’aussi près était impressionnant.
C’est sans aucun doute l’une des plus belles églises qu’on ait visitées.
Est-ce que la basilique de Fourvière est gratuite?
Oui! L’accès général à la basilique est gratuit.
The Basilica is generally open every day, although visiting hours can vary around religious services. The current information from the Lyon Tourist Office lists general visiting hours of approximately 7 AM to 8 PM, with Sunday morning access restricted during services.
There are also paid guided tours and special experiences available if you’d like to learn more about the building.
- Entrée générale : Gratuit
- Guided tour: From approximately €8 (CA$13)
- Adresse : 8 Place de Fourvière
- Temps à prévoir : 15-45 minutes
Don’t forget the view!
Once you’re outside, walk onto the esplanade in front of the Basilica.
You get an incredible panoramic view over Lyon, making this one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Comment s'y rendre
You can take the funicular from Vieux Lyon to Fourvière, or you can walk up the hill if you’re up for some exercise.
The walk is steep in places, but the Lyon Tourist Office specifically recommends walking up Fourvière as a way to discover the historic streets and views along the way.
4
Manger dans un bouchon lyonnais traditionnel
You can’t visit Lyon without experiencing its famous food culture.
And one of the quintessential Lyon experiences is eating at a bouchon lyonnais.
What is a bouchon lyonnais?
A bouchon is a traditional Lyon restaurant serving classic local cuisine in a generally casual and convivial setting.
Traditional dishes can include things such as quenelles, sausage, pâté, eggs meurette, salade lyonnaise, cervelle de canut and praline desserts.
Our experience at Le Laurencin
We actually chose Le Laurencin completely by chance.
We were simply looking for somewhere to eat in Vieux Lyon, and the menu caught our attention because of the price.
At the time of our visit, the restaurant offered a €19.90 (about CA$32) menu including a starter, main course and either dessert or cheese. The restaurant is located directly on Rue Saint-Jean in the heart of Vieux Lyon. The Lyon Tourist Office also lists it as a bouchon lyonnais serving traditional Lyonnais dishes.
We personally enjoyed our experience, and the onion soup was delicious.
However, there’s something we think you should know before choosing this restaurant.
After we shared our experience on social media, several French people told us that they considered Le Laurencin touristy and said they wouldn’t personally recommend it as an authentic bouchon experience. Online reviews are also mixed, with some diners praising the inexpensive menu and others criticizing the food.
So our honest take is:
If you’re looking for a very affordable way to try traditional Lyonnais food, Le Laurencin can be an option. But if your priority is finding a highly regarded, more authentic bouchon, we’d recommend doing a little more research and trying another one.
We don’t want to pretend we had a bad experience when we didn’t, we enjoyed our meal! But we also think it’s important to share what we learned afterward from locals and French followers.
- Prix : From around €19.90 (CA$32) for a set menu when available
- Emplacement : 24 Rue Saint-Jean, Vieux Lyon
- Conseil : Prices and menus can change, so check the current menu before going.
5
Visiter la cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
While you’re already exploring Vieux Lyon, don’t miss Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Located right in the heart of Vieux Lyon, the cathedral is impossible to miss.
We’ll be honest: we personally found Notre-Dame de Fourvière more impressive, especially because of its incredible interior mosaics. But Saint-Jean is still absolutely worth visiting, especially because you’re already walking through this neighborhood.
The cathedral has a beautiful Gothic exterior and is also famous for its astronomical clock.
And the best part?
It’s free!
- Temps à prévoir : 10-30 minutes
- Emplacement : Place Saint-Jean, Vieux Lyon
Because opening times can vary depending on religious services, check the current schedule before planning your visit ici.
6
Prendre un verre au bord du Rhône
One of the nicest things to do in Lyon is simply slow down and spend some time beside the water.
The city sits at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and the riverbanks are full of terraces, cafés and casual places where you can sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere.
The Rhône quays in particular are popular with locals, especially when the weather is nice.
Look for one of the casual riverside buvettes, cafés or terraces and grab a coffee, soda, lemonade, mocktail or another refreshing drink while watching people go by.
Depending on the place and what you order, expect roughly €4-€8 (CA$7-CA$13) for a non-alcoholic drink.
