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- What to do in Lyon in July?
What to do in Lyon in July?
What's on
Last updated date : 03/07/2026
In July, people in the Lyon metropolitan area look for places to cool off during the day and enjoy the rich cultural offering during the evening. Get your diaries out to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
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Things to do in Lyon in July
July marks the start of the school holidays. Children are eager to burn off some energy, while adults are looking forward to unwinding. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone happy. Here are a few ideas that will appeal to all ages during your stay in Lyon:
- Take a stroll through the cool shade of the Tête d'Or Park or hire a pedalo on the lake for a fun and idyllic outing.
- Set off on a sightseeing cruise with Bateaux Lyonnais to explore Lyon from the Saône without breaking a sweat.
- You can also take a dip in one of the city’s many swimming pools or spend a cool day at the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage.
- Or try a treetop adventure at Fort de Bron or Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon for some shaded fun.
- For a cultural outing in air-conditioned comfort, explore the collections at Lyon’s museums.
- Watch a film at dusk in Lyon’s squares and parks during the open-air cinema screenings.
- Join unique guided tours to escape the heat and go behind the scenes at the Lyon National Opera. Find out about all the tours on offer from the Tourist Office.
Natural swimming spots around Lyon
Looking for fresh air and nature? How about a day at a lake near Lyon? Here's a selection of natural swimming spots around Lyon. Get in the water!
Must-see events in Lyon in July
July is the month for music festivals! While Fourvière hill is alive with the sound of music thanks to the 'Nuits de Fourvière' festival, there are many other outdoor concerts to choose from, including the Festival du Péristyle at the Opera, or the festival Intérieur Queer offers both fun and food for thought, with its panorama of queer French and European cultures in the very heart of Greater Lyon.
Open-air cinemas in summer
Open-air cinemas are very popular with the public and offer the chance to revisit classic films as well as some of this year's new releases. Deckchairs, cushions, blankets and cool boxes are set up on lawns and in squares, allowing you to enjoy the experience in comfort.
Exhibitions in Lyon in July
How to occupy your hot July days before the evening concerts and film screenings? You could take an afternoon nap at Tête d’Or Park, or why not kill two birds with one stone by combining culture and comfort with an exhibition in an air-conditioned indoor space.
Things to see in July
Tout l'monde dehors !
Each year in Lyon, summer is celebrated in fitting fashion in all parts of the city with the festival ‘Tout l'monde dehors !’ (everybody outdoors), which brings a host of free outdoor activities, including drama, cinema, music and even dance classes!
How about Bastille Day?
The sky above Lyon lit up by fireworks is a spectacle not to be missed under any circumstances!
Fête nationale
Where to see the fireworks in Lyon on the 14th of July?
We share with you the best spots to get a great view on the evening of the 14th of July…