Placeholder Image

Subtitles section Play video

  • Bonjour! Bienvenue a Lyon! Welcome to Lyon.

  • As the third largest city in France, Lyon has seen a lot in its 2,000 years of history.

  • But all that history means there is a variety of things to do here in the city.

  • From culinary delights to secret passageways, historic architecture and the largest revitalization project currently happening in all of Europe.

  • So, to help you get the most out of your visit here, I'm breaking down the top 5 things to do in Lyon.

  • Number 5, step into the future in the Confluences neighborhood.

  • In stark contrast to Lyon's historic architecture is the ultra-modern Confluences neighborhood.

  • Located right where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, Lyon's newest neighborhood is currently the largest urban redevelopment project happening in all of Europe.

  • The Confluences district spreads out over 150 square hectares of land and brings together work, living, and entertainment facilities in unique architectural and environmentally friendly design.

  • Make a point to check out the sprawling shopping complex and the Musée des Confluences, the Natural History Museum which showcases over 2.2 million artifacts.

  • Number 4, learn about Lyon's silk weaving history.

  • Silk weaving plays a vital role in Lyon's history.

  • Due to its position on the Rhône and Saône rivers, it became the only city in France that was allowed to import raw silk and weave it into various textiles.

  • The Croix-Rousse district was the center of the silk weaving industry in the city and is where you can learn more about it today.

  • Pop into Maison des Canuts where you'll learn about the invention by Joseph Marie Jacquard of using perforated cards to produce patterned fabrics.

  • Another option is Soierie Vivante, one of the last family-owned workshops in the area.

  • In the trimmings workshop you'll get live demonstrations of trimmings being assembled on looms that haven't been moved since the 19th century.

  • In the weaving workshop, you can see how silk workers lived and worked in the same space plus how the looms evolved from hand to electrical powered machines.

  • Number three, get lost in Lyon's traboules.

  • The traboules are secret covered passageways found in the old parts of the city, some of which date back to the 4th century.

  • They connect the buildings and courtyards and weave their way up and down various staircases.

  • During the height of silk production, they were used to transport silk goods to avoid any damage happening to the products.

  • Today, there are estimated to be about 40 traboules open to the public.

  • Most of them are found in Vieux-Lyon and Croix-Rousse and many are marked with a special seal.

  • Number 2, explore the Fourvière district.

  • Rising high above the Saône river is the Fourvière district, a charming and popular area to visit in the city with lots to see and do.

  • At the top of the Fourvière Hill is the Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

  • It was built in the 1800s and features intricate detailing both on the exterior and interior.

  • On the south side of the Fourvière district are the vast Roman ruins.

  • There is the partially intact ruins of a Roman theatre dating back to 15 BC.

  • And a 2nd century Roman Odeon where concerts and operas are performed in the summer months.

  • At the base of the Fourvière district is Vieux-Lyon, the city's oldest district.

  • This picturesque area is lined with narrow cobblestone streets and features well-preserved buildings from the Renaissance period.

  • In the 60s, the fate of Vieux-Lyon was uncertain as many of the buildings had become inhabitable.

  • But the city stepped in and Vieux-Lyon became the first protected historic district in France.

  • And the number one thing to do in Lyon?

  • Eat your way through the city.

  • While Paris may be the capital city of France, Lyon is the gastronomical capital of the country.

  • From street-side markets to over a dozen Michelin-star restaurants, there's something for every palate and budget in Lyon.

  • So make sure you pack your stretchy pants!

  • Make a point to pop into Les Halles de Lyon, created by famed French chef Paul Bocuse.

  • This indoor market features over 60 food stalls showcasing the best regional products found around Lyon.

  • Also, don't leave the city without grabbing a meal at a bouchon.

  • These are traditional restaurants found only in Lyon that have deep historical roots within the city.

  • Bouchons are typically family-run and feature menus filled with hearty homemade dishes.

  • Alright, so there you have it!

  • My top 5 things to do in Lyon, those things that I feel you cannot miss when you're here visiting the city.

  • If you have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comment section below this video.

  • Also please subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't yet already so you can stay up to date with all of my latest travel adventures.

  • Thank you all so much for watching. We'll see you soon.

Bonjour! Bienvenue a Lyon! Welcome to Lyon.

Subtitles and vocabulary

Click the word to look it up Click the word to find further inforamtion about it