It’s a great option for late afternoon or early evening when you don’t necessarily want another major sightseeing activity.
- Conseil : Prices and opening hours at seasonal riverside spots can change considerably, so check before heading there.
7
Explorer le quartier de la Croix-Rousse
If you have more than one day in Lyon, add Croix-Rousse to your itinerary.
This historic neighborhood sits on a hill overlooking the city and is closely connected to Lyon’s silk-weaving history.
The neighborhood was historically home to the Canuts, Lyon’s silk workers, and its architecture still reflects that history. You’ll find tall buildings with large windows that were designed to accommodate silk looms, along with steep streets, staircases, cafés, independent shops and traboules.
Don’t miss the Fresque des Canuts
One of the most interesting things to see here is the Fresque des Canuts, an enormous trompe-l’œil mural depicting the neighborhood and its residents.
Lyon is famous for its murals, with more than 100 painted walls around the city.
You can visit the mural for free and then continue walking through the neighborhood.
- Bon à savoir : This area has plenty of stairs and steep streets, so wear comfortable shoes.
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8
Se détendre au parc de la Tête d’Or
Need a break from sightseeing?
Head to Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Lyon’s largest and most popular green spaces.
The park covers around 105 hectares and includes a large lake, botanical gardens, walking paths and a zoo.
You don’t need to spend money here to enjoy it. You can simply walk around the lake, relax on the grass, explore the gardens or have a picnic.
The botanical garden is also particularly impressive, with thousands of plant species and large greenhouses.
- Notre conseil : It’s a little farther from the main historic attractions, so we’d save it for a second day rather than trying to squeeze it into a short one-day itinerary.
9
Comment se déplacer à Lyon?
One of the great things about Lyon is that many of the major attractions can be visited on foot.
Vieux Lyon, Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Saône riverbanks and several restaurants are all located close together.
For longer distances, Lyon has an extensive public transportation network including metro, tram, buses and funiculars.
A single public transport journey starts at around €1.60 (CA$2.60) under the current TCL fare structure, although the exact price depends on the zones and ticket purchased.
Le funicular is particularly useful for getting from Vieux Lyon up to Fourvière.
For current fares, routes and ticket options, check the official TCL Lyon public transportation website before your trip.
10
Combien de jours prévoir pour visiter Lyon?
One day in Lyon
If you only have one day, focus on:
- Vieux Lyon
- Saint-Jean Cathedral
- Roman Theatres and Odeon
- Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- A traditional bouchon lyonnais
You can see a surprising amount of Lyon in one day because many of these attractions are close together.
Nous avons personnellement have only spent one day in Lyon and felt like it was enough.
Two days in Lyon
Two days would give you a much more relaxed experience instead of rushing between attractions.
11
Est-ce que Lyon est une destination dispendieuse?
Lyon doesn’t have to be an extremely expensive destination.
Accommodation will probably be one of your biggest expenses, but there are plenty of ways to explore the city on a budget.
Several of the city’s most beautiful attractions are totalement gratuite, including:
- Vieux Lyon
- Traboules that are open to the public
- Roman Theatres and Odeon
- Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica
- Saint-Jean Cathedral
- Parc de la Tête d’Or
- Lyon’s outdoor murals
- Walking along the rivers
This makes Lyon a particularly good destination if you’re trying to keep your sightseeing budget low.
Final Thoughts: Is Lyon Worth Visiting?
Absolument.
What we loved about Lyon is that it doesn’t feel like a city where you have to spend a lot of money to have a good time.
Some of our favorite experiences were completely free: walking through Vieux Lyon, discovering the Roman ruins, visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and simply wandering along the rivers.
And if you’re a food lover, Lyon gives you another reason to visit. Between the traditional bouchons, local specialties, cafés and riverside terraces, eating is definitely part of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Lyon, France
What are the best things to do in Lyon, France?
Some of the best things to do in Lyon include exploring Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, discovering the Roman Theatres and Odeon, visiting Saint-Jean Cathedral, walking along the Rhône and Saône rivers, and trying traditional Lyonnais cuisine at a bouchon lyonnais.
Is Lyon worth visiting?
