These are the best places to travel this summer

Lyon

France Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
City skyline with Pont Bonaparte and Saone River, Lyon, Rhone Valley, France, Europe

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Lyon

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, Lyon has been luring people ever since the Romans named it Lugdunum in 43 BC. Commercial, industrial and banking powerhouse for the past 500 years, Lyon is France's third-largest city, and offers today's urban explorers a wealth of enticing experiences.

Must-see attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Offering everything from cinematic history to photogenic riverbanks to edgy art galleries, France’s culinary capital is more than just a pretty plate.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Whether you're heading to Lyon for food, festivals, or a slice of local life, we give you the best times to visit and why.

Read article

Free Things to Do

Mysterious passageways, stunning street art and 2000-year-old Roman ruins can all be part of your Lyon adventure, without spending a single euro. 

Read article

Day Trips

Go beyond France's third-largest city with these amazing day trips from Lyon.

Read article

5 Shops

From innovative stores doing clothing rentals to places selling delicious wine and cheese, here is our guide to Lyon's best independent shops.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Lyon