Lyon is a city of delightful contrast, a mix of modern and old-world charm, with everything from dazzling museums, sprawling plazas, and contemporary art to 2,000-year-old historic and cultural landmarks, secret tunnels (traboules), and cobbled alleyways winding through charming neighborhoods. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Lyon:
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Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere: This is a beautiful basilica that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. It is a must-visit attraction in Lyon.
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Vieux Lyon: This is the old town of Lyon, with its narrow streets, Renaissance architecture, and hidden passageways called Traboules that connect courtyards with the Saône.
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Parc de la Tete dOr: This is a large park in Lyon with a lake, a zoo, and a botanical garden. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
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Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon: This is one of the largest art museums in France, with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
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Traboules: These are hidden passageways that run underneath the buildings toward the Saône River. They were created during the Renaissance period, and around 40 of them are open to the public today. Exploring them is one of the coolest things to do in Lyon.
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Croix Rousse: This is a bohemian neighborhood that sits atop a hill in Lyons 4th arrondissement. It is a great place to hang out and explore.
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Murals: Lyon is known for its murals, which can be found all over the city. They recreate famous locations like Maxims Restaurant in Paris or everyday French scenes from days gone by.
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Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature: This museum is dedicated to cinema and miniatures, with more than 300 authentic props, artifacts, and models relating to movies from the last 50 years.
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Fresque des Lyonnais: This is a mural that depicts 24 historical figures and six contemporary people relevant to the citys history.
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Food: Lyon is known as the worlds culinary capital, and its the city of the chef, Paul Bocuse, revered as a god of French cuisine. Trying the local food is a must-do activity in Lyon.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Lyon. The city has a lot to offer, and visitors are sure to find something that interests them.
