Lyon is a beautiful city to visit all year round, but there are events and experiences that make each season unique. Whether you love outdoor activities, cultural festivals, or simply enjoy walking around and visiting the city, Lyon has something for everyone.
Personally, I find Lyon most enjoyable in spring and autumn. The weather is perfect as it’s not too cold or too hot, and the crowds are more manageable. Maybe you’re a winter person who enjoys cozying up with vin chaud, or a summer festival-goer who doesn’t mind the heat or the people. But no matter when you visit, there’s always something to see and do in Lyon. If you don’t know when to plan your trip to Lyon, you’ll find plenty of useful things in this post.
What to do in Lyon in spring
Spring in Lyon is simply delightful. The air is crisp yet warming up, and the city starts to bloom. By March, trees regain their leaves, and by April and May, t-shirts become the go-to outfit for the day. While it may rain a little, spring is a great time to visit the city. It won’t be too hot to stroll through the city but still warm enough that you won’t be freezing. In spring, the city won’t be crowded and you’ll be able to enjoy the most touristic places and buildings without feeling like you’re suffocating. If you’re visiting Lyon in spring, here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Go to the Parc de la Tête d’Or
This vast park is perfect for a springtime stroll, a picnic, or even a visit to the zoo inside. The botanical gardens are beautiful as the plants start to bloom. It offers beautiful sights and fragrances. You can also have a coffee under the trees, a boat ride on the lake or a picnic on the grass. It’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
Attend the Nuits Sonores festival
This electronic music festival is held in May and is a must for music lovers looking for a lively experience. You’ll be able to listen to established bands but also up-and-coming artists in various locations across the city. Like many events in Lyon, it might get crowded as it’s very popular, but the music and the vibes are truly ones to experience.
Bike along the rivers
You can rent a Vélo’v and enjoy a ride along the Rhône and Saône rivers, stopping at the many cafes along the way. Spring is the perfect time for biking, as the weather is just right. You can visit a lot of the city by bike and enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you go.
Wander through Vieux Lyon
Cobblestone streets, cute cafés, and historic buildings—it’s the perfect place for a walk around the city. It’s also a wonderful neighborhood to eat out with your friends. You’ll find many great restaurants and bouchons Lyonnais, the famous restaurants in Lyon.
What to do in Lyon in summer
Summers in Lyon can be quite hot, often reaching above 30°C (86°F). While it might not be a lot depending on where you’re from, remember that as you pack your bags before your trip. It might also be good to have back up plans if you are overheating and want a break from the sun. You never know. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Lyon without overheating.
Go to the Parc de la Tête d’Or
Though it can be warm, the park’s shade and lakes make for a refreshing escape. You can also enjoy an ice cream from a nearby vendor if the heat is getting to you. The park is quite big, so you will have much to see. If you like watching the scenery, you can rent a boat to float across the lake. You can also look at the different plants at the Botanical garden, or say hi to the different animals in the small zoo of the park. However, you should be prepared as there might be a lot of people who have had the same idea.
Watch the Bastille Day fireworks
The 14th of July is the French national holiday. There are fireworks across the country and Lyon is no exception. The best views are said to be on the Place Bellecour, the Rhone or the Saône quays, but be prepared for large crowds! If you’re not good with crowds or just want a quieter place, you can also enjoy the fireworks from the Chartreux garden or the Grande Côte garden.
Enjoy outdoor festivals – Nuits de Fourvière
During this festival, you’ll be able to see many different shows from theater performances to music shows. It is set in the stunning Roman amphitheater of Fourvière, near Vieux Lyon. You can walk through Vieux Lyon in the afternoon, eat in a bouchon Lyonnais and enjoy the shows at Fourvière in the evening. It might get crowded but it’s a wonderful way to spend time with friends.
Cool off at the Museum
There are many different Museums in Lyon. The Musée des Confluences is a must see, but there are also the Musée des Beaux Arts, the Musée du Cinéma et Miniature, and the Musée d’art contemporain. You can also learn about the history of Lyon and the war at the Musée d’Histoire de Lyon or the Resistance and Deportation History Center. If you like learning about different finds or like wandering through museums, you’ll definitely find one you like in Lyon.
