Lyon Local Reference INFOrmation
Information and links for tourists to Lyon, St-Etienne, Valence and the Ardeche with details on accommodation, flights and airports, museums, tourist services and must-see sights in the region.
The staff at most Tourist Offices speak English. They are usually very helpful with all tourism questions as well as questions on public transport and more. If in need of some help, they're always worth asking. Tourist Offices are able to provide general information on their area, much of it as appropriate to the resident as to the visitor. For information about fairs, markets, concerts and other events in the area the Tourist Office is likely to have information, brochures and flyers.
Lyon Airport ContactsTo find out about the airports serving Lyon and the Rhône Valley, flight information, access or lost luggage:
Where To StayFrom luxury resorts to self-catering holiday accommodation, you can find out about various types of accommodation available to in Lyon and the Rhône Valley:
Days Out in Lyon and the Rhône ValleyThere is a great variety of places to visit and things to do; nature parks, animal parks, amusement parks and zoos.
Lyon and the Rhône Valley for ChildrenThere are a number of activities for children in the region including amusement parks, zoos and dolphin and water parks.
Tourist Attractions in LyonParc de la Tête D'OrOne of the largest urban parks in France, covering over 100 hectares and located in the city centre in the 6th arrondissement, the Parc de la Tête D'Or gets its name from a legend that a golden head of Christ is buried here. The park was opened in 1856 and has remained largely unchanged. Activities and points of interest in the park include a boating lake, paths for cyclists and joggers lined with mature trees, a zoological park with over 1,000 animals, botanical gardens with over 15,000 plants, four rose gardens, pony rides, karting and a mini-train. Entrance to the park is free of charge.
Parc Archéologique de FourvièreThis UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to 43 BC when it was founded by Julius Casear. It is the site of the former Roman city of Lugdunum. Situated in the old part of the city of Lyon, the park features a Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation, an aqueduct and two Roman amphitheatres: the Grand Théâtre and the Odéon.
Cathédrale St-JeanThe construction of this Roman Catholic cathedral began in the 12th century and was completed in the late 15th century. Main highlights of the cathedral include fine stone carvings, stained glass and an astronomical clock, one of the oldest in Europe. The clock chimes daily at 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00, at which times the automatons (which include angels, a rooster, the Angel Gabriel, Christ and Mary) are set in motion, depending on the day and the time. The clock also displays religious feast days until 2019.
Basilique Notre-Dame de FourvièreThe 19th-century Basilique, situated on the Fourvière Hill, one of the most important religious monuments in France, was built to honour the Virgin Mary. The interior is richly decorated with stained glass windows, gilt, marble work and coloured mosaics. The basilica also houses the Museum of Religious Art, where the Treasure of Fourvière can be seen. Various exhibitions of religious significance take place throughout the year. Several religious services are held daily, and an English-language service is held on the first Sunday of each month in Mary's Chapel at 09:30. Guided tours are also available each day. Lyon Old Town (Vieux Lyon)Situated on the west bank of the Saône, the old town of Lyon is one of the largest Renaissance neighbourhoods in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can discover the traboules, hidden passageways, some of which are signposted, that link courtyards and buildings. These secret passages were originally for workers who were transporting precious silks.
The Presqu'îleThe Presqu'île, a narrow peninsula between the Saône and the Rhône rivers, is the city centre of Lyon and includes the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. It's focal point is the Place des Terreaux, renowned for guillotine executions during the revolution. Other highlights include the Hôtel de Ville, the 14th century church of St-Nizier and one of the longest pedestrianised shopping areas in Europe, the Rue de la République. Tourist Attractions in the Rhône ValleyAven d'OrgnacA proposed UNESCO world heritage site, the cave in Orgnac is situated near the south of the Gorges d'Ardèche and is one of the largest in the world. A major tourist attraction, a visit to the site includes light and sound shows. A lift takes visitors to a depth of 120m below the surface where they can discover the crystalisations, stalactites and the characteristic Palm Trunc stalagmites. The site is also home to a Regional Prehistoric Museum. Le Château de GrignanBuilt at the start of the 12th century, the château is one of the most famous Renaissance buildings in the south of France and contains a vast collection of Louis XII furniture and Aubusson tapestries. The tomb of Madame de Sévigné, who wrote many of her famous letters during a stay in the château is situated just below, in the Eglise de St-Saveur. The château was destroyed in 1793, and reconstructed in the early 1900s by Madame Fontaine. A major tourist attraction in the region, the castle now belongs to the Drôme département.
Saint-Victor-sur-LoireSaint-Victor-sur-Loire is a mediaeval village that has been preserved as it was in medieval times, with some houses still featuring the date they were built above the doors. The alleyways running between the old stone houses date back to the early 17th century. The village is also home to the Abbaye de Sainte-Foy de Conques, a Roman church built in 1095 containing examples of historic and religious artefacts. Guided tours are available on most days. The château de Saint-Victor, situated in the village, dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Surrounded by gardens, the centre houses an art gallery with several pieces of historical importance.
Regional Tourist Offices and InformationLyon and Rhône (69)
Ardèche (07)
Drôme and Valence (26)
Loire and St-Etienne (42)
Further Information
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