Every December 8, for more than 160 years, the windows of all Lyon buildings have been illuminated. Lights and lanterns set the city on fire. From a distant tradition linked to the inauguration of a statue of Mary in Fourvière, a celebration was born that attracted millions of visitors from all over the world to attend a luminous, ephemeral and unique show. To rekindle the Lights in 2019, lighting designers, designers, videographers, architects, graphic designers, visual artists, but also street performance companies, are proposing new and surprising installations, creating a magical world on the Peninsula and the Old Lyon. Throughout the year, Lyon deserves a visit; with the Festival of Lights, it is the perfect opportunity to spend a long and illuminated stay there!

Light path

After the cancellation of the "Illuminations" in 2015 due to the tragic events that occurred in France - a celebration transformed in homage to the victims of the attacks -, the Festival of Lights has since taken on a new dimension with a mechanism ensuring greater security for all visitors. This year, the Festival should in principle take place during 4 nights, from December 5 to 08, 2019 from 6pm to 10pm on 5 and 6 and from 8pm to midnight on 7 and 8. The Festival is held between the Peninsula, the Old Lyon and the site of the Théâtre Antique de Fourvière. To access the sites (traffic will be limited, or even prohibited in some areas), it is better to avoid the car and prefer public transport (be careful, some metro stations remain closed, make sure you know your route) or walking (the sites are close to each other) always pleasant in this early winter.

The most impressive entertainment takes place in the magnificent settings of Fourvière, Saint-Jean Cathedral and City Hall, the city's most famous monuments. If you are only staying for one evening, plan a route that will allow you to see at least one of these buildings, with a focus on Place des Terreaux. There are several options available to you. You can, for example, decide to leave from Place Bellecour. From there, you will reach the Terreaux by going up the rue de la République. Another possibility is the Saint-Jean district and its cathedral, the Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can reach by crossing the Bonaparte Bridge. Finally, if you prefer the heights of the city, know that the Fourvière funicular will be packed: take your courage with both hands and climb immediately on foot

In the original spirit of the Festival of Lights, every 8th December Lyon and visitors are invited to make a gesture of solidarity by lighting the Lumignons du Cœur for the benefit of a charity. In 2018, these lights were used to illuminate a luminous scenographic installation installed on Sathonay Square to honour the Association Docteur CLOWN.

Lyon, a history label

Whatever the night itinerary, you can take advantage of your days to immerse yourself in Lyon's history and charm... Old Lyon is a charming district, with the Saint-Jean cathedral, its wonderful Renaissance houses, its famous traboules (passages through buildings) and its delicious traffic jams. Don't miss to visit the Gadagne museums, which include the Lyon History Museum and the World Puppet Museum. The Fourvière hill, with its basilica and Roman amphitheatre, is another unmissable site. Once in the centre of Lugdunum, Fourvière bears the traces of its ancient origins and offers a magnificent view of the city. Its basilica is a neo-Byzantine style building dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Passage obliged to the Maison des Canuts to discover the know-how and life of silk weavers by entering the last family workshops. It was here, at La Croix-Rousse, that the famous Jacquard looms were housed and the canuts, silk workers, lived. An "independent" village in the heart of the city, La Croix-Rousse is a lively district, especially on Saturdays with its market. You have to venture there to discover the picturesque charm of its traboules, these small narrow passages typical of Lyon. Finally, it is impossible to leave without visiting the most famous of Lyon's inhabitants: Punch and Judy! To find it: the Théâtre de Guignol in Lyon or the Théâtre de Guignol in the Parc de la Tête d'Or. At the same time, enjoy the park: a real haven of peace, with a zoo, a lake, a rose garden, a botanical garden...

Lyon-style

For shopping enthusiasts, the city does not lack resources! When they arrive at the Part-Dieu station, the fashion victims will rush into the shopping centre of the same name, located just across the street, which has more than 250 shops of all kinds. Ready-to-wear, perfumeries, bookstores, small restaurants.... It's all there!

The Carré d'Or, which is structured around four squares (République, Jacobins, Célestins, Bellecour), includes various "couture" boutiques and an impressive number of ready-to-wear stores. The Argue crossing, between rue de la République and rue Édouard-Herriot, is a shopping mall that houses small shops with the charm of yesteryear: hatters, cutlers...

Just as unavoidable, the main pedestrian artery that crosses the Peninsula: it is one of the largest in Europe. Starting from Victor-Hugo Street, it is lined with franchised shops and extends to Republic Street. Bellecour and the Rue de la Ré, as the people of Lyon like to call it, are the heart of the centre: shops and restaurants abound.

South of Bellecour, lovers of crafts and arts and crafts in Lyon will be delighted to visit rue Auguste-Comte and the Ainay district with its antique, art and decoration shops

My little cork!

Walking, exploring, digging, so there's no need to resist temptation, it's too good! When it comes to gastronomy, Lyon is still living up to its worldwide reputation! On the menu of specialities: lyonnaiseries, "pork" and offal prepared according to the recipes of the famous "mothers" of Lyon. To find the best products, we will go to the Halles Paul-Bocuse, the gourmet heart of the city. Contrary to appearances, it's not that fat and it's delicious! The sapper apron is prepared with pieces of breaded and browned fat-double. Andouillette, pike quenelles (cooked in the oven), rosette, jesus, sausage and truffle ham are also on the programme...

When it comes to cheese, the Lyon region is not shy and offers rigotte, saint-félicien, saint-marcellin and mont-d'or... Or, lighter, canut brains, a well spiced preparation based on cottage cheese beaten with herbs and spices. Gourmets who can still swallow something can be tempted by bugnes (the famous fritters) or an exquisite praline pie!

Don't forget that the traffic jams will be full (reservation required) and that you will have to be patient to eat (or enjoy a second or third course...). And don't lose your nose or your palate when it comes to choosing the wine: it will be a Lyon bribe for sure!

From lights to glitter!

After the official festivities, the night is far from over! In the first arrondissement, rue Sainte-Catherine is rue des bars: students (and others) gather there to celebrate until the end of the night. And as the people of Lyon love fiesta, the whole city is full of fun places, from cultural cafés to jazz clubs! City of Lights, gastronomic, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.... Lyon is an incredible stopover. You have the keys, it's up to you!

Smart info

When? When? In principle from Thursday 5 December to Sunday 08 December 2019. The "lighthouse" date being December 8 with the procession to Fourvière.

Getting there.

By car, bus or train, everything is possible

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Useful.

To prepare your escapade as well as possible.

LYON TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website

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