Discover Lyon during your football trip

Vieux-Lyon

Lyon used to be the capital city of the Roman Gaul and this is still visible in the city. Vieux-Lyon is the old city centre of Lyon. It contains various Renaissance buildings that have been standing in the old city centre since the 15th and 16th century. The old city centre was put on the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 1998. The Vieux-Lyon might therefore probably be the most beautiful sight in Lyon.
Would you like to know more about the history of Lyon? Then you should go to the mountain Fourvière. You’ll find remnants, like the Odeion and the Lugdunum theatre, of the time Lyon was conquered by the Romans. You could also pay a visit to the Roman Gaul Museum, since it's settled at the Fourvière, as well.

Cathédrale de Saint-Jean

The Cathédrale de Saint-Jean is the most important cathedral of Lyon and it was built on the remnants of older churches. Impressive findings from different eras were discovered when the exhumations took place. You can admire the findings at the treasure room of the cathedral, which is located in the archaeological garden. The cathedral is built in gothic style and one very important historical artefact is in the cathedral: one of the oldest astronomical clocks of France. You can see the clock live in action at noon, 2, 3 and 4 o’clock. It’s nice to see the clock come alive once.

Lyon, the City of Light

Lyon is often being referred to as the second City of Light in Europe because the city shines all day long. The city is magically illuminated at nearly 200 places at night and the Festival of Lights takes place annually: Fête des Lumières. This popular event takes place at December 8. You should absolutely walk around the city at night when the festival takes place, because you’ll never see anything like this again! Now that we’re on the subject of light, it might be nice to share that film was invented in Lyon. The brothers of Lumière were the first to bring moving images to canvas. The Institut Lumière will show you how the brothers invented film.

La Prèsqu’ile

This is a peninsula located between the Rhône and the Saône. In the centre of this peninsula is one of the largest squares of France that was erected by order of king Hendrik IV. A gigantic statue of Lodewick XIV stands in the middle of the square. The peninsula is full of magnificent buildings, towers and churches which are all worth visiting. You should also walk past the monumental fountain at the Place des Terraux. This fountain was designed by the same architect of the Statue of Liberty in New York. All the mentioned constructions, as well as all the other buildings on the peninsula, were built in previous centuries, so it will look like you have travelled in time.

Notre-Dame de Fourvière

You can find this basilica at the Fourvière, as well, and you just have to visit it when you’re in Lyon. The four big towers are probably the first thing you notice when you see the basilica. The basilica is pretty spectacular from the outside, but the inside is decorated richly with statues and other ornaments. The basilica is also a pilgrimage site and honours the Holy Virgin Mary. Mary would protect the city from evil and that’s why a beautiful statue of her stands inside the church. Walk through La Croix-Rousse and let yourself be astonished when you come across the beautiful basilica.

Go on a boat trip!

Since the two rivers Rhône and Saône conjoin in Lyon, it’s highly recommended to go on a boat trip and to admire the city from the water. Lyon offers many boat trips. You could, for example, do a boat trip during the day, but you could also book one at night where you’ll be served dinner with candlelight. It would be so nice to go on a boat trip during the evening, because approximately 200 spots in the city lighten up during that time of the day. You’ll have a magical experience, for sure!

Tour Métallique

This tower is a unique landmark in Lyon. It resembles the Eiffel Tower a bit, which was built three years prior to the Rout Métallique. You were able to visit the tower in the past and you’d be brought to the top of the tower with an elevator that was able to hold 22 people. You used to be able to eat something at the restaurant inside the tower. This is sadly not possible anymore; you can only look at the tower now, because it’s no longer accessible for visitors. The tower does light up beautifully at night, so it’s still nice to walk past the Tour Métallique.

Les Montées

If you walk through Lyon, you’ll probably notice the many stairs you have to mount and descend. The stairs have been standing here for centuries; the ground was already used during the prehistoric era. The mounting of the stairs is usually seen as an exhausting mount, but the view on top of the stairs is certainly worth the climb. Most of the stairs conquered a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. That's reason enough to climb the stairs, isn't it?

Traboules

The Traboules are symbolic in Lyon and you will absolutely walk through the alleys when you’re here. The alleys lead you through buildings and inner courtyards, and they connect all kinds of streets. The alleys also show you beautiful spiral staircases and galleries that all belong to the historical heritage of the city. You’ll be astonished by the beautiful places you’ll be brought to. You'll walk through the Traboules, too, when you're headed to the Cathédrale de Saint-Jean.

Restaurants and clubs in Lyon

Lyon is known for its delicious food and you’ll probably want to have a drink after a football match of Olympique Lyonnais. That’s why we've made an overview of three restaurants and clubs you might want to visit during your stay in Lyon.

Culina Hortus

Everyone in Lyon talks about this vegetarian restaurant. Most products come from the region and the menu changes every week. You’ll be astounded by how tasty vegetarian food can be!

Address: 38 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 69001 Lyon
Opening times: every day from 12 at noon until 3 P.M. and from 7 P.M. until 11 P.M.

La Mutinerie

You can choose between two menus in this restaurant: Résistance or Rebellion. The first menu has four courses and the second has six courses. Both are surprise menus, so do you have no clue what you want to eat? Then you should let yourself be surprised and enjoy the lovely dishes of the restaurant.

Address: 123 Rue Bugeaud, 69006 Lyon
Opening times:
Tuesday – Thursday: 7.30 P.M. until 9 P.M.
Friday and Saturday: 12 at noon until 1 P.M. and from 7.30 until 9 P.M.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Le Grand Réfectoire

You have to come to this place when you’re super hungry because you can order up to 18 courses in this restaurant! You can cook everything at home again because you can see everything the chefs cook, since the kitchen is open.

Address: 3 Cour Saint Henri Grand Hôtel-Dieu, 69002 Lyon
Opening times:
Tuesday – Thursday: 12 at noon until 2 P.M. and from 7.30 P.M. until 9.30 P.M.
Friday and Saturday: 12 at noon until 2 P.M. and from 7 P.M. until 10 P.M.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

L’Ambassade Lyon

This is one of the best underground clubs in Lyon. They always end the party in a Roaring Twenties theme.

Address: 4 Rue Jacques Stelle, 69002 Lyon
Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday: 11 P.M. until 5 A.M.
Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

Club Le Ménestrel Lyon

You can party here all night long. The club was renovated recently and there’s plenty of room to dance now. You should definitely check this club out after Olympique Lyonnais's match!

Address: 17 Quai Romain Rolland, 69005 Lyon
Opening times: unknown

Azar Club Lyon

This is another club that’s highly recommended by the locals. The club opened its doors in 2018 and it’s been a phenomenon ever since. They certainly know how to party here!

Address: 52 Quai Rambaud, 69002, Lyon
Opening times:
Wednesday – Saturday: 11 P.M. until 6 A.M.
Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.