Roman and Gothic
If you’re interested in learning about Lyon’s rich Roman heritage, there are a number of excellent landmarks to visit. The Ancient Theatre of Fourvière is an impressive amphitheatre set on the hill of Fourvière, constructed in 15BC and expanded on in around AD120. There’s a fascinating museum to discover and regular cultural events in the amphitheatre itself. For a more comprehensive look at the Roman heritage of the region, make your way to the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, where you’ll find a collection of artefacts on display. For a glimpse into Lyon’s later medieval and renaissance history, the Cathédrale St-Jean is a must-see. This Romanesque cathedral was built between the 11th and 16th centuries and boasts an extravagantly Gothic façade. Also worth seeing during your stay are the city’s legendary Traboules. These passageways connect a number of buildings, with some dating from Roman times and some dating from the 18th century.
French art
Lyon is home to some of France’s finest art galleries outside of Paris. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is a great place to spend a few hours of your city break, boasting an excellent collection of artwork by famous artists including Rodin and Matisse. There’s also a lovely garden here that’s perfect for afternoon picnics. If you’re interested in contemporary art, the Musée d'Art Contemporain has an extensive collection of post-1960s art, and film buffs will find a lot of love at the Musée Lumière, housed in the home of the early cinema pioneer, Antoine Lumière. For an insight into the history of the city, Musées Gadagne features the Musée d'Histoire de Lyon, detailing the development as a centre for silk weaving, and the Musée des Marionettes du Monde, which includes a number if interesting exhibitions on puppetry. Also worth checking out is Maison des Canuts, which has a number of exhibits on the local weaving industry.
Markets and malls
Amble towards the banks of the canal in the suburb of Villeurbanne and you’ll find France’s second-largest flea market, Les Puces du Canal. A joy to explore, this market covers over 400 different stalls and sellers hawking everything from clothing to old furniture. Not to be missed during your short break in Lyon. If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, the Pôle de Commerces et de Loisirs Confluence is a sprawling shopping centre that’s home to a collection of different big name brands. The Crafts Market on the banks of the Saône is a great place to pick up paintings and sculptures by local artists, while St Jean Délices sells the most delicious sweets in the whole of Lyon.
Cultural city break
La Croix-Rousse, perched on one of Lyon’s iconic hills, is a charming neighbourhood steeped in history and character. Known as the heart of Lyon’s silk-weaving heritage, its narrow streets and traboules (hidden passageways) tell the story of the city’s artisan past. Today, the area blends this rich history with a lively, bohemian atmosphere, offering quaint cafés, artisan boutiques, and bustling markets. A stroll along its winding streets reveals stunning views over Lyon, while the vibrant murals, like the famous Fresque des Canuts, bring its history to life. It’s an unmissable spot during your short break in the city to find out about culture, charm, and a glimpse into Lyon’s soul.
