Which is the best season to visit Lyon?

Each season reveals different facets of the Lyon metropolitan area, from the magical illuminations of the Festival of Lights in winter to the many festivals that keep the city buzzing through the summer, via the beauty of spring and the colours of autumn. When it comes to visiting Lyon, is any one season better than the rest? The answer of course depends on what you’re after, as each season offers unique experiences to be had. Here’s a taster of what the Lyon metropolitan area has to offer throughout the year.

Winter in Lyon: a warm, magical atmosphere

Prepare your mittens and woollen socks as Lyon is not a place to hibernate, far from it! The month of December begins with the magical Festival of Lights and the festive spirit keeps on going into January, with culture, gastronomy and many other indoor activities to choose from. Lyon is vibrant in winter. 

The Festival of Lights, a winter event not to be missed in Lyon

Each year around the 8th of December, Lyon sparkles in a sea of lights. Meet the famous Fêtes des Lumières! The people of Lyon place lumignons (small lanterns) on their window sills, as enchanting light installations pop up around the city. This is an event that has deep roots in local history and now attracts visitors from around the globe.

A winter to explore Lyon’s food scene

In the cold winter months, you can warm up between visits at one of the city’s traditional eateries known as ‘bouchons’ or at the indoor food market Halles de Lyon, a temple of Lyonnais gastronomy. Try local specialities like ‘quenelles’ (dumplings), ‘saucisson brioché’ (sausage in brioche) and praline tart, with a nice glass of Beaujolais. 

A winter to fill up on culture in Lyon

Winter is also an excellent time to visit the many museums in Lyon. Take in fine arts at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, local history at MHL-Gadagne, or the history of life and humanity at the Musée des Confluences, which also offers stunning views of the city. Stay toasty as you explore Lyon.

Spring in Lyon: the city in bloom

As the warm weather returns, Lyon is more beautiful than ever. Flowers pop up in the city’s green spaces, cafe terraces come to life, and we jump at the chance to enjoy the various outdoor activities on offer.

A spring to take walks in Lyon’s parks

In spring, Tête d'Or park is a must. Make your way through the 5-hectare rose garden as you breathe in the scents of some 16,000 rosebushes on the breeze. Continue your spring stroll around the lake and wander off on wonderful tangents along the leafy paths that criss-cross the city’s most popular walking spot. Parc de la Tête d'Or is the largest park in the metropolitan area, but it is far from being the only one: from Parc de la Feyssine in Villeurbanne to Parc des Hauteurs and Parc de la Cerisaie, there are many urban green spaces to be discovered.

Spring, a season teeming with events in Lyon

In Lyon, spring is a time when people like to gather. Highlights include Nuits Sonores, which brings together the biggest names on the electronic music scene, the Quais du Polar festival, a meeting place for the cream of crime fiction authors from around the globe, and the Foire de Lyon trade fair. Keep an eye on the programme as events are held all over the metropolitan area in spring.

A spring to relax on Lyon’s cafe terraces

This is the perfect season to take strolls through the city and enjoy the many cafe terraces in Lyon, where friends congregate when the warm weather returns. Tucked away terraces, terraces with a view and lively terraces: take your pick!

Summer in Lyon: live la dolce vita à la lyonnaise

There’s a misguided myth that Lyon goes quiet in the summer. But that’s ignoring the many festivals and activities on offer! Not to mention the lovely long summer evenings that are perfect for a stroll along the banks of the Rhône and a drink on a terrace.

Summer festivals in the Lyon metropolitan area

How could we fail to mention Nuits de Fourvière? Since 1946, it has been held in the magnificent setting of the ancient theatres. The outstanding eclectic programme includes music, dance, opera, drama and circus arts. You’ll also find many other festivals happening in summer in all parts of the metropolitan area, from Saint-Genis-Laval to Vénissieux and Villeurbanne.

Make the most of summertime outdoor activities in Lyon

With treasure hunts, tree climbing adventure parks, cruises on the Saône, pedalos on the lake of Tête d’Or park and more, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy the Lyon metropolitan area in summer! If you’re looking to cool off, besides taking a dip in the very pleasant swimming pool by the Rhône, you can make your way to one of the many natural bathing spots located around Lyon.

Delicious summer food

While some delicacies like Tablier de sapeur (beef tripe) and Sabodet (pig's head sausage) are not everyone's idea of summertime fare (we say ‘why not!’), Lyonnais gastronomy is versatile enough to suit all seasons: take a seat on a terrace and enjoy a 100% fresh and local aperitif with Cervelle de Canut cheese spread or Rosette de Lyon cured sausage. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the many artisanal ice cream makers dotted around the city.

Autumn in Lyon: beautiful colours and culture galore

Autumn is also a great season to enjoy the Lyon metropolitan area. Trees are resplendent with flaming colours and the start of the cultural season is in full swing.

Discover autumn cityscapes in Lyon

Autumn creates a charmingly romantic atmosphere in Lyon. Go for a stroll around Tête d’Or park or along the banks of the Rhône to take in the splendid splashes of colour. 

Autumn in Lyon and the return of hearty food

Make the most of the dropping temperatures to discover some Lyonnais specialities that will warm you up! Autumn is also the season of the grape harvests: why not take a trip to the neighbouring vineyards of the Beaujolais?

The start of the cultural calendar in Lyon

September is not just the start of the school year; it’s also the beginning of the cultural calendar, and in Lyon it’s jam-packed. Discover the rich programmes of the Contemporary Art or Dance Biennales (held on alternate years), as well as the many shows on in theatres and concert venues around the metropolitan area.

So, which is the best season to visit our city? Each season has its own charm in the Lyon metropolitan area. To make the most of your stay, don’t hesitate to take a look at our pages dedicated to each season’s activities. One thing is for sure: one visit won’t be enough!