Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon’s medieval Old Town is one of the largest and most attractive of its kind in Europe. The area is dominated by Gothic architecture, which reaches a glorious pinnacle with the Cathedral of St.-Jean.

Lyon is the French culinary capital for unusual (and occasionally rather disturbing) animals’ body parts. If calf’s head (Tete de veau) doesn’t do it for you, then perhaps the cow’s stomach (tablier) or lamb’s testicles (melettes) will… Not for the faint-hearted!

Les Traboules are a network of tunnels and staircases that riddle the Croix-Rousse district. They were set up to help the city’s thriving silk industry by connecting the area’s merchants’ houses (and stores) with their looms. Now, they’re a fascinating and utterly unique feature of the city.

Lyon’s main art museum proves that not all the art in France has been stashed away up in Paris. In addition to countless fantastic Impressionist works, there’s an archaeological wing which runs through the many twists and turns of Lyon’s labyrinthine history.

Eating and drinking in Lyon isn’t just good, it’s stellar. Bouchons are atmospheric little restaurants; bouvettes – alcohol stalls for open-air drinking – can be found down by the Presqu’ile. And Beaujolais? The local tipple (of which, you’ll undoubtedly consume vast quantities!)