Lyon

DESCRIPTION
“The long history of Lyon, which was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. as the capital of the Three Gauls and has continued to play a major role in Europe’s political, cultural and economic development ever since, is vividly illustrated by its urban fabric and the many fine historic buildings from all periods.” UNESCO World Heritage Site description

Transports Communs Lyon (TCL): If you are staying in Lyon proper, not only do you not need a car but you actually don’t want one. You can move about Lyon with the city’s excellent public transportation, Transports Communs Lyon (TCL).

ACCESS
Main Airport:
Saint-Exupery International Airport

Rhone Express: This light rail is the most inexpensive and fastest way to transfer from the airport to the Lyon city center.

Main Railway stations:
Gare de Lyon-Perrache Station
Gare de la Part-Dieu Station

WHERE TO STAY
Presque’île, near Place Bellecour is the ideal location. It is centrally located and primarily a pedestrian area. Vieux Lyon is the most beautiful neighborhood, but it can become quite swamped with crowds. Croix-Rousse is the most culturally authentic neighborhood, but going up and down the hill will becoming tiring and time-consuming. Hotel des Célestins on Presque’île is a 5 minute walk from Vieux Lyon, and 5 minute walk from the largest metro station in Lyon. I would avoid any hotel east of the Rhône, especially near the Part-Dieu area. It is too industrialized and commercial for me.

Hotel des Célestins
4 Rue des Archers
69002 Lyon
info@hotelcelestins.com
https://www.hotelcelestins.com/

MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS
Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation (CHRD)
Lugdunum
Musée d’Art Contemporain Lyon (MAC Lyon)
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (MBA Lyon)
Musée des Confluences Lyon
Musée Gadagne is two museums for one admission fee: Musée des Arts de la Marionnette and Musée d’Histoire de Lyon
Mémorial National de la Prison de Montluc

There are two cards worth considering. The Lyon City Card and La Carte Musées. Which card works for you depends on how much you will move about the city and how many museums you want to visit. Just remember that usually students and under-18s either have significant discounts or free admission.

La Carte Musées grants free and unlimited to some but not all Lyon museums.

PLACES OF WORSHIP
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Basilique Saint-Bonaventure de Lyon
Cathédrale Saint-Jean
Église Saint-Nizier

EAT
Barocco
Brasserie Georges (Founded in 1836, this large communal hall restaurant is a Lyon must)
CHËF – Berliner Kebap
Culina Hortus
Daniel et Denise Créqui – Bouchon Lyonnais (authentic Lyonnais food from Lyon)
Le Traquenard (best place for an evening drink)
Pignol Zola (best takeaway in Lyon)
René Nardone (delicious ice cream, with an incredible variety of flavors)
Rue Mercière (street lined with restaurants)
Toké Place Sathonay (French empanadas)

EDITOR AND LAST UPDATE
John William Bailly 21 March 2025
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