Lyon

A city with 2,000 years of history

Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43 BC under the name Lugdunum and became one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire north of the Alps. Traces from this period can still be seen today, including the Roman theatres on Fourvière Hill.

The old town, Vieux Lyon, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance districts. Here you wander through narrow cobbled streets, pastel-coloured façades and hidden passageways known as traboules – secret corridors once used by silk merchants.

Above the city rises the impressive Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering panoramic views over the rooftops, the rivers and, on clear days, the Alps in the distance.

Lyon – where food is a way of life

Lyon is where French food culture truly lives and breathes. The city is home to traditional bouchons – small, intimate restaurants serving rustic and authentic dishes.

Typical specialities include quenelles, andouillette, coq au vin, local cheeses and wines from nearby areas such as Beaujolais. It was also here that the legendary chef Paul Bocuse began his culinary revolution. Today, traditional bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants sit side by side.

Lyon is not about fine dining for show – it is about flavour, tradition and genuine enjoyment of food.

Two rivers, three districts and a lively city feel

Lyon naturally divides into three main areas. Vieux Lyon is historic, romantic and charming. Presqu’île lies on the peninsula between the Rhône and Saône and forms the city’s lively centre with shopping, squares and cafés. Croix-Rousse is the creative district, known for its silk workers, art and bohemian atmosphere.

Along the riverbanks you will find cycle paths, parks and outdoor terraces. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere is both lively and relaxed, and the city feels urban and comfortable at the same time.

Lyon is not only historic – the city is also modern and creative. Musée des Confluences offers a futuristic encounter with science, nature and design, while the Lumière Museum tells the story of cinema’s pioneers. The contrast between old and new architecture gives Lyon a dynamic energy.

Excursions nearby and the best time to visit

Lyon is also a perfect starting point for experiences beyond the city. Beaujolais offers vineyards and small villages, the Alps invite day trips into the mountains and nature, and Annecy brings romantic lakeside charm within easy reach.

Spring and autumn are ideal – with pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. Summer brings lively festivals, while December transforms the city during the Fête des Lumières. Lyon is especially well suited to travellers who want to experience authentic French city life, love gastronomy, seek history without mass tourism and want to combine culture and wine in the same trip.