Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon’s Célestins Theatre (Théâtre des Célestins) is as famous for its design as it is for its theater program, which showcases contemporary and classical pieces and even cabaret. The most established theater in the city, Célestins was designed by French architect Gaspard André and unveiled in 1881 in the neoclassical style inspired by Ancient Greece. André also designed other famous Lyon buildings, including Place des Jacobins and the Grand Temple de Lyon.

Named after the Célestine monastery that sat in the spot of the theater from 1407 to 1779, Célestins is in the heart of Old Lyon, just off the right bank of the Saône. The famous theater has two auditoriums inside—one with space for 750 people and another smaller one with 150 seats. Its facade gets lit up during Lyon’s Festival of Lights every December, which attracts millions of visitors.

Listed as a “monument historique” in 1997, the theater was renovated between 2003 and 2005, and today, the site is accessible for tours that take visitors behind the scenes and even into the costume rooms to learn all about the theater’s history.

Lyon Opera House (Opéra National de Lyon) is an arts hub and architectural gem noted for its combination of a modern shell and 18th-century facade. To fully experience it, attend a performance—from musical theater to dance. But whether it's to marvel at the building, or see a show, a visit to the opera should be on your Lyon itinerary.

When Lyon brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière created the world’s first “cinématographe” in 1895, it sparked the beginning of film. At the Lumière Institute (Institut Lumière), in the grand family home where the brothers invented the first moving picture, visitors can now learn all about the history of the extraordinary family and get to know the origins of early cinema. You’ll see the first moving picture reel, “Sortie d’Usine,” and on the ground floor, you can view displays of the brothers’ movie players and cameras while learning just how their inventions worked.

Based in the historical Monplaisir district, the family’s Art Nouveau mansion is all grand staircases, high ceilings and chandeliers. Equal parts museum, cinema, library, documentation center and old family home, there are two main exhibitions to visit at the institute: “The Pleasure and the Days,” dedicated to the family life of the Lumières, and “Gabriel Beyre’s World,” all about the most famous Lumière cinematographer.

The museum is of special interest to film buffs and Francophiles, meaning it’s easy to see why cinema is so ingrained in the French psyche. Naturally, there is also a film theater and regular film screenings at the institute.

After Northern France fell to the Nazis, Lyon became the seat of the French Resistance. Information, arms, and supplies flowed across the mountains and into the city, where the nation's bravest freedom fighters plotted liberation. The Nazis were not amused, and in spring 1943 occupied the city with horrific intent. The infamous Klaus Barbie, "Butcher of Lyon," installed his Gestapo forces here.

Today, this former military hospital and seat of malevolence has been been transformed into the moving Resistance and Deportation History Centre (Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation), a must-see for anyone interested in the era. It documents Lyon's dark est hours with dignity, using photographs and evocative exhibits, such as the vehicles used to deport Jews and other undesirables, and excerpts from Barbie's trial for crimes against humanity.

Multilingual audio guides make it accessible to anyone.

Based in the Cité Internationale district by the river Rhône, Lyon’s Museum of Modern Art (Musée d'Art Contemporain de Lyon) showcases contemporary artworks by an international collection of artists.Established in 1984, it also shows work by local emerging artists and focuses on current trends in the art world by aiming to hold temporary exhibitions by artists who create original art for the museum. The artists are given the freedom to experiment within the blank walls that are theirs to claim at MAC. With three enormous floors of space, every temporary exhibition sees a complete transformation of its stage.

The Lyon Museum of Modern Art cares for more than 1,079 pieces of art, which includes works from both its temporary exhibitions and the impressive permanent collection. Housed in a 1930s mansion designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, MAC Lyon also has its own restaurant, the Café du Musée, with a terrace overlooking Parc de la Tête, and a well-curated bookstore.

Located on the grand Quai Romain Rolland, Lyon’s Palais de Justice hails back to 1842 and is as famous for its architecture as it is for the trials that go on inside the building. Designed by French architect Louis-Pierre Baltard, the Palais is one of France’s most impressive 19th-century buildings, filled with neoclassical details that run in contrast to the flamboyant Rococo style of the time. Known as the “Palace of the 24 Columns,” Baltard’s design was given the grand seal of approval by the French government in 1996 and officially named a “monument historique.”

Home to the Rhône Assize court and Lyon’s Court of Appeal, the Palais de Justice dominates the Saône river view of Lyon’s right-bank, and the 413-foot (126-meter) bridge that extends from the Palais across to the left-bank of the Saône provides a popular stroll through the heart of the city. Every December, the Palais’ neoclassical columns get lit up for Lyon’s famous Festival of Lights.

All about the wine and the vine, the Hameau Duboeuf is a theme park in the heart of France’s Beaujolais region. Wander around the museum, learn about wine production, or play a round of mini-golf. This family-friendly destination is a fun place to explore wine while enjoying the scenic countryside.

The mere presence of what is nicknamed the “European Park of Volcanism” might surprise more than a few; in fact, only a handful of visitors are aware that there are, indeed, volcanoes in France. Albeit dormant, the volcanoes of Parc des volcans d’Auvergne (their official name) are nonetheless fascinating formations.

What makes Vulcania so interesting is not only its stunning setting but the way the installations are integrated into their surroundings, with 75 percent of the buildings are underground, below a metaphorical volcano-shaped dome. One of the main attractions at Vulcania is the 4D film The Awakening of the Auvergne Giants—what would happen if these sleeping giants were suddenly to wake from their long slumber? A ground-breaking experience entirely based on scientific facts and featuring lifelike special effects that will astonish even the most skeptical visitor.

Another popular thing to do at Vulcania is the Magma Explorer, where visitors will experience what it’s like to enter the heart of an erupting volcano – a wobbly, scorching and adrenaline-charged journey! And last but not least, Vulcania is also the perfect place to start exploring the Chaîne des Puys by going on a short hike or by exploring the site with VolcanBul, an eco-friendly robot guide.

For a bird’s-eye view of historic Lyon, don’t miss the largest animated miniature park in France. At Mini World Lyon, explore four different worlds, around 1,000 mini buildings, and top sights such as Tête d’Or park and Fourvière Hill. You’ll also find a 3D cinema and unique temporary exhibits.