General Guide
Landmark
Park
Museum
Culture
Sightseeing
Restaurant
Lyon is a city in the historical Rhône-Alpes region of France, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Tourists are drawn to its ancient Roman amphitheater of the Three Gauls, built 2,000 years ago, the medieval and Renaissance-era buildings of Vieux Lyon, and the modern Confluence district on the Presqu'île peninsula. The city is also famous for its traboules—narrow passageways between buildings..
Expert tips
Visa and Documentation
•For EU citizens, no visa is required; just bring your national ID card or passport.
•Travelers from many non-EU countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Australia) can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
•Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
•Non-EU travelers should check the Schengen visa requirements if a visa is necessary.
How to Get There
•By Airplane: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is 25 km from the city, with Rhônexpress trams connecting to the city center.
•By Train: Lyon is a major hub with high-speed TGV connections to Paris (2 hours), Marseille, and Geneva.
•By Car: Accessible via highways A6, A7, and A42. Parking in the city center is available but limited.
Budget
•Backpackers: €50–€80 per day (hostel, public transport, budget dining).
•Mid-range travelers: €120–€180 per day (3-star hotels, casual dining, entry tickets).
•Luxury travelers: €200+ per day (boutique hotels, fine dining, guided tours).
Getting Around
•Metro: Lyon has an efficient metro system with four lines connecting key attractions.
•Trams: Convenient for reaching outlying areas and major sites like the Musée des Confluences.
•Buses: The bus network covers the entire city and surrounding suburbs.
•Walking: Vieux Lyon and the Presqu’île district are best explored on foot.
•Bikes: Use Vélo’v, Lyon’s bike-sharing system, for scenic rides along the Rhône and Saône rivers.
During Your Visit
•Best Time: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
•Local Cuisine: Don’t miss bouchons, traditional Lyonnais restaurants serving hearty regional dishes.
•Shopping: Visit the markets at Croix-Rousse or the food market at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.