Lyon in Winter (Best Things to do & See!)
Winter in Lyon is an enchanting time. There’s something about the old-world ambience of this city at the confluence of two rivers that enhances the seasonal vibe. Perhaps it’s the narrow streets of Vieux Lyon, lined with half-timber houses and hidden passageways. The leisurely walks in urban parks, or the atmospheric ‘bouchons’ where hearty Lyonnaise fare is served alongside steaming mugs of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).
During your trip – marvel at the world-famous Festival of Lights. Visit one of France’s legendary Christmas markets to sample Savoyard specialities, or discover Lyon’s myriad of art galleries and interesting museums.
However you decide to spend your time in this beautiful city, there are dozens of attractions in Lyon to explore, catering to all ages. Let’s take a look at a few things to do in winter while visiting Lyon France.
Lyon Winter Weather
You can expect cold weather at this time of year. But that just means wrapping up warm and taking a brisk walk along the river’s edge to warm up! Plus, many cosy stores and cafes await when the temperatures get too cool.
Lyon in December
Although the weather is cold and the air crisp, December is perhaps the best time to visit Lyon. There’s a lot going on in the city this month, but you’ll need to don your winter woollies as the average temperature only reaches around 7°C/44°F.
Lyon in January
Lyon has the greatest chance of snow in January, although it’s often no more than a light dusting as most snowfall lands on the nearby French Alps. It’s still chilly – with temperatures much the same as the previous month.
Lyon in February
In February the weather warms up by a couple of degrees and it’s also the driest month, but don’t be fooled, you’ll still need a warm coat or jacket. It stays lighter for a little longer this month, giving you more opportunities to discover Lyon’s abundant attractions.
Best Things to do in Lyon in Winter
Lyon is a veritable winter wonderland with beautiful parks, lively squares hosting festive markets and events, and quaint Old Town shops and cafes with welcoming décor and tempting menus. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Lyon in winter, read on for our top tips!
Step Back in Time in Vieux Lyon
Begin your winter exploration in the Old Town, also known locally as Vieux Lyon. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric cobbled streets, discover historical half-timber houses and walk through hidden passageways to the river.
Some highlights include the Romanesque/Gothic Saint-Paul Church and Place Saint-Paul – the latter once a commercial district for merchants plying their trade. Wander along delightful Rue Juiverie with its historic buildings infused with legends – rumour has it that Nostradamus and the Medicis once lived on this street.
Break for coffee in Place du Change or head for Quartier Saint-Jean for a tasty crepe. Just don’t forget your camera – these streets are packed with architectural surprises!
See the Incredible Fête des Lumières
Ordinarily held around the end of the first week in December each year, Lyon’s fabulous Festival of Lights attracts visitors from all across Europe. Fête des Lumières originally began as a local tradition – the Lyonnaise would place candles by their windows at night to honour the Virgin Mary.
Today, although you’ll still see candles flickering in store and residential windows, the festival has morphed into something much greater. UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city centre are illuminated in vibrant colours, depicting stories as a kaleidoscope of lights shine upon their façades.
You can experience some of the most impressive installations at Cathédrale Saint-Jean, Rue de la République and La Basilique de Fourvière, although there are over 30 to see throughout the entire city during this time of the year.
Indulge in a Lyonnaise Winter Feast
Since the 1930s, Lyon has been revered as the capital of gastronomy, not just in France, but in the world! This city is a premier destination for foodies – home to over a dozen Michelin-star restaurants including The Pyramid, Le Neuvième Art and the decadent Les Loges.
For more casual eats, pop into Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse indoor market – a local institution selling all the French staples including cheeses, wines, bread, and fresh produce. Alternatively, make a stop at Boulangerie les Artistes in Croix-Rousse – a popular artisan bakery for locals in the know.
If you seek typical Lyonnaise fare, try these authentic bouchons for world-famous cuisine – Café Comptoir Abel (shown above), Café du Peintre or Le Musee. Meanwhile, vegetarians and vegans will enjoy the culinary delights on offer at Like An Elephant, Les Mauvaises Herbes and Brocoli.
