How to spend top weekend in Lyon - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Want to make your stay in Lyon truly special? The ancient city keeps many secrets and is ready to offer its guests a lot of incredible entertainment. To clear up one of the secrets, just go to the Pink Tower's courtyard. Here you can see a stunningly beautiful studded old door, as well as unique works of art - the so-called Lyon frescoes. They decorate the facades of historic houses. The author of the incredibly realistic and colorful frescoes is Gilbert Couden. The most famous fresco should be looked for on rue de la Martiniere , not far from Place des Terreaux . This huge fresco covering an area of 800 square meters depicts the most famous natives of Lyon. In total, there are 28 beautiful frescoes in the city. You can find them all yourself or ease your task by taking a special map at the tourist information center.

What about some walking? Lyon's historic district would be an ideal place for unhurried walks. Here, inquisitive tourists will have the opportunity to walk down one of the oldest streets in Europe. The first mention of rue Saint-Jean dates back to the 3rd century AD. It's easy to find the old street along which Roman legionnaires strolled - it begins next to the eponymous cathedral.

Another fun quest that can be enjoyed in the Old Town is walking through the old "traboules". This is the name of passageways between the streets, which are connected to the picturesque courtyards. The system of traboules is so confusing and unpredictable that its exploring can keep curious tourists busy for hours. The front door of an average passage is not much different from an ordinary door of a residential building, although some entrances are marked by plaques. Entering such a door, you never know what you will see: the next street, another picturesque courtyard, an old spiral staircase or a dead end. At tourist centers, visitors are offered special traboule maps, however, not all existing passages are marked on them. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Strolling near Place des Terreaux , one should pay due attention to such an iconic landmark as the City Hall (Lyon Mayor). The historic building crowned with a rich facade can be admired not only from the outside - everyone has a chance to appreciate its interior. The City Hall is open to the public, and an invaluable collection of antiques and artworks is hidden within its walls.

When you're getting hungry, do not rush to the nearest restaurant. In search of delicious French treats, it's recommended to go to the Saone River. The fact that the waterfront is one of the most lively tourist spots does not detract from its gastronomic advantages. Here at small street stalls, you can always buy the freshest baguettes and other great pastries. It is here that you can try delicious strawberry cakes Paul Smith.

Looking for a place to buy unusual souvenirs? Head to Saint-Jean Street to find Medieval shop. Here you can buy skilfully made medieval costumes, jewelry, and other paraphernalia. The owner is always happy to welcome visitors and gladly tells them how to wear this or that suit, how to choose a complete set of "historic" clothes. Nearby is another original souvenir shop - Troc de Lyon . You can buy both classic souvenirs and rather rare items, including miniature barrel organs that many travelers hunt for in Lyon.

Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere

If you prefer to spend time on excursions you can visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere during your vacation in Lyon. It was built on the hill of the same name in the 19th century. You can reach it on foot through the Otor Park or by using the funicular. If you choose the second option you can take a 2-minute journey from the lower station, located on Place Saint-Jean. You can admire the panorama of Lyon and visit the Basilica once on the hill. You will see the interior of the Basilica, decorated with mosaics. You will also get the opportunity to climb one of the towers. The observation deck is located there. You will also be able to enjoy the view of the city from there.

Watch How Sea Predators are Fed

You should pay attention to the city aquarium while walking around Lyon. It is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm on any day of the week. 450 fish in total live here. You can walk through the 4 halls of a large building. You will see trout, pike, nosed demons, carp, seahorses, and Moray eels here. They are kept in 40 aquariums. You will see a variety of inhabitants of the underwater world in the rays of magic illumination. You may feel that you have plunged into the depths of the sea. You will also have the opportunity to get a thrill by watching the feeding process of piranhas, stingrays, and sharks.

Entertainment Parks in Lyon

If you are going to stay in Lyon you can visit several amusement parks. For example, you can do sports, take a boat ride on the surface of the lake, and see the animals that live in the zoo, located under the open sky in the park "Golden Head". You can test your skill by climbing trees in a park called France Aventures Lyon. A flight simulator is waiting for you in AviaSim. You will also have a chance to experience 3D reality at the I-Way entertainment center. If you arrive at the Quais du Rhône you can visit a small skate park to ride a skateboard or roller skates.

Safari Park

If you drive 65 kilometers south of Lyon you will come to the city of Pogre. The Safari Park is located on its territory. You can see 800 animals here. For example, these are bison, elephants, brown bears, hippos, tigers, lions, rhinos, snow leopards, leopards, pandas, bison, Vietnamese deer, and cheetahs. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day from February 16 to March and from September to November 11. The park is open from 9:30 am to 19:00 from April to the end of August.

You can choose the part of the park where you will go to see it. If you prefer a pedestrian zone you will spend 3 hours traveling through the Safari Park. The car zone will allow you to view animals in their natural habitat. The trip will take 1.5 hours. But you can get the most unforgettable experience while traveling through a unique tunnel made of glass. Predators often roam around it.

Tour on the Segway

You will have the opportunity to contact one of the travel agencies in Lyon from 10 am to 6 pm on any day of the week. A tour of the city in a modern, eco-friendly, and convenient vehicle will be organized for you there. This is an electric scooter, which is otherwise called a Segway. It will help you explore all the sights and attractions of Lyon in just 3 hours. You will admire the beauty of the streets and feel the freedom of movement. The instructor will be at your side for your safety during the exciting journey. He will teach you how to operate the electric scooter for 30 minutes before you set off.

Ride around the City on a Bicycle

Many bike paths are equipped in Lyon. 348 Velo'v bike rental points operate in the city. You can buy a ticket for the right to use a bicycle during the day at the vending machine. It is located at the Velo'v station where you rent a bike. You will get the opportunity to explore the city in a short time. You can also take a night trip and admire the beauty of Lyon in the rays of multi-colored electric lights.