Discover Lyon
Staying in Lyon means immersing yourself in a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of French gastronomy, the world capital of silk and a land of festivals. Ideally located a stone’s throw from Old Lyon and the Presqu’île, the InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu places you at the heart of this exceptional heritage. Here is the selection of must-see places by our Chef Concierge Cyrille Jombart, member of Les Clefs d’Or…
Our must-see places in Lyon
The Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica
A symbol of Lyon, the Basilica located at the heart of “the hill that prays” overlooks the Old Lyon district and offers a unique panoramic view of the city, which on a clear day reveals Mont Blanc in the distance! Reach the summit via the iconic Lyon “ficelles” funiculars, which will take you from the historic district to the Basilica in just a few minutes. Architect Pierre Bossan created a neo-Byzantine masterpiece, remarkable for the exuberance of its interior decoration and its four tall outer towers, affectionately compared by locals to “an elephant lying on its back”. Our concierge team organises bespoke private tours.
Old Lyon
Stretching along the banks of the Saône, the city’s historic heart invites visitors to stroll along cobblestone lanes and discover its Renaissance heritage, traboules (hidden passageways) and traditional shops. Take a seat on one of the terraces where red-and-white checked tablecloths — the hallmark of Lyon’s traditional bouchon restaurants — bring colour to this district, home to an architectural gem: Saint-Jean Cathedral. Our concierge team recommends the best bouchons and guided tours of Old Lyon.
The Musée des Confluences
The newest of Lyon’s districts welcomes you for a stroll through a striking environment where you can admire the latest trends in architecture and urban design. Its centrepiece, the Musée des Confluences, houses a collection of over two million objects tracing the great human story in a 2,000 m² cabinet of curiosities. Our concierge team can advise on the current temporary exhibitions.
The Presqu’île
Nestled between the Saône and the Rhône, the Lyonnaise Presqu’île is celebrated for its 19th-century bourgeois architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this district is home to the city’s most notable cultural landmarks: place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, and place des Terreaux with its remarkable Musée des Beaux-Arts. Wander through local markets, browse the bouquinistes and discover gourmet addresses such as the famous pink praline brioche from Maison Pralus. Our hotel is just a short walk from this historic heart.
The Parc de la Tête d’Or
Explore the city’s green lung, inaugurated in 1857 — the same year as Central Park in New York. Escape along shaded paths in a setting that feels worlds away from the urban bustle. Perfect for a family outing, the park offers a botanical garden, rose gardens and a zoo. Explore the two islands in the heart of the lake by rowing boat.
La Croix-Rousse
“The hill that works”, located north of the Presqu’île, will transport you into the daily life of the silk workers known as “Les Canuts”. A historic hub of silk-weaving, Lyon was granted a royal monopoly over the industry as far back as the 16th century. Discover the traboules — secret passageways woven between buildings — and the new haunt of young local designers.
The Institut Lumière
The Lumière family home, where the revolution of the 7th art was born, is today a museum tracing this extraordinary story. The Hangar du Premier Film is a major venue for film screenings dedicated to classic cinema, in the very setting where it all began over a hundred years ago.
Les Halles Paul Bocuse
Created in 1971 under the patronage of multi-starred chef Paul Bocuse, this temple of Lyonnaise gastronomy brings together over fifty merchants celebrating local produce every day. A must for discovering the specialities of Lyon: brioche sausage, quenelles, pralines and Bresse poultry. Our concierge team books the finest tables in the city.
The Painted Walls
Across the city, Lyon’s history is brought to life through its painted walls — a local tradition developed to make art accessible to all. The major works — the Mur des Canuts, the Mur du Cinéma and the Fresque des Lyonnais — offer a wonderful immersion into the city’s heritage. An ideal itinerary on foot or by bike, which our concierge team can arrange on a bespoke basis.
The Festival of Lights
Every 8 December, Lyon is draped in light through breathtaking scenographic creations that highlight every monument in the metropolis. For over twenty years, the city has come alive for four evenings of illuminations, offering a remarkable spectacle for all ages. One of the most attended cultural events in the world. Our concierge team can plan your evening programme.
Les Nuits Sonores
France’s largest electronic music festival takes place in Lyon every year. Throughout May, enjoy 5 nights of festivities featuring artists from around the world, in the industrial and heritage venues of the Lyonnaise metropolis. Let the party begin!
Les Nuits de Fourvière
A multidisciplinary summer cultural programme since 1946, set in the spectacular ancient Roman theatre of Fourvière in Lyon. On the programme: theatre, dance, circus and of course music! Our concierge team books your tickets and organises your evening.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lyon
Planning your stay in Lyon and looking to organise your visits? Our Les Clefs d’Or concierge team answers your most frequently asked questions.
In one day, we recommend starting with Old Lyon and its traboules, then heading up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica for the panoramic view. In the afternoon, explore the Presqu’île and stop at Les Halles Paul Bocuse. Our concierge team can put together a bespoke programme tailored to your interests.
Lyon’s must-sees include Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, the UNESCO-listed Old Lyon, the Presqu’île with place Bellecour, the Parc de la Tête d’Or, Les Halles Paul Bocuse and the Musée des Confluences. For events, the Festival of Lights (December) and Les Nuits de Fourvière (July–August) are unmissable.
The InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu is ideally located at 20 Quai Jules Courmont, in the 2nd arrondissement, a short walk from Old Lyon (5 minutes on foot), the Presqu’île and the banks of the Rhône. It sits at the historic heart of Lyon, within easy reach of all the major landmarks.
Yes, our Les Clefs d’Or concierge team handles guided tour bookings, reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, tickets for festivals and shows, transfers and bespoke experiences throughout Lyon and the surrounding region. Don’t hesitate to get in touch before your arrival.
Yes, the Festival of Lights takes place every year on the evenings of 8 December and the three following days. It is one of the most attended cultural events in the world, welcoming over 2 million visitors. Our concierge team can plan your evening programme and book your stay at the hotel for this highly sought-after period.
Lyon is the world capital of gastronomy: bouchon restaurants, quenelles, brioche sausage, tablier de sapeur… Our restaurant Le Bar Epônā and our team are happy to guide you. Our concierge team also books the finest tables in the city, including gastronomic and Michelin-starred restaurants.