France’s gastronomic capital is an inspiring city, full of historic treasures and hidden gems. Here are some things to keep an eye out for in Lyon, France.
Traboule markers
Traboules are one of Lyon’s best-known secrets and play an integral part to the city’s history. Traboules are covered passageways that connect streets directly through buildings, found in the Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse neighbourhoods. Originally used by silk workers as a route for transporting goods, as well as by the French Résistance during WWII, you can explore these historic routes for yourself. Keep an eye out for a lion’s head on a blue background when in Croix-Rousse, or a bronze shield when in Vieux Lyon – these are traboule entrance markers!
Pink pops of colour
Walk past a boulangerie and bright pink pops of colour will draw your attention immediately. Pink praline brioche are a Lyonnais specialty, delicious to eat and beautiful to look at. These were invented by Auguste Pralus, a Lyonnais pastry chef. He was inspired by the shades of pink in a nearby rose garden and decided to dye pralines pink for his baking ventures.
Lyon Banksy
Ememem is, in a way, Lyon’s version of Banksy. Nicknamed the ‘pavement surgeon’, keep an eye out for Ememem’s work as you stroll through Lyon. They have spent seven years creating fun mosaic artwork out of pavement potholes and cracks.
Street art
Another one for the art-lovers – over 100 fascinating murals, all created by CitéCréation. Their most famous mural is Le Mur des Canuts, or the Wall of the Silk Weavers, found near the Croix-Rousse neighbourhood. It was first painted in 1987 to showcase Lyon’s silk weaving history and daily life. Not only is its sheer size jaw-dropping, but it looks 3D despite being on a flat surface. It has been updated twice; aging some of the characters, adding to families and creating new life.
Night lights
Lyon is a magical city, made even more so at night. For a different point of view, take a stroll along the Rhône River to see all of Lyon’s iconic buildings lit up – from the Hôtel de Ville to the Opéra National.
Is Lyon on your travel bucket list? Discover this incredible French city on an Avalon Waterways river cruise, or a Globus or Cosmos tour.
