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What to do in Lyon in the evening?
Lyon, the City of Light, can also be enjoyed at night.
Not to be missed in Lyon
Last updated date : 04/11/2025
Lyon offers much to be discovered in the evening. Whether it’s for an evening aperitif, an after-dinner cocktail, a concert, or to satisfy the irresistible urge to go dancing… and whether you're in a relaxed, festive or stylish mode, Lyon has something for everyone.
Here, there's a wide range of choice to suit all tastes, ages and styles, so the hardest thing you'll have to do is choose!
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Lyon, the City of Light
Once you've seen the city by day, you'll surely want to see it by night.
With no less than 300 iconic buildings lit up all year round, you won't need us to tell you that a nocturnal visit is an absolute must.
Several outings offer a chance to discover Lyon from a different perspective.
- Walk up the banks of the Saône at dusk to enjoy the illumination of the church of Saint-Georges, the cathedral of Saint-Jean, overlooked by the basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the neoclassical Palais de Justice (law courts) and the various bridges and footbridges spanning the river. This evening outing can be enjoyed as a walk along the redeveloped river banks, or as a cruise on the river Saône.
- Make your way up the hill of Fourvière to the esplanade of the basilica, which offers a panoramic view of Lyon. In November and February, the Fondation Fourvière organises special night-time tours of the roofs of the basilica.
- Admire Place Bellecour, a square lined with buildings dating from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. From November to March, the square is lit up by the big wheel. Take an evening stroll through the Presqu’île district to see Lyon’s most iconic squares: Place Bellecour, Place des Célestins, Place des Jacobins, Place de la Bourse, Place des Terreaux.
- On the banks of the Rhône, discover the lively atmosphere of the boat bars, which offer a stunning view of the illuminated Grand Hôtel Dieu building.
Exploring culture in the evening in Lyon
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Agenda
Shows and concerts in Lyon
From shows to concerts, find plenty of ideas for things to do to liven up your evening in Lyon.
Agenda
Festival of Lights, the must-see nighttime event in Lyon
When Lyon is dressed in lights, everybody comes down into the streets to take in the sights. The facades of the city’s most beautiful buildings spring to life under the lights of projectors and the people of Lyon take part by placing ‘lumignons’ (small lanterns) on their windowsills and balconies on the 8th of December.
Public transport at night
After a wonderful evening in Lyon, get home or back to your hotel easily using the public transport network:
- Several main lines of the TCL network run later to make it easier to get around at night: buses C1, C2, C5, and C23.
- The four metro lines run until 2 a.m. every Friday and Saturday.
- Park-and-ride facilities connected to the metro are also open until 3 a.m. every Friday and Saturday (instead of 1 a.m.).
- Since September 5th, 2025, a Pleine Lune network dedicated to night lines has been in place. Four Pleine Lune lines with a connection at Presqu'Île in Cordeliers provide efficient links between campuses, entertainment venues, and residential areas in the city and the Presqu'Île district.
Good to know: From 10 p.m. on all bus lines, you can ask the driver to drop you off between stops. The request must be made when you board the bus, or at the latest one stop before your desired drop-off point. This initiative allows everyone to get home safely.
If, at any point during the evening, you feel uncomfortable or harassed, the Ask for Angela system is there to help you. This network of safe and supportive establishments provides shelter and security for anyone who has been the victim of street harassment. To access this service, simply walk into any establishment displaying the “Ici, demandez Angela” sticker. The staff, who are trained to welcome and listen to you, will be able to offer you a quiet space or appropriate assistance.