Advice

We'd like you to take a quick break from your visit to introduce you to several other points of interest that we weren't able to include in the itinerary. For a visit to Lyon's modern districts, head for Confluence! Located south of the Presqu'île, this area is the subject of numerous initiatives aimed at making the place more attractive, through the implementation of contemporary urban planning. This is where you'll find the Musée des Confluences, a modern building with astonishing architecture and home to captivating exhibitions. Don't leave Lyon without taking the time to stroll along the banks of the Rhône. If you leave the peninsula and just cross the Guillotière bridge, you'll have a magnificent view of the superb Hôtel-Dieu. Seeking a more natural landscape? Head to the Parc de la Tête d'Or, the city's green lung. A real paradise for picnicking, strolling, or laying in the grass - in short, a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. With its 105 hectares, it is the largest park in Lyon, and one of the largest in France. Only a twenty-minute walk away from the park you’ll find the enticing Halles Bocuse. In use since 2006, around sixty shopkeepers welcome you in this large glass roofed hall, showcasing the best of Lyon's delicious flavors. It is also the place to purchase all of the region’s exceptional products. The place was named after Paul Bocuse, the famous chef from Lyon and one of the greatest names of the 20th century. His restaurant, the Auberge du Pont de Collonges, is located in the village of Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, a twenty-minute drive from Lyon. Should you wish to taste local specialties for less, head for the bouchons in the town centre. Most of them offer a generous and very affordable menu. To help you in your choice, as there are hundreds of different bouchons, a quality label has been created to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the various restaurants. A surprising garden can be found on the Croix-Rousse plateau, just a few streets away from the Mur des Canuts. Created by Jules Senis Mir, a Spaniard who sought refuge in France during the Spanish Civil War, it was decorated with shells and pebbles of all kinds. This magnificent garden offers an unusual bonus during a visit to the heart of Croix-Rousse. In the same district you’ll find the Maison des Canuts- a place to discover the history of Lyon's silk industry through an exhibition and demonstrations. If you're looking for a bird’s-eye view, the choice is yours: on the Fourvière side, the Jardin des Curiosités, offers a magnificent view over the rooftops, towers and busy streets of Lyon. If you're passing through Croix Rousse, you can stop off for a while at the Jardin des Chartreux or the Jardin Villemanzy. Finally, for an overview of the city and its surroundings, there's nothing like getting away from it all: head to Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or, just a few kilometres from Lyon. Climb the Mont Thou and enjoy breathtaking views over the city, the Ain plain and the Alps! Whether you're in the middle of summer or just fancy a nice walk by the water, the lakes around Lyon are a great idea for a day out. Less than an hour and a half's drive away, you'll find Lac des Sapins, Lac d'Aiguebelette, Lac de Paladru, Lac de Nantua and Lac de Cormoranche. Should you have more time to explore the surrounding area, you can head to the Monts du Lyonnais, to the west of the town. It offers great opportunities for nature walks and charming villages. The Pilat regional park, to the south of Lyon, is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, who can even reach it by taking the Viarhôna. Take the opportunity to discover Vienne, an ancient Gallo-Roman city with many treasures to share. On the other side, a 40-minute drive away to the east of Lyon, I recommend a visit to Pérouges, one of France's most beautiful villages. On the way, stop off at the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage and its lake, for an impromptu swim on a hot summer's day. Last but not least, this time to the north, don't miss a visit to the small villages that make up the Monts-d'Or, notably Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or and its ancient stone houses. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.