Lyon, France’s third largest city, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Founded 2,000 years ago, the city is a living museum, with beautiful architecture, culture
and traditions reflecting the different populations who have inhabited it.
With a large renaissance old town, Roman ruins, historic industrial districts and the regal
19th-century Presqu’île quarter, Lyon is a major tourist destination.
Before we get into the top 10 things to do in Lyon, we’ve included links in the description
to various discount codes and links to resources of things to do, so make sure you check those
out.
10) At number 10 is Lyon Zoo
Lyon Zoo is located in the centre of Parc de la Tete d’Or and covers an area of 8
hectares.
It is public zoo and is home to more than 400 animals, almost half of which participate
in European breeding programs.
With lions, giraffes, monkeys, crocodiles, pelicans, flamingos and much more, this free
to enter zoo makes a great visit for all the family.
9) Number 9 is Mini World Lyon
Located 15 minutes from downtown Lyon, Mini World is the biggest animated miniature park
in France.
At over 3000m2, visitors can discover four miniature worlds full of enchantment, interaction
and fun.
Everyone can feel like a giant among 30,000 miniature people, 6,000 miniature cars, and
4,000 miniature animals.
Night-time rolls around every 20 minutes and every hour a really small Festival of Light
takes place.
With street scenes that come to life with fun animations, famous characters from cartoons
and heaps of action, this really is an amazing attraction!
8) At number 8 is the Presqu’ile District of Lyon
Situated in the heart of Lyon, nestled between the Rhone and Saone rivers, this beautiful
district is the perfect example of Lyon’s historical architecture through the ages.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, striking buildings from the 12th century stand next to modern
architectural designs, providing the perfect backdrop for a lovely city walk.
7) Number 7 is Lyon Cathedral
The city’s fabulous cathedral, also known as St Jean Cathedral, was built between the
12th and 15th centuries and the majority of the original stained-glass windows are still
in place.
The exterior, has portals that are decorated with hundreds of stone medallions many depict
scenes from the Zodiac, the creation and the life of St. John.
Inside, the cathedral’s astronomical clock has been tracking the passing time since the
14th century.
In the central tower there are several automated figures and at the turn of the hour visitors
can hear its unique chimes and see the mechanical spectacle in motion.
6) At number 6 is Musée Des Beaux-Arts
The Musée Des Beaux-Arts is a former 17th century abbey, transformed into one of the
largest art and culture museums in Europe.
It opened to the public in 1803 with the aim to preserve and display French and international
arts.
There are 70 rooms filled with exhibitions including antiquities, art and sculpture,
modern art and medieval pieces, as well as temporary shows borrowing some of the most
prestigious art and artefacts from around the world.
5) Number 5 is Parc de la Tête d’Or
This 19th-century park with a beautiful lake, is located just a short walk northeast of
the centre of Lyon and is one of the largest urban parks in France.
It contains numerous attractions for all the family including a zoo, boating lake, botanical
gardens, miniature railway, pony rides for children and more.
It’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty and includes dozens of
trails for walking, jogging and cycling, and large open spaces for activities and picnics.
4) At number 4 is the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
This magnificent church, visible on the Fourvière hill to west of the city was built in the
late 19th century.
Housing stunning mosaics, beautiful stained glass and a crypt of Saint Joseph, Fourvière
basilica is a spectacular landmark to visit in Lyon.
Visitors can also ascend the north tower of the church for one of Lyon’s best photo
opportunities.
3) Number 3 is the Roman Theatre of Fourviére
Established in 15BC by Augustus, the Roman Theatre of Fourviére is the oldest theatre
in France.
Visitors can see this impressive complex, and climb to the top of Fourvière hill to
look down upon the city of Lyon.
It is all part of an UNESCO site with three fascinating ancient structures providing an
opportunity to gain an insight into Roman life in the region.
2) At number 2 is Place Bellecour
Bellecour is one of the largest open plazas in Europe and is a gathering place in Lyon.
This enormous square lies in the city centre between the rivers Rhone and Saone and is
the transport hub of the city.
There are fine old buildings around the square with elegant facades, historic statues, and
in Winter a large Ferris wheel which is beautifully illuminated in the evening.
1) And at number 1 is the Aquarium du Grand Lyon
Just west of the Confluence, Lyon's aquarium is home to more than 300 marine species, including
5000 fish.
Visitors can explore the underwater beauty of the sea in 47 pools whilst sharks,
stingrays and more can found in the 450,000 litre shark pit.
With species from the European rivers, Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and even the
African lakes, all the family are guaranteed to love this wonderful experience into the
depths of the world's oceans.
So that sums up our top 10 things to do in Lyon, we hope you enjoyed, if you did please
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