Alternatively, join a delicious food tour and be guided by an expert to sample the local cuisine!
Marvel at the Views from Notre-Dame of Fourvière Basilica
The best views of Lyon can be discovered at Notre-Dame of Fourvière Basilica. The basilica, built on a hillside overlooking the city, appeared in ancient texts during the time when Lyon was known as Lugdunum.
Delve into the basilica’s rich history on a tour, learn about its mosaics and stained glass window designs, and discover hidden symbolism. Gain breathtaking views from the rooftop, see St. Michael’s Terrace and the bell tower, or browse historical treasures at the Museum of Sacred Art.
Also, make a stop at the ancient theatre of Fourvière en route – although there are few outdoor events held here in winter, it’s a wonderful place to soak up the vibes amid uninterrupted views of the city.
Enjoy a Winter Walk in Lyon
Tete d’Or (Golden Head Park) is one of the largest urban parks in France. It’s been in existence on the banks of the Rhône River for over a century.
During a weekend in Lyon, explore the park’s impressive botanical gardens (the largest in France) and ornate glass houses – home to some 15,000 tropical plant species.
Alternatively, head to the shores of the River Saône to enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade. The historic pastel-hued houses offer a spectacular backdrop for the quayside open-air farmer’s market, Saint-Antoine, selling fresh produce, hand-baked goods and flowers.
The market sits on the peninsula (Presqu’île) boasting views of Lyon’s version of the Eiffel Tower – the Metallic tower of Fourvière and the hilltop basilica.
Get Lost in Les Traboules
If you’re wondering what to do in Lyon on a cloudy day, take a tour of the mysterious Les Traboules – hidden passageways in Vieux Lyon. Some say there are almost 400 of these hidden passageways in the city, although only around 40 are open to the public.
Les Traboules were initially built around the 4th century to give the residents of Lyon easier access to water without having to navigate the winding roads of the Old Town. Many years later, silk workers used them to transport heavy goods to and from riverside districts, and in more recent times, they were used by the French Resistance to prevent the Nazis from taking control of the city of Lyon during WWII.
You can take a guided tour of Les Traboules or check out a few for yourself. Some of the best places to explore include the longest passageway on Rue Saint-Jean and Cour des Voraces on Croix-Rousse Hill. All the open passageways are marked with bronze signs on walls around Old Lyon.
Shop for Gifts at Lyonnais Christmas Markets
Spending Christmas in Lyon? You’re in for a treat! During the festive season, Lyon transforms into a winter wonderland with a fantastic market taking place from late November until Christmas Eve.
It takes place in Place Carnot, with over 140 wooden chalets selling everything from trinkets, clothing and jewellery to mouthwatering Savoyard cheese and roast chestnuts.
While wandering around, inhale the scent of cinnamon and spices while sipping mulled wine, stroll through the tree forest, ride the giant Ferris wheel at Place Bellecour and view 80+ light installations dotted around the city.
If you want to enhance your festive experience with the kids, aside from the carousel rides and other fun outdoor activities in Lyon, how about challenging them to an interactive exploration game to guide you around the market and city!
Discover Lyon’s Rich Culture
If you’re wondering what to do in Lyon on a wet day, get your fix of local French culture by visiting a few of the dozens of exceptional art galleries and museums the city has to offer.
Duck out of the cold and head for the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) on Place des Terreaux. The impressive art gallery boasts a vast collection of classical and modern art and even relics from ancient Egypt distributed across 70 rooms. See works from van Gogh and Renoir, Degas and Picasso alongside ancient reliefs and statues.
One of the most popular cultural centres in Lyon is Musée des Confluences. The modern museum is part anthropology museum/part science centre – it even houses a mummy dating back over a thousand years!
If you want to learn more about the history of Lyon, venture to Musée Gadagne. It documents the city’s heritage from medieval times until the 19th century.
