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In Lyon, you’re lucky to live in a city full of possibilities and activities. Sometimes too much, and you don’t know which way to turn. One thing’s for sure: nothing makes us want to get out of bed and put on our shoes like the word: free! For those on a budget, here’s our ultimate list of Lyon’s best free activities! Don’t thank us, just go and have fun!
Cultural venues: free activities
1. lyon Opera
Every lunchtime, the Amphi de l’Opéra national de Lyon offers free concerts. Located beneath the Opera House, opposite the town hall and not far from the Place des Terreaux the diverse Program invites you to discover music from all over the world. Every season has its events, so find out more and choose your favorite lunch break.
📍 1 Pl. de la Comédie, 69001
2. Roman museums and theaters
When Lyon was still called Lugdunum, the foundation stone for the magnificent amphitheatre was laid not far from Fourvière. Here we are 2039 years later, and it’s still well worth a visit. Right next door, the Lugdunum museum opens its doors free of charge on the 1st Sunday of every month to take you back into our city’s past. One of Lyon’s best free activities!
📍 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005
3. Fourvière Basilica
Fourvière Basilica is the city’s most important religious monument, standing proudly on the heights of Lyon, protecting the city for decades. It’s free to visit, and believe me, the inside is just as impressive as the outside. You can take advantage of being at the top of the city to admire the panoramic view, and this is an opportunity to ride the funicular!
📍 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon
4. Montluc prison
This place isn’t the most fun activity on this list, but it’s still very interesting. During the Second World War, it was used by Lyon’s Gestapo as a prison to hold Jews and other prisoners before transporting them to concentration camps. Since 2010, the building has been open to the public as a national memorial site. The memorial is free to visit, and takes us back to this dark part of French history.
📍 4 Rue Jeanne Hachette, 69003 Lyon
5. Abode of Chaos
This curious place isn’t actually in Lyon, but on the outskirts of the city and accessible via the TCL network. The location alone is a giant work of art, a project launched in 2001 in the wake of the November 11 attacks. This privately-owned contemporary art museum lives up to its name, drawing inspiration from current events as the works are installed. Come and explore it, read the inscriptions and understand the various installations. Every weekend, it opens its doors to visitors free of charge.
📍 17 Rue de la République, 69270 Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d’Or
Lyon’s walks
6. The hikers
If you’re sporty and crave nature, then these few hiking trails are just the thing for you. Each loop introduces you to a new landscape, between lakes and mountains, and there are tours to suit all levels. If you want to escape the city for a day, now’s your chance! Choose your favourite route and put on your hiking boots! It’s hard to beat the region for free outdoor activities…
7. Rosa Mir Garden
This fairytale garden is the work of Jules Senis Mir, a Spanish mason. He came to France to escape Franco’s regime and settled in Lyon. Stricken with cancer, he vows to complete the garden if he recovers. Once healed, the long construction process began, stone by stone, shell by shell, to create this little bubble of paradise on the Croix-Rousse. It is now one of the most beautiful gardens from Lyon!
📍 87 Gd Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004
8. Painted walls
One of the special features of our town, which contributes to its richness, are its murals. Dozens of them can be found on the walls of buildings, the best known being the Mur des Lyonnais, a fresco of Lyonnais celebrities, and the Fresque des Canuts, the largest painted wall in Europe. So take to the streets in search of these treasures. We recommend you finish your walk at Croix-Rousse, where you’ll find plenty of street art along the slopes!
9. Les Traboules
Normally, we don’t tell you anything about the existence of the Traboules in Lyon. But let’s review where the term comes from: Traboules, from the Latin trans ambulare (to pass through), are passages that link 2 streets by passing through buildings. But what you may not know is that if there’s no exit, it’s called a Miraboule! Nice, isn’t it? Finding them, whether in traboules or miraboules, couldn’t be easier. Look for the plaques above the Croix-Rousse and Vieux-Lyon gates, and all you have to do is push open the door! And if you don’t feel like searching, we’ve got you covered a map at your disposal.
📍 Croix-Rousse 69001/69004, Vieux-Lyon 69005
10. Parc de la Tête d’Or
Even if we’re not teaching you anything and it’s a well-known fact, it’s always good to remember how lucky the people of Lyon are to be able to stroll around the sumptuous Parc de la Tête d’Or free of charge. Take the opportunity to stroll through the park and enjoy the greenery, away from the city. If you’re having a picnic, watch out for geese! I’m sure they’ll want to join in!
📍 Parc de la Tête d’Or, 69006
11. Reading boxes
If you like to read, if you’re curious, we’ve got a real treasure hunt for you. Sort through your bookshelf and take some of the books you’d like to donate with you. Now set off on an adventure, and rummage through the reading boxes for a book you might like. Don’t forget to leave some behind so as not to break the loop! Not only will you have the opportunity to stroll through the city, but you just might stumble across a nugget!