Yes, Lyon is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience a French city with a mix of history, architecture, food and local culture. Lyon has more than 2,000 years of history, UNESCO-listed historic areas, Roman ruins, beautiful churches and a famous culinary scene. It is also a great alternative to spending your entire France itinerary in Paris.
How many days do you need in Lyon?
Nous recommandons de passer 2 days in Lyon if you want to see the city’s main attractions without rushing. One day is enough to visit Vieux Lyon, Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Roman Theatres, Notre-Dame de Fourvière and enjoy a traditional meal. With two or three days, you can also explore Croix-Rousse, Parc de la Tête d’Or, Presqu’île and Lyon’s riverside areas.
What is Vieux Lyon famous for?
Vieux Lyon is famous for its Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets, historic courtyards, traboules and traditional restaurants. It is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Lyon and is part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What are traboules in Lyon?
Traboules are hidden passageways that connect streets by passing through buildings and courtyards. They are one of the most unique features of Lyon, particularly in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse. Some traboules are open to the public and can be explored for free.
Is Notre-Dame de Fourvière free to visit?
Yes. General admission to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is free. Visitors can enter the Basilica and admire its elaborate interior, including its famous mosaics, stained glass and decorative details. Paid guided tours and other experiences may be available separately.
What is the best free attraction in Lyon?
There are many free things to do in Lyon. Some of the highlights include exploring Vieux Lyon, visiting the Roman Theatres and Odeon, entering Notre-Dame de Fourvière, visiting Saint-Jean Cathedral, exploring Parc de la Tête d’Or and walking along the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Is the Roman Theatre in Lyon free?
Yes. The Roman Theatres and archaeological site on Fourvière Hill can be visited for free. The nearby Lugdunum Museum has separate admission. The Roman ruins are an easy attraction to combine with a visit to Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
What is a bouchon lyonnais?
A bouchon lyonnais is a traditional restaurant in Lyon serving local Lyonnais cuisine in a casual and convivial atmosphere. Typical dishes can include quenelles, sausage, pâté, salade lyonnaise and other regional specialties. Eating at a bouchon is one of the classic food experiences to have in Lyon.
Where should you eat traditional food in Lyon?
Lyon is known for its bouchons lyonnais, especially around Vieux Lyon and other central neighborhoods. We personally ate at Le Laurencin because we found an affordable set menu during our visit. We enjoyed our meal, particularly the onion soup, but after sharing our experience online, several French followers told us they considered it touristy and recommended trying other bouchons instead.
Is Lyon expensive to visit?
Lyon can be visited on different budgets. While accommodation and restaurants can become expensive, many of the city’s major attractions are free. Travelers can save money by exploring the historic neighborhoods on foot, visiting free attractions, using public transportation and choosing affordable restaurants or set menus.
What is Lyon known for?
Lyon is known for its history, Renaissance architecture, Roman heritage, silk-making history, traboules and food culture. It is often considered one of France’s major culinary destinations and is particularly famous for its traditional bouchons lyonnais.
Is Lyon a walkable city?
Yes, many of Lyon’s main tourist attractions are easy to reach on foot, particularly in Vieux Lyon, Presqu’île and along the rivers. However, some areas, especially Fourvière and Croix-Rousse, involve steep hills and stairs. Lyon also has an extensive public transportation network, including metro, buses, trams and funiculars.
What is the best area to stay in Lyon?
For first-time visitors, Vieux Lyon and Presqu’île are convenient areas to consider because they are close to many of Lyon’s main attractions, restaurants and public transportation. Croix-Rousse is another option for travelers who prefer a more residential and local atmosphere.
What is the best time to visit Lyon?
Spring, summer and early autumn are popular times to visit Lyon because the weather is generally suitable for walking and outdoor sightseeing. September and October can be particularly pleasant for exploring the city without the peak summer atmosphere. Lyon is also beautiful during the winter, especially around the holiday season.
What should you not miss in Lyon?
If you’re visiting Lyon for the first time, don’t miss Vieux Lyon, Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Roman Theatres and Odeon, Saint-Jean Cathedral and a traditional bouchon lyonnais.
Ensuite?
Now that you know the best activities in Lyon, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
- 7 des meilleures activités à faire à Nice, France
- Guide de voyage en France : Conseils ultimes et informations à connaître
- 7 des meilleures activités à faire à Monaco
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