Free Things to Do in Lyon: A Visitor’s Guide
Spending money on the wonderful food in France’s gastronomic capital is a given; however, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Lyon without breaking your wallet. Mysterious neighborhood passageways, stunning street art, and 2000-year-old Roman ruins can be part of your adventure here, without spending a single euro.
Take in the Views of the City at Fourvière
Meander slowly through the shaded, winding paths of the Parc des Hauters up to the ornate Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, and admire the spectacular views across the city. On a clear day, the jagged peaks of the Alps are visible in the distance, making it a perfect spot for scenic photography.
Attend a Summer Concert at Théâtre Romain
Just a short walk from the basilica are the majestic ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre. Built in 15BC when Lyon was a small Roman outpost called Lugdunum, they remain free for visitors to walk around and admire. Moreover, the amphitheatre hosts various concert series every summer in one of the world’s more unique live music settings, creating a rich cultural experience.
Relax a Bit at Place des Terreaux
Place des Terreaux is an elegant square in the city center featuring the 17th-century Hôtel de Ville and the dramatic Fontaine Bartholdi. This stunning fountain, designed by the sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, is the centerpiece of the square and represents a fascinating blend of art and architecture.
Immerse Yourself in Color with Street Murals
With over 100 outdoor murals, Lyon is arguably the European capital of street art. Many can be found in the quirky Croix-Rousse neighborhood. Standing out because of its size, ambition, and beauty, La Fresque des Lyonnais is a colorful tribute to 30 of Lyon’s most influential sons and daughters, making it an essential stop for art enthusiasts.
Mediate at Parc de la Tête d’Or
Just across the banks of the Rhône and away from the hum of the city, the vast Parc de la Tête d’Or is a 117-hectare oasis of calm. France’s largest urban park features a boating lake, botanical gardens, and a free zoo containing almost 400 different animals across 64 different species, offering a delightful escape into nature.
Roam the Outdoor Markets
Get lost among colorful vegetables and intense aromas in one of Lyon’s many bustling outdoor markets. Featuring over 100 vendors and stretching for a kilometer down the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, the Marché de la Croix-Rousse is a classic French farmers’ market, providing a local feel with its proximity to the main tourist areas.
Explore the Secret Passageways Called Les Traboules
Les traboules are a maze of secret passageways used by the silk workers of Lyon in the 19th century to transport their goods. Found largely in the Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse neighborhoods, they now act as a historic curiosity for inquisitive explorers seeking to delve deeper into Lyon’s rich history.
Have Lunch in the Courtyard at Musée des Beaux-Arts
While entry into the excellent Musée des Beaux-Arts comes with a ticket cost, its tranquil courtyard garden is free to enter. Bronze statues, including works by Rodin, are dotted around this graceful space, making it a perfect lunchtime retreat during the peak summer period.
Roam the Cobbled Streets of Vieux-Lyon
A UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 20 years, the cobbled streets and oddly-shaped medieval buildings of Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) make it an essential visit. Make sure you appreciate the gothic architecture of the Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste, a Lyonnais icon that has stood for over 500 years.
Escape to the Secluded Island of Île Barbe
Escape the city at this secluded island around 6km north of Lyon. Île Barbe lies in the middle of the Saône River and is connected by a 19th-century suspension bridge. The island has a rich history, with a monastery founded in the fifth century, and only half of it is accessible to the public, which adds to its mystique.
Admire the Modern Architecture at Confluence
When you’ve taken in enough of Lyon’s long history, head to the southern end of the Presqu’île where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge for a fascinating glimpse into Lyon’s future. Jaunty modern architecture, new offices, shops, and restaurants now occupy what was, until recently, somewhat of an industrial wasteland.
Revel in the Quirky Neighborhood Place Rouville
One of Lyon’s best and most unconventional viewpoints lies on the western fringes of the Croix-Rousse neighborhood. Crooked roofs and soaring spires follow the Saône around its bend as Fourvière rises majestically in the background, offering a peaceful place for relaxation or photography.
Get Festive at Fête des Lumières
For one weekend every December, Lyon transforms into a spectacular display during the evenings. The city’s streets, squares, and parks are illuminated in a vibrant cocktail of bright colors and quirky art installations for the Fête des Lumières, a tradition that attracts visitors from far and wide.
Witness Cinematic History at Institut Lumière
Often referred to as the first motion picture ever made, “Workers Leaving The Lumière Factory in Lyon” is a silent film created in 1895 by cinema pioneer Louis Lumière. The achievements of Louis and his brother Auguste are honored at Institut Lumière in the Monplaisir neighborhood, where a glass projection displays a frame from the film in its original location.
Get an Education in History at Montluc Prison
Primarily used for detaining Jews and members of the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation, Montluc Prison represents a somber aspect of Lyon’s history. Visitors can learn about the poignant stories of the estimated 10,000 men, women, and children who passed through its doors. It’s free to visit during July and August, and guided tours are available.
