Lyon, France is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it is the third-largest city in France and the second-largest metropolitan area in the country. The city is known for its stunning architecture, its vibrant culture, and its delicious cuisine.
If you’re planning a trip to Lyon, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the top attractions. From grand cathedrals to charming cobblestoned streets, here are the top 20 places to see in Lyon, France.
1. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: This stunning Gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lyon. The cathedral is known for its intricate stained-glass windows and its elaborate facade.
2. Place Bellecour: This is the largest public square in Europe and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and boutiques and is a great place to people watch.
3. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: This grand basilica is perched atop the Fourvière Hill and offers stunning views of the city. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lyon and is a popular spot for tourists to visit.
4. Musée des Beaux-Arts: This museum houses an impressive collection of artwork from various periods. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in France and is a must-see for art lovers.
5. Parc de la Tête d’Or: This is the largest urban park in France and is a great spot to relax and take in some fresh air. The park is home to a botanical garden, a lake, and several playgrounds, making it the perfect spot for a family outing.
6. La Croix-Rousse: This is a charming neighborhood in the heart of Lyon. The area is known for its cobblestoned streets, its colorful buildings, and its vibrant atmosphere.
7. Place des Terreaux: This is a popular square in the city center of Lyon. It is home to several statues, including a fountain with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
8. Musée des Confluences: This museum is located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers. It is home to a variety of exhibits, including anthropology, science, and technology.
9. Place des Jacobins: This is a picturesque square in the old town of Lyon. It is home to a statue of the Virgin Mary and a fountain, as well as several cafes and restaurants.
10. Rue Mercière: This is one of the oldest and most charming streets in Lyon. It is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques and is a great place to shop and explore.
11. Presqu’île: This is the area between the Rhône and the Saône rivers. It is home to several museums, galleries, and parks, making it a great spot to explore.
12. Parc de la Cerisaie: This is a large park located in the south of Lyon. It is home to a lake, a botanical garden, and several playgrounds, making it a great spot for a family outing.
13. Place des Cordeliers: This is a popular square in the old town of Lyon. It is home to a statue of the Virgin Mary and a fountain, as well as several cafes and restaurants.
14. Parc des Berges du Rhône: This is a large park located on the banks of the Rhône river. It is home to a lake, a botanical garden, and several playgrounds, making it a great spot for a family outing.
15. Place des Jacobins: This is a picturesque square in the old town of Lyon. It is home to a statue of the Virgin Mary and a fountain, as well as several cafes and restaurants.
16. Musée des Automates: This museum is located in the heart of Lyon. It is home to an impressive collection of automatons, making it a great spot for kids and adults alike.
17. Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs: This museum is located in the old town of Lyon. It is home to a variety of textiles and decorative arts, making it a great spot for art lovers.
18. Opéra de Lyon: This is one of the most popular venues in Lyon. It regularly hosts performances of opera, ballet, and classical music.
19. Musée des Beaux-Arts: This museum houses an impressive collection of artwork from various periods. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in France and is a must-see for art lovers.
20. Rue du Boeuf: This is one of the oldest and most charming streets in Lyon. It is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques and is a great place to shop and explore.
Lyon, France is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s grand cathedrals or its charming cobblestoned streets, these are the top 20 places to see in Lyon, France.