How to Maximize Your Time in Lyon with the Lyon City Card

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the country’s rich history and culture. With so many attractions to explore, it can be overwhelming for tourists to decide where to start. If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Lyon, consider purchasing the Lyon City Card. This pass serves as your passport to some of the city’s most popular cultural institutions, providing free admission to 22 museums, free guided tours, river cruises, discounts on shopping, and more. Here’s an overview of what to expect with the Lyon City Card:

What’s Included with the Lyon City Card

The Lyon City Card offers a host of benefits for tourists looking to explore the city. Here’s what you can expect with the pass:

Free Admission to Top Museums

The Lyon City Card provides free admission to 21 of the city’s top museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon and the Musée Gallo-Romain de Lyon-Fourvière. With the pass, you can spend as much time as you want exploring these world-renowned institutions.

Unlimited Public Transportation

The Lyon City Card includes unlimited access to public transportation, including buses, metro, tramway, and funicular. This means you can easily travel around the city without worrying about the cost of tickets or passes.

Free Guided Tours

The Lyon City Card also includes free guided tours of the city’s top attractions. With the pass, you can join a group of other tourists and learn about Lyon’s rich history from a knowledgeable guide. Some of the top tours included with the pass include the Lyon City Tram Tour and the Lyon Walking Tour.

Shopping Discounts

With the Lyon City Card, you can also enjoy discounts on shopping at some of the city’s most sophisticated shops. This is a great opportunity to pick up souvenirs and gifts for loved ones back home while saving money.

Free Concerts and Puppet Shows

In addition to free admission to museums and tours, the Lyon City Card also provides access to free concerts and puppet shows. This is a great way to experience some of the city’s cultural offerings while saving money on entertainment.

Free Brochure and Map-Guide

Finally, when you collect your Lyon City Card, you’ll also receive a free brochure and map-guide to the city. This guide provides information on all of the top attractions in Lyon, making it easy to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in the city.

Choosing Your Lyon City Card

The Lyon City Card is available in four different pass options: 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day. This allows you to choose the pass that best fits your travel itinerary and budget. Once you’ve selected your pass, you can collect your Lyon City Card at a local tourism office or at your hotel. The pass is activated as soon as you use it for the first time, so be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon, the Lyon City Card is a great way to make the most of your time in the city. With free admission to top museums, unlimited public transportation, and discounts on shopping, the pass is a great value for travelers on a budget. To book the Lyon City Card, visit Viator’s website and choose the pass that works best for you. With the Lyon City Card in hand, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Lyon!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful city located in the east-central part of France. It is known for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and incredible architecture. Lyon is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which makes it a popular tourist destination. Here are some frequently asked questions about Lyon:

1. What is Lyon famous for?

Lyon is most famous for its exceptional cuisine, which includes dishes like Coq au Vin, Escargots de Bourgogne, and Tarte Tatin. The city is also known for its architecture, with stunning buildings like the Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Vieux Lyon. Aside from that, Lyon is also famous for its history, silk production, wine, and its role in the French Revolution.

2. When is the best time to visit Lyon?

The best time to visit Lyon is from April to June or from September to November, as the weather is mild during these periods. July and August are the busiest and hottest months of the year, which can make it challenging to enjoy the city fully. Winter in Lyon can be quite cold, but the city is still beautiful to visit during this time.

3. How do I get to Lyon?

Lyon can be easily accessed through its international airport, the Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport, which is located about 25 km from the city center. There are also several train stations in Lyon, including the Part Dieu train station, which is the central train station, and the Perrache train station, located in the city’s southwest. Alternatively, you can also reach Lyon by car, as it is well-connected to the rest of France via several highways.

4. What are the top attractions to visit in Lyon?

Lyon is a beautiful city with several must-visit attractions. Some of the top attractions include the Fourvière Hill and Basilica, the Vieux Lyon, which is Lyon’s old town, the Lyon Cathedral, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. The Parc de la Tête d’Or, the largest urban park in France, is also a must-visit destination. Additionally, Lyon’s food scene is excellent and worth exploring.

5. What is the cuisine like in Lyon?

Lyon is famous for its cuisine, which is some of the best in France. Traditional Lyon dishes include Coq au Vin, a chicken dish braised in red wine, Escargots de Bourgogne or Burgundy snails, and Tarte Tatin, a type of caramelized apple pie. Lyon is also known for its sausages and meats, such as saucisson lyonnais and boudin noir. The city is also the origin of the famous Paul Bocuse, an internationally known chef, and restaurateur.

