Top 10 places to spend a dream summer in Lyon!

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If you’re planning to visit France this summer for some sightseeing and study, put Paris aside for a moment and let us take you on a whirlwind of discovery in Lyon. This city is full of hidden treasures and summer activities that will leave you with the most beautiful memories!

The Alliance Française de Lyon offers you the top 10 best places to enjoy summer in Lyon, guaranteed without tourist clichés!

1. Le parc de la Tête d’Or 

A must-see! This park offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. Whether you want to relax over a picnic with friends, go for a bike ride, meditate in an outdoor yoga class, or explore the zoo and gardens, Parc de la Tête d’Or welcomes you with open arms. And the best part? In summer, the park stays open until 10 p.m. to make the most of the long summer evenings.

Crédit : Delphine Castel

2. Quais du Rhône

For a picturesque stroll along the river, head for the Quais du Rhône. For around 6 kilometers, you can admire Lyon’s architecture as you stroll along. From the majestic Notre Dame de Fourvière cathedral to the emblematic Hôtel Dieu and the bohemian Croix-Rousse district, this walk offers a veritable journey through Lyon’s history.

Crédit : PhotothequeAderly-71

3. Parc Sergent Blandan

Whether you’re a budding sportsman or just want to relax, this is the park for you! With its many sports fields, green spaces perfect for a family picnic, and a playground equipped with climbing areas, Parc Sergent Blandan is the ideal place for a successful day out.

Crédit : lyon-france.net

4. Piscine du Rhône

There’s nothing like a refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day! The Rhône Olympic swimming pool, located in the Centre Nautique Tony Bertrand, welcomes you until 8pm on weekdays for moments of relaxation and fun. With its playful toboggan run, its area dedicated to water sports such as beach volleyball and water polo, and its panoramic view over the city, this pool promises unforgettable aquatic moments.

Crédit : lyon.fr

5. L’île Barbe 

For a change of scenery just a stone’s throw from the city, head for Ile Barbe and its enchanting atmosphere. Between pétanque, sunbathing and mystical legends, let yourself be charmed by this place steeped in history. The island is also home to the remains of an ancient abbey dating back to the 5th century, offering a total immersion in Lyon’s past.

Crédit : www.b-rob.com

6. Les bateaux lyonnais 

For an original way to discover Lyon, take a cruise on the Rhône and Saône rivers aboard one of the famous “bateaux lyonnais”. Between local gastronomy and breathtaking scenery, this river trip promises moments of pure pleasure and wonder.

Crédit : lesbateauxlyonnais.com

7. Le jardin des curiosités

Nestled in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement, this atypical garden is the fruit of a historic collaboration between Lyon and Montreal. Inspired by New York pocket parks, it offers a green and poetic space in the heart of the city. Perfect for a relaxing break in the shade of the trees, or a contemplative stroll with the family.

Crédit : uneviealyon.com

8. Les Nuits de Fourvière 

Culture and music lovers, don’t miss this iconic summer festival. Nestled in the heart of the Roman ruins of the Gallo-Roman theater, this cultural event offers a rich and eclectic program every year, in a breathtaking historical setting.

Crédit : Maxppp – Joël PHILIPPON

And just a few kilometers from Lyon, you'll find :

9. Le lac du Bourget 

Looking for a waterside getaway? Head for France’s largest natural lake, just 2.5 hours from Lyon. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain scenery await you for a day of absolute relaxation.

Crédit : Corine Bertholet

10. Lac d’Aiguebelette 

For a day of adventure in the heart of nature, head for Lac d’Aiguebelette. Paddle, canoe or paddleboard on its calm waters, before relaxing on one of its 7 beaches. And for the more adventurous, why not try a paragliding session from the surrounding peaks?

Crédit : SavoieMontBlanc-Guillaume-Lucazeau

So don’t hesitate, put on your walking shoes or your bathing suit, and set off on an adventure in this historic city, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO!

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