Lyon – One of the best things to do in Lyon in 2023

Introduction of Lyon city

Lyon is a city full of diversity, especially in its architecture. The city is huge, Lyon itself is the third largest city in France, but if you add the suburbs, the city of Lyon is the second largest city in France (after Paris). It is also the world capital of gastronomy, the city where many of today’s chefs learned or knew their trade.

The city of Lyon is a large French city located in the south-east of France. The city of Lyon is located in the Rhône department of the Rhône-Alpes region. The city of Lyon is located in the Lyon region. The area code for Lyon is 69123 (also known as the INSEE code)

History of thecity

All 2000 years of Lyon’s history have left a visible mark on the city’s architecture and culture, from Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces and modern skyscrapers. It hasn’t experienced a major disaster (earthquake, fire, bomb blast, etc.)

or a complete overhaul by city planners. Few countries in the world have such diversity in their urban planning and architecture.

The first phase of demolition dates back to 12,000 BC but there is no evidence of continuous activity before the Roman period. Lugdunum, the Roman name for the city, was founded in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus, then ruler of Gaul.

The first Roman settlement was located on Mount Fourvier. The main period of peace and prosperity of the Roman Empire was between 69 and 192 AD. The current population is between 50,000 and 80,000. In the Middle Ages, the city grew on both sides of the Saône.

The name “Lion” or “Lyon” appeared in the 13th century. During the Renaissance, the tax benefits and the organization of many fairs attracted Florentine bankers and merchants from all over Europe; the city is becoming more and more prosperous and is experiencing a second golden age.

The main industries were silk weaving, introduced in 1536, and printing. Lyon is becoming one of the largest cities in Europe and its leading financial center.

In the following centuries, religious wars damaged Lyon but it remained a major industrial and intellectual center, with financial services moving to Geneva in Switzerland. In the 18th century, half of the inhabitants were silk workers (canuts).

At the beginning of the 19th century, the silk industry was still developing, thanks in particular to the Jacquard loom which made the work of weaving more efficient.

Social unrest began, however: in 1831, the Canutes’ first rebellion was severely suppressed. Workers are protesting against the introduction of new technology, which could lead to unemployment. Further riots occurred in 1834, 1848 and 1849, mainly in the Croix-Rousse region.

The traditional silk industry disappeared at the end of the century due to diseases affecting French silkworms and the opening of the Suez Canal, which reduced the price of silk from Asia. Various other companies developed during this period; Famous entrepreneurs at the end of the 19th century were the Lumière brothers, who created a cinema in Lyon in 1895.

The world’s first funicular was built between Lyon and La Croix-Rousse in 1862. During the Second World War, Lyon was close to the border between the “free zone” and the occupied zone, so it was an important place for the Germans and for the French Resistance.

The boats, or the ways to enter the houses, made the people of the town escape the Gestapo attacks. On May 26, 1944, Allied planes bombed Lyon. The liberation of Lyon took place on September 3. In the 1960s, the construction of the business district of Part-Dieu began; its symbol is the “pencil” tower, the tallest building in Lyon.

Best things to do in Lyon city in 2023

Get a Fire Festival

The Fire Festival is an amazing event every year and it doesn’t rank high on our list just because it only happens once a year. This tradition began in 1852, when the people of Lyon put candles and glasses in their windows to celebrate the installation of the statue of the Virgin Mary on the Fourvière hill.

The city was covered with music, and since that night, the fire has taken a special place in the identity and culture of Lyon.

At this time, for four nights every year around December 8, the city celebrates La Fête des Lumières. Houses, parks, squares and streets are lit up around Lyon by the lights of different artists. Some light structures are interactive while others can display music or accompany music.

Many have attractive light displays with moving images and more. If you are planning to visit France in early December, you should definitely consider going to Lyon for La Fête des Lumières.

Eat your fast at Les Halles – Paul Bocuse

It is the best place to find local food. Named after Paul Bocuse, an icon of French gastronomy, Les Halles is an indoor food market open since 1859. There are more than 50 vendors inside selling their specialties, which range from chocolate, fruit and vegetables, oysters, frog legs, cheese and more. It’s a great place to walk around, but it’s also a great option for lunch. There are many vendors set up like restaurants inside with tables and chairs for eating.

A word of advice: as the market is open on Monday, most of the shops inside are closed that day. We recommend going on another day if you want the full experience