6. What is the language spoken in Lyon?

French is the official language spoken in Lyon, as it is in the rest of France. However, as a popular tourist destination, many locals speak English, especially those working in the tourism industry.

7. How safe is Lyon?

Lyon is a generally safe city. However, like any big city, visitors should take basic precautions such as avoiding tacking valuables out in the open, especially in crowded areas, at night, or in unsecured areas. Visitors should also be aware of pickpockets and scammers, especially around tourist attractions.

8. What is the currency used in Lyon?

The currency used in Lyon and in the rest of France is the Euro (€).

9. What is the climate like in Lyon?

Lyon has a temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach as high as 30°C. Winters can be cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing.

10. What is the dress code in Lyon?

Lyon is a relaxed city, and the dress code is generally casual. However, in some restaurants, especially the more upscale ones, business casual attire is recommended. Visitors should pack comfortable shoes for walking, as Lyon’s streets are cobblestoned and can be quite steep in some areas. In conclusion, Lyon is a beautiful city that offers visitors a rich cultural experience, excellent food, and stunning architecture. Visitors can enjoy the city’s many attractions and take in its historical significance while indulging in some of the world’s best food.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Lyon

Lyon, located in the southeast of France, is a city known for its gastronomy, architecture, and history. As a tourist, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the vast number of things to see and do. To help you make the most out of your time in Lyon, we have compiled a detailed guide of things to do and see in the city.

1. Visit Vieux Lyon

Vieux Lyon, also known as Old Lyon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Lyon’s most popular attractions. With narrow streets, traboules, and colorful Renaissance buildings, you will feel like you have been transported back in time. You can start your tour from Place Bellecour and make your way down to Vieux Lyon. Explore the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon and its astronomical clock, walk through the traboules, and take a tour of the Musée Gadagne.

2. Taste the Local Cuisine

Lyon is often referred to as the gastronomic capital of France. You cannot visit the city without trying some of the local dishes. The traditional Lyonnaise cuisine includes Coq Au Vin, Quenelle de Brochet, and Cervelle de Canut. You can find these dishes in traditional “bouchons” or Lyonnaise restaurants. Rue Mercière is known for its selection of restaurants, but you can also head to Rue des Marronniers in Vieux Lyon for a more authentic experience.

3. Visit Fourvière Hill

Fourvière Hill is located west of the Saône River and offers a panoramic view of Lyon. You can get to the top of the hill by taking the Funicular or by climbing the 300 steps. Once you reach the top, you will find the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, which is a sight to behold. The Basilica is Romanesque-inspired and has a golden statue of the Virgin Mary on top.

4. Explore the Croix Rousse

Croix Rousse is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its silk industry. The district is located on a hill and offers a stunning view of Lyon. You can stroll through the streets and admire the colorful buildings or take a guided tour of the traboules. Marché de la Croix Rousse, a daily market, is a great place to find local produce, cheeses, and other food items.

5. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts is located in the heart of Lyon and houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. You can find works from renowned artists such as Monet, Rembrandt, and Degas.

6. Walk Along the Banks of the Rhône and Saône Rivers

Lyon is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Rhône and Saône. You can take a stroll along the banks and admire the city’s architecture, bridges, and monuments. The banks of the Saône offer a calm and peaceful environment, while the Rhône offers a more vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

7. Visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or

Parc de la Tête d’Or is the largest urban park in France and is located in the heart of Lyon. The park covers over 100 hectares and offers a multitude of activities. You can explore the botanical garden, visit the zoo, rent a boat on the lake, or take a ride on the miniature train. The park is a perfect place to relax and unwind.

8. Take a Cooking Class

Lyon is known for its culinary expertise, and what better way to get a taste of it than by taking a cooking class? You can learn how to make traditional Lyonnaise dishes such as quenelles, tarte tatin, and pralines. The classes are led by experienced chefs and offer a hands-on experience.

Book Your Tour Now

Lyon is a city full of history, culture, and gastronomy. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to local cuisine, there is something for everyone. By following this guide, you can make the most out of your time in Lyon and create unforgettable memories.