Overview
Lyon sits at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers in east-central France, roughly halfway between Paris and the Mediterranean. France's third-largest city, it is widely regarded as the country's gastronomic capital, with a UNESCO-listed Renaissance old town, Roman amphitheatres and a big, lively student population. It also makes a natural base for the Alps and the Beaujolais vineyards. With direct flights from the UK taking under two hours, Lyon is an easy choice for a long weekend or a week's stay.
Best time to fly to Lyon
May, June and September usually bring warm, settled weather that is ideal for exploring on foot. July and August can be hot and busy, though hotel availability sometimes improves as locals head away. December is special for the Fête des Lumières, when the city is lit up for four nights. Winters are cool and often grey, but handy if you are connecting on to an Alpine ski resort. For the cheapest seats, check the When to book chart above and the price charts on this page.
Airlines and routes
easyJet operates the widest UK network to Lyon, with direct flights from London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester, plus seasonal routes in the winter ski season. British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow. Typical flying time is about 1 hour 50 minutes from London and around 2 hours from Manchester. If your local airport is not served directly, Air France offers one-stop connections via Paris Charles de Gaulle and KLM via Amsterdam.
Things to do in Lyon
Lyon rewards slow wandering, good food and a head for heights. A few highlights:
- Vieux Lyon: one of Europe's largest Renaissance quarters, threaded with hidden covered passageways known as traboules.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: a hilltop basilica with sweeping views over the rooftops and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.
- Musée des Confluences: a striking science and anthropology museum in a futuristic glass-and-steel building where the two rivers meet.
- Parc de la Tête d'Or: a vast free park with a boating lake, rose garden and small zoo, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
- Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: an indoor market for sampling local cheeses, charcuterie and pastries.
At Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)
The airport lies about 25 km east of the city centre. The Rhônexpress tram is the quickest link, running roughly every 15 minutes and reaching Lyon Part-Dieu station in around 30 minutes. Coaches, taxis and car hire are also available, with a taxi taking about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Part-Dieu and Perrache stations connect on to the wider French rail network, including fast TGV services.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Lyon
- Book roughly two to three months ahead for the best short-haul fares; last-minute prices tend to climb.
- Fly midweek where you can, as Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than Friday or Sunday.
- Use flexible date search and compare easyJet with British Airways, weighing a connecting Air France fare if it is noticeably lower.
- Avoid French school holidays and the December light festival week if budget matters more than timing.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in France. Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date. Once the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation scheme begins you will need to apply online beforehand, so check GOV.UK for the latest entry rules. The currency is the euro; cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small bouchons and markets. No specific vaccinations are required, but bring a GHIC for state healthcare and take out travel insurance.
