Beautiful Places in Lyon
Lyon, the capital of the Gauls during the Roman Empire, has grown into a city with plenty to do for anyone. The city is home to fine dining restaurants from world-renowned chef Paul Bocuse, cinema museums from the pioneering Lumière brothers, and ancient Roman theatres dating back to the year 19 AD. This list of things to do in Lyon includes activities and destinations that will appeal to history buffs, foodies, and even vintage car enthusiasts. With so many stunning attractions and fun activities, read on to ensure you don’t miss any hidden gems or historical landmarks on your next trip to Lyon.
1 Villa Florentine
Villa Florentine is a luxury hotel that was before a gothic-style convent. Because it is right in the heart of Old Lyon, your room will have panoramic views of the historic district. Staying at this hotel, soaking in the spa, and dining at one of the on-site fine dining restaurants is one of the best things to do in Lyon for those celebrating a special occasion or on a romantic getaway.
2 Safari de Peaugres
An hour’s drive from Lyon will take you to the French commune of Peaugres, which is home to the open range Safari de Peaugres. You can drive through open areas alongside a diverse range of wildlife and get up close and personal. The safari is after the harmonious ecosystem of a typical African village, so you’ll see zebras and antelopes coexisting.
3 Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication
The Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication is a repository for all things printed and written down. The collection includes everything from Gutenberg’s 42-line bible to the daily newspaper. Also, you will learn about the history of the printing press and other technology used to create books, signs, and posters over the years.
4 Michelin-starred restaurant
For those who enjoy sampling the best culinary delights a city has to offer, Lyon has no shortage of fine dining options. One of the most well-known is Paul Bocuse, a double Michelin-starred restaurant in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or known for innovative takes on classic French cuisine. There’s even more in the heart of Lyon, with the experimental Takao Takano and the classic French Mère Brazier.
5 Musée de l’Automobile Henri Malartre
The Musée de l’Automobile Henri Malartre in Lyon is a collection of cars and vehicles that depict the evolution of the automobile. The museum in a 12th-century castle and the collection up of items acquired by Henri Malartre since the 1930s. There’s everything from early motor prototypes to vintage 1960s race cars and everything between.
6 Theatre des Celestins
The Théâtre des Celestins first opened its doors in 1792 as a small playhouse for dramas and vaudevilles. Because the theatre was before a convent, the surrounding architecture is rich in Lyon history. The Theatre is now one of the best places to see Lyon playwrights’ theatrical works, as well as large-scale performances of well-known works.
7 The Presquile
The Presqu’île, located between the Rhône and Saône rivers, is a well-known Lyon district with a posh mix of cafes, restaurants, and high-end shopping. It is not only a great place to enjoy some fine dining or a theatre performance, but it is also home to many Lyon landmarks, such as the Lyon town hall, the Church of St. Nizierm, and the Fine Arts Museum.
8 Lyon Zoo
Lyon Zoo is over 150 years old, making it one of France’s most historic zoos. There is a wide range of animals from native to exotic, so whether you are a local or visiting from afar, there will be something new to see. The zoo also takes pride in its conservation practises, which breed endangered populations, so there’s bound to be an exotic species or two you’ve never seen before.
9 Ride on a Bike
Lyon has a high concentration of notable sites, and without a guide, seeing them all can be difficult and easy to miss. A city bike tour is a great way to see a lot of the city while also learning from a knowledgeable local. A two-hour electric bike tour of Lyon’s UNESCO-listed historic centre is accessible to both young and old!
10 des Terreaux
A number of major landmarks can be found in Lyon’s Place des Terreaux. The 1889 Bartholdi Fountain, sculpted by the Statue of Liberty’s creator, in addition to the Lyon Museum of Visual Arts and the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, Lyon’s town hall and one of the city’s largest structures, are all worth a visit. A Tuk Tuk tour will take you to all of the key locations in Place de Terreaux as well as all along the Saône’s riverbank.
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