Culture · Free guide
Lyon Cultural Guide
What would you like to do?
Traboules, bouchons, lights and the two rivers — culture you can join in Lyon.
1. Vieux Lyon and the traboules
Renaissance passages link streets through courtyards; some are open to walkers during the day. Go with a resident-led history walk to hear who lived there.
Tip: Speak softly in traboules — people live above them.
2. Croix-Rousse: silk, slopes and the market
The silk-workers' hill keeps its tall windows and its market along the boulevard. Climb the stairs, then shop and cook together.
Tip: The market runs most mornings except Monday.
3. The Rhône banks at dusk
Walk, run or sit on the quays where the city comes out in the evening — the best place to meet a group before dinner.
Tip: Bring a layer; river wind is cool even in June.
4. December: the Fête des Lumières
For four days around 8 December the city is lit by installations and by candles in windows. Go with a group and pick one district per night.
Tip: Check official dates and transport changes on the festival site.
Films about these places
Published by their creators on YouTube.
Destination filmFête des Lumières 2024 à Lyon : les plus belles illuminations en vidéoOfficial information
Dates, access rules and opening times change — check these sources before you go.
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Free PDF with maps, places, activities and QR codes back to the platform.
- Vieux Lyon and the traboules
- Croix-Rousse: silk, slopes and the market
- The Rhône banks at dusk
- December: the Fête des Lumières