Lyon can be planned around a range of interests: the Rhône riverbanks offer space for walks, while the Roman Theatres of Lugdunum can be visited year-round and free of charge. There are also green spaces, architecture, mural art and cuisine. By prioritising what matters to you in advance, you can shape your stay around nature and open spaces, cultural history or food.
Green spaces and the Rhône riverbanks
At 105 hectares, Parc de la Tête d’Or sets the standard for Lyon’s green spaces. The Jardin botanique de Lyon contains plant collections across 8 hectares, offering a specific botanical focus. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, you can choose between the large park and the plant collections. The Rhône riverbanks offer almost five kilometres of space for walks and urban leisure activities. Unlike a single park, the length of the riverside route is the measure described here. This distinction is useful when making your choice: the park, plant collections and riverside walks offer different ways to experience Lyon outdoors.
Architecture, urban history and mural art
Gadagne is housed in a Renaissance building classified as a historic monument. The building features a large courtyard and hanging gardens. The Basilica of Fourvière offers a different view of Lyon: it overlooks the entire city, while its interior is richly decorated with mosaics, stained glass and marble. These two buildings highlight different features—the building itself and its courtyard and garden features at Gadagne, and the view and interior decoration at the basilica. If architecture is a focus of your trip, these specific features can guide your choice of cultural sites.
The Musée des Confluences stands at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône. Since 1964, Vieux-Lyon has been France’s first protected area for listed urban districts. The Canut mural offers a different point of reference: it covers a 1,200 m² windowless façade and is described as Europe’s largest painted mural. These topics are quite distinct: from a location at the confluence, to the protected status of an entire urban district, to a large-scale painted façade. This can help you decide whether you’re more interested in geography, urban history or mural art.
Roman heritage and events
The Great Theatre of Lugdunum is described as the oldest theatre in France. The Roman Theatres of Lugdunum host concerts, festivals, guided tours and other events. They can also be visited year-round and free of charge. When planning, you can distinguish between the Great Theatre’s historical significance and a specific event you’d like to attend. Check practical visitor information before your visit and, if you’re planning a guided tour or event, check the relevant date.
Lyonnaise cuisine and choosing a hotel
The cuisine offers another way to experience the city. The Bouchon Lyonnais label is intended to guarantee an authentic, high-quality culinary experience at traditional Lyon restaurants. If you’re specifically looking for traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, the label is a useful guide. A food tour can be one way to discover Lyon’s cuisine, moving from one speciality to the next and from one tasting venue to another. If you’re making specific plans, check whether a suitable tour is available during your stay.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Lyon, first decide which aspects of the city you want to shape your stay: cultural sites, green spaces, walks along the Rhône riverbanks or cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, Lamure-sur-Azergues, Savigny, Morancé, Civrieux-d'Azergues, Saint-Loup, La Mulatière, Anse.
For the broader travel overview: Rhône.
