On the hillFourvière Basilica & Roman Lyon
Ride the funicular to the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica for the city's best panorama, then explore the ancient Roman theatres and Gallo-Roman museum beside it.
Lyon, France
Flight + hotel city breaks · Gastronomy capital of France
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Lyon
France's third-largest city is its undisputed food capital — home to the traditional bouchon tavern, the covered market of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, and one of the densest clusters of Michelin stars outside Paris. Set where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, Lyon layers a UNESCO-listed Renaissance old town, Roman ruins on Fourvière hill, and a bohemian silk-weavers' quarter into one very walkable city.
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesClimate
Climate
3–28°C · four seasons
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm sunny summers (25–30°C) and cool crisp winters (2–8°C) — spring and autumn are ideal for walking.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 CAD ≈ 0.68 EUR · cards accepted almost everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport, up to 90 days in Schengen
Top Experiences in Lyon
On the hill
Old townVieux Lyon & the Traboules
Wander the cobbled Renaissance streets of UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon and slip through the traboules — hidden covered passageways that thread between the buildings.
Eat like a localBouchons & Les Halles Paul Bocuse
Lunch in a traditional bouchon, then graze the stalls of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for cheese, charcuterie, and the city's famous pink pralines.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A Canadian passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area is required.
Visa & ETIAS: No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced — confirm whether it applies before you travel.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in France. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Power & plugs: France uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and E plugs — bring a European adapter for your Canadian devices.
Time zone: Lyon runs on Central European Time (CET) — six hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Lyon
Apr – JunPeak season
Mild and blooming — cafe terraces open and crowds stay manageable before summer.
Jul – AugShoulder season
Warm to hot; many locals leave and some bouchons close for the holidays.
Sep – OctPeak season
Grape-harvest season with warm days and the best of the food calendar.
DecemberFestival of Lights
The Fête des Lumières lights up the whole city over four dazzling nights in early December.
Where to stay
Lyon neighbourhoods
Lyon is compact and easy to navigate on foot and by metro. Here's how its main districts compare when choosing a base.
Presqu'île
City centre
The peninsula between the two rivers — grand squares like Place Bellecour, department stores, restaurants, and nightlife all within walking distance.
Best for
- First-timers
- Shopping
- Dining
Vieux Lyon
West bank of the Saône
UNESCO-listed Renaissance old town of cobbled lanes, traboules, and the St-Jean cathedral, at the foot of Fourvière hill.
Best for
- Couples
- History
- Atmosphere
Croix-Rousse
Northern hill
The old silk-weavers' quarter, now a bohemian neighbourhood of steep streets, an open-air market, and independent cafes with a village feel.
Best for
- Foodies
- Local life
- Markets
La Part-Dieu
East bank of the Rhône
The business and transport hub around Lyon's main train station and a huge shopping mall — practical for connections and day trips.
Best for
- Transit access
- Shopping
- Value
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Lyon
Lyon is a superb launch point for the vineyards, medieval villages, and Alpine lakes of eastern France. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Wine CountryBeaujolais Vineyard Tour & Tasting
Full day · 8 hrs~45 km north · 1 hr by coach
Roll through the golden-stone villages and rolling vineyards of Beaujolais with cellar visits and guided tastings.
Insider tips
- Go in September for the harvest
- Nominate a non-drinking driver if self-driving
Alpine LakeAnnecy — Venice of the Alps
Full day · 9 hrs~140 km east · 1h 45m by train/coach
A day at crystal-clear Lake Annecy, with its pastel canals, flower-lined bridges, and medieval old town beneath the Alps.
Insider tips
- Rent a boat or bike the lakeshore
- Pack a swimsuit in summer
Historic VillagePérouges Medieval Village
Half day · 4 hrs~40 km northeast · 45 min by coach
Step back in time in one of France's best-preserved walled medieval villages, famous for its sugary galette pastry.
Insider tips
- Wear flat shoes for the cobblestones
- Try a warm galette de Pérouges
Roman HistoryRoman Vienne & the Rhône
Half day · 5 hrs~30 km south · 30 min by train
Explore the ancient temple, amphitheatre, and mosaics of Vienne, a Roman town on the banks of the Rhône.
Insider tips
- Combine it with a riverside lunch
- Sunday hosts a large street market
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Good to know
Lyon travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Lyon?
No. Canadians can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. Note the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being phased in, so check its status before you fly.
How long is the flight from Canada to Lyon?
There are no non-stop flights; expect around 10h 30m from Toronto with one connection in Europe via Paris, Frankfurt, or Munich into Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS).
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
April to June and September to October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Early December brings the spectacular Fête des Lumières festival.
Is Lyon easy to get around?
Very. The centre is compact and walkable, and an efficient metro, tram, funicular, and bus network covers the rest — a single Lyon transit pass works across them all.
What currency should I bring?
France uses the Euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for markets and small bouchons.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in France, and private treatment can be costly.
Is Lyon really the food capital of France?
Many say so. It's the home of the bouchon tavern, the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market, and a dense cluster of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add day trips like the Beaujolais vineyard tour or a day in Annecy to your booking at checkout.