Lyon

Arriving at Lyon Airport (LYS)

Lyon Saint Exupery Airport is about 15 miles from the centre of Lyon and is well connected to the city centre. The Rhônexpress tram-train takes about half an hour to reach the city. You can hop off at the city's main train station, Lyon Part-Dieu, or get off earlier at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie and connect onto the metro.

A more convenient but more expensive option is to take a taxi, which you will find outside the first level of Terminals 1 & 2. You can also hire a car at Lyon Airport – we recommend booking in advance for better rates and to avoid disappointment.

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Lyon

Sitting at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon has much to offer its visitors. Known for its historical and architectural landmarks, France’s third largest city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outstanding museums, a dynamic cultural life, busy bars, a thriving university and fantastic shopping make Lyon a lively place to be. Dotted with a seemingly endless supply of restaurants, many of which are Michelin starred, Lyon has developed a reputation as France’s foodie capital.

The main language spoken in Lyon is French and you will do well to pick up some local phrases for your trip – bonjour (hello), au revoir (goodbye), merci (thank you), excusez-moi (excuse me).

Lyon’s climate is rather unpredictable. The city has hot summers and generally mild winters, but you can expect rain all year round so pack an umbrella whenever you visit.

Culture in Lyon

Lyon truly embodies the illusive art of ‘French living’ – a life revolving around food, wine, friends and family – and it’s one to immerse yourself in.

Ride the funicular to be whisked from Vieuz-Lyon, the old town, to the top of the Fourviére hill and the basilica of Notre-Dame, with its golden statue of Mary watching over the city. There are many cultural institutions to visit in Lyon, including the Maison de la Danse, the Opera House, the Institut Lumière devoted to cinema and the Fine Arts Museum.

Lyon has a vibrant cultural calendar, hosting many events throughout the year. Some of these include the spectacular Fête des Lumières (December) and the Nuits Sonores electronic music festival (May).

Don't leave the city without sampling some Lyonnais specialities in a bouchon – a type of restaurant found in Lyon serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Some dishes you should definitely try are rosette (dry pork sausage) and Coussin de Lyon (a pudding made with chocolate, marzipan and curacao liqueur).