Famous Things to do in Lyon
Lyon is the third-largest city in France. It is a city with a rich history, an authentic atmosphere, with the best French food and the friendliest people. Experience the real France in Lyon — not Paris, not Nice, not Cannes … but Lyon (where I live)! And more importantly, you can do it for free! Here is a list of famous things to do in Lyon. I hope it can be useful. Here you go:
1. Parc de la Tête d’Or
Spend time in the Parc de la Tete d’Or — the so-called “green lungs” of Lyon. You will be surprised by some things you can never think you can do for free. Indoor and outdoor areas can be explored and there is an impressive collection of flowers. And there’s a free zoo that you can visit, and it’s not a small zoo, but a suitable animal where every animal like lions, giraffes, monkeys, crocodiles, pelicans, flamingos, deer and emus is just the name of the main ones. Large enough.
2. Mount Fourviere
Discover the stunning views of Fourvière Hill and the imposing Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere. If you have stamina, I would recommend climbing. If you don’t mind paying the price of a subway ticket, you might want to use the very famous funicular and climb! For a special experience, visit on a Sunday when there is a Mass you can attend for free. Don’t miss the Esplanade de Fourvière, on the left side of the basilica, and the small garden surrounding it.
3. The Traboules — ancient silk flights
Learn about the history of silk production in the Vieux Lyon district. Follow the “trabulus”. These are covered passageways that act as public corridors in a quarter of private homes used by silk workers to transport their fabrics. Visit boutiques showcasing silk textiles and listen to the salesperson who will tell you more about the silk manufacturing process.
4. Croix Rousse
Continue your free tour of Lyon’s silk history and visit more tributes at Croix Rousse. Colline de la Croix-Rousse was an important center of weaving in the early 19th century. Use the special route with arrows that leads to a self-guided tour. It’s a lot of fun to wander around to discover the architectural curiosities of the hidden streets.
5. The confluence area
Don’t miss the modern part of Lyon. Visit the Confluence district, between the Saône and Rhône rivers. Here you can get to know a little different Lyon for free — the modern, advanced part, with the latest big investments. Stunning new buildings can be admired and great views of the city. There is an eye-catching modern bridge and the Confluence Museum, and at the site of the confluence of the two Lyonnais rivers, there are river banks and garden areas for relaxation.
6. Perfect place for a picnic lunch
Save on your lunch! Prepare packaged sandwiches or visit your local Boulangerie for a fresh baguette. You can download ham and cheese from local shops and I promise you will find free picnic spots very easily. You can really enjoy lunch in so many places. Choose from the Parc de la Tete d’Or or the beautiful rivers Saône and Rhône. You could sit on Fourviere Hill or in the prominent Gallo-Roman amphitheater. You can enjoy your lunch in the recently opened park of the Confluence Museum, in the Croix Rousse parks and benches in Lyonnais main square, and feel the atmosphere of Lyonnais!