Take a day trip to the Beaujolais Region to enjoy wine
If you like wine, you can take a trip to the Beaujolais region. Outside Lyon, this region offers wine tastings and vineyard tours. You’ll also be able to visit the region with its beautiful landscapes in the countryside. If you don’t have time or the means to travel outside of Lyon, there are also workshops in the city, make sure to check out We can doo. If you like wine and want to try different kinds, you can have a professional guide you through the wide selection.
What to do in Lyon in autumn
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Lyon. The temperatures cool down from summer’s intensity, but September and October remain warm and pleasant. The city’s trees turn golden and orange. It’s a wonderful time to walk through Lyon as the landscapes are particularly beautiful.
Go to the Parc de la Tête d’Or
I feel like I’m repeating this idea, but the park is truly beautiful and its crisp air and golden leaves, it is even more picturesque in autumn. You can take a leisurely walk or rent a small boat on the lake.
Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Autumn’s clear skies make for stunning panoramic views over the city. The best view you can get of the entire city and its surrounding landscape is at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The climb up the hill is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery. Or you can take the funicular, but there might be a significant wait as many people come to see the beautiful building. You can also visit the Basilica and learn about the history of this building. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is truly a sight to see. After takin as many photos as you can, consider walking down to the Roman amphitheater and have a picnic.
Enjoy the Lumière film festival
If you’re a movie lover, you’ll want to check out this festival in October. It celebrates the roots of cinema in Lyon, the birthplace of the Lumière brothers. You’ll find special screenings of many films that don’t often come back to the cinema. If it’s raining or too cold to wander the streets of Lyon, make sure to check the screenings that catch your eye.
Take a cruise on the rivers
The colors the leaves on the trees take in autumn are beautiful and make the city much more interesting and aesthetic. Think about taking a cruise on the Rhône or Soâne rivers, the pictures you’ll take of your trip will be well worth it.. Many boats offer dinner cruises, if you’re traveling with your significant other, that might be the perfect opportunity for a romantic evening out.
What to do in Lyon in winter
Lyon in winter is not overwhelmingly cold, but the wind can be biting. While snow is rare, the city takes on a cozy and festive atmosphere, especially in December. The best time to come to Lyon in winter is December as there’s much more things happening in the city.
Go to the Christmas Market in Perrache
It’s set up at the end of November or beginning of December depending on the year. It’s not a big Christmas market, but it’s a nice place to spend a few hours in Lyon in December. Sip on mulled wine and browse festive stalls for holiday treats and gifts. Try local specialties like marrons glacés (candied chestnuts) and Aligot.
Go on the Ferris Wheel in Place Bellecour
The Ferris Wheel is set up around the end of November at Place Bellecour at the same time as the Christmas Market. You’ll be able to see a breathtaking view of the city. It’s a must if you’re passing through in winter as the Ferris Wheel is not there all year long. It’s usually taken down around March, so make sure to check it out if it’s still up when you travel to Lyon.
Attend the festival of Lights – Fête des Lumières
This is Lyon’s most famous event, held in early December around the 8th of December. It transforms the city with stunning light displays. Millions of visitors come to see the magical illuminations across the city. It will be crowded but it’s a beautiful show as you’re led to wander across the city to see the different shows.
Explore Vieux Lyon
You can see the Traboules, these hidden passageways offer a fascinating glimpse into Lyon’s history while keeping you sheltered from the cold. You can also warm up in a traditional bouchon Lyonnais. These small, cozy restaurants serve authentic Lyonnais cuisine like andouillette, quenelles, and salade lyonnaise.
So, when should you travel to Lyon?
No matter when you visit, Lyon has something to offer every traveler. If you love being outdoors, spring and autumn are the best times. If you prefer vibrant city events and don’t mind the crowds, summer and winter bring unforgettable festivals and celebrations.
Personally, I find the mild weather and golden hues of spring and autumn to be the perfect balance, allowing you to explore the city without the extremes of heat or cold. But whether you’re here for the fireworks of summer, the magic of winter’s lights, or the blooming beauty of spring, Lyon will always have something special waiting for you.
So, when are you planning your trip?
Let me know if you liked the city!