Or, if you’re travelling to Lyon with kids, perhaps opt for a visit to the Museum of World Puppets instead. The museum showcases an eclectic display of weird and wonderful marionettes alongside an interactive puppeteer workshop!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Presqu’ile
Head to Presqu’île in Lyon this winter. A lively island nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers is awash with cosy cafes, beautifully decorated shops and over 40 restaurants along Rue Merciere festooned with lanterns and decorations.
Spend time browsing shops for gifts along Rue de la République or photograph the pretty 19th-century architecture lining the riverbank.
Alternatively, enjoy an evening at the Lyon Opera House. Immerse yourself in a dazzling extravaganza filled with glitz and glamour, showcasing talented sopranos and tenors, thundering orchestras, dramatic stage performances, and much more.
On New Year’s Eve each year, the opera house hosts a special performance to conclude the year, but tickets go quickly so be sure to reserve a seat in advance!
Photograph Lyon’s Street Art
Some of the top attractions in Lyon are open year-round and they are free to visit! During your winter trip, check out the creative street art. There are over 100 monumental murals to discover in Lyon, painted onto apartment blocks and prominent buildings throughout the city.
Highlights include the very realistic Canuts Mural (dedicated to the city’s silk workers) located in Croix-Rousse neighbourhood. Also, look for Mur des Escrivains on Rue de la Platière and the much-loved Fresque des Lyonnais on Rue de la Martinière depicting historical figures connected to the city.
If you head to Avenue Jean Jaurès, Fresque Lumière stands resplendent, a towering mural with its portrayal of what Lyon will look like in 2046. Then there’s Quartier des Etats-Unis, an urban landscape with another 25 pieces of artwork to marvel at before you leave!
Best Day Trips from Lyon in Winter
Lyon is perfectly located to explore the region’s lakes, mountains and historic villages. Here are a few of the best day trips to take from Lyon this winter (discover more here!).
Explore the Storybook Scenery of Annecy
Visiting Annecy for the day is akin to stepping into a fairytale land. Pastel houses sit aside a network of canals with a vast crystalline lake with iced Alpine peaks a few minutes’ stroll away.
In winter, hunker down in a traditional restaurant with a yummy crepe or plate of raclette accompanied by a mug of spiced wine. Enjoy seasonal walks amid landscapes reminiscent of those you see painted on chocolate boxes, and photograph historical buildings and castles, before popping into museums to discover more about the town.
Arrive between late November and early January to enjoy the festive markets too. One is located in the Old Town selling everything from scented candles to gingerbread and street food. Fabulous light shows take place some evenings, with animations projected onto the City Hall. If you don’t fancy the drive or train ride from Lyon-Part-Dieu (under two hours), you can also take a private day trip!
Step Back in Time in Medieval Pérouges
If you don’t wish to travel too far, jump aboard a train from Lyon Part Dieu Station and head for the beautiful medieval village of Pérouges less than an hour away.
Pérouges is a mesmerising jewel with old-world charm and a timeless atmosphere. It’s set atop a hilltop and surrounded by rolling countryside – perfect for winter hiking and popping into local wineries.
Stroll along cobbled streets past half-timber houses towards the main village square. Walk the fortress walls before stopping for a traditional lunch at charming Auberge du Coq. If you wish to learn more about the town, there are two museums where you can dive into Pérouges’ history from medieval times to the present day.
Spend a Fun Day on the Ski Slopes
La Clusaz is a popular French winter resort tucked away in the French Alps around two hours drive from Lyon. With a multitude of ski runs suited to all levels of expertise, you can enjoy Nordic skiing, freestyling, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ice skating, and there’s even a heated outdoor pool!
Take the kids for a ski lesson, enjoy fondue or tartiflette in a mountain restaurant, and don’t forget to preserve some energy for the shops, bars and nightclubs apres-ski! Of equal distance from Lyon, you can also enjoy day trips to St. Francois Longchamp – good for beginner skiers and Le Grand Bornand – great for snowboarding.
I hope this article has provided you with inspiration for your winter trip to Lyon. If you time your visit well, you’ll get to see the fabulous Festival of Lights and a Christmas market or two. However, should you visit later in the winter season, you can still enjoy the wealth of history, culture and entertainment this vibrant French city has to offer.
