The end of the year often means not a penny left in your wallet. Between buying Christmas gifts, new shoes to brave this Viking-like cold, and the dog’s vaccine, your wallet is empty. But luckily, Lyon is a generous city—and for many reasons. From the all-time classics to lesser-known ways to have fun without burning through your savings, here’s our selection of free things to do in Lyon.
Did you know? Many exhibitions are free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak up some culture without spending a penny. Among other things, we recommend the rooftop of the Musée des Confluences, which is open for free so you can enjoy a 360º view of Lyon— a real treat when the weather permits.
A “Star Academy” of the Middle Ages that became a showcase for the cathedral’s treasure. Among the hidden gems to discover in Lyon, La Manécanterie de Lyon is a unique medieval building that has housed the cathedral’s treasury since 1930, featuring gold and silverware, tapestries, and embroidered garments. Its foundations date back to the 2nd through the 11th centuries, and it served as a singing school (manécanterie) from the 14th to the 19th century.
It’s a real treasure to discover for free—paradoxical, isn’t it!? And yet it’s true. Saint Jean Cathedral in Lyon is home to one of the most beautiful timepieces in the world. A colossal clockwork mechanism over 10 meters tall dating back to… 1379— which means it’s seen plenty of days pass on its dial! Definitely a must-see.
One of Lyon’s oldest historic monuments, which has watched over the city for over a thousand years. Among the free attractions in Lyon, the Basilica of Saint-Martin-d’Ainay stands out: much older than Fourvière, it is a major example of Lyon’s Romanesque architecture, with origins dating back to between the 9th and 11th centuries and consecrated by Pope Paschal II in 1107.
The Amphitheater at the Lyon Opera House
Every lunchtime, the Amphi at the Lyon National Opera hosts free concerts. Located beneath the Opera House, across from City Hall and not far from Place des Terreaux, the diverse lineup invites you to discover music from around the world. Each season has its own events, so check the schedule and choose your favorite lunch break activity.
The National Conservatory of Music and Dance
Want to enjoy the best in concerts and dance while supporting the next generation? The Lyon Conservatory offers several free performances that are well worth checking out. Whether you’re into classical dance or contemporary music, there’s something for everyone. It’s best to keep an eye on the schedule regularly so you don’t miss a thing. But be sure to book in advance.
115 hectares of fresh air just a stone’s throw from Lyon! Want to escape into nature without leaving the city? The Lacroix-Laval estate is a 115-hectare park on the outskirts of Lyon, designated a “Remarkable Garden” and an “EcoGarden,” featuring trails, picnic areas, hammocks, lounge chairs, a castle, and a rose garden. Accessible by bus from Gorge de Loup, by TER train, or by car (free parking), the park is open daily and accessible to people with limited mobility.
One of the unique features of our city—and one that adds to its charm— is its murals. You’ll find dozens of them on building walls, the most famous being the “Mur des Lyonnais,” a mural featuring Lyon’s famous figures, and the “Fresque des Canuts,” the largest mural in Europe. So wander the streets and go in search of these treasures. We recommend ending your stroll in Croix-Rousse, where you’ll find plenty of street art along the hillsides. A word of advice: don’t forget to charge your phone so you can snap away.
The Rosa Mir Garden
We owe this enchanting garden to Jules Senis Mir, a Spanish stonemason. Having come to France to escape Franco’s regime, he settled in Lyon. Diagnosed with cancer, he promised himself he would create this garden if he recovered. Once he had recovered, he began the long process of building it, stone by stone, seashell by seashell, to create this little slice of paradise, which is now a listed historic monument. Today, it’s one of the most beautiful gardens in Lyon!
Normally, we’re not telling you anything new about the Traboules, and yet here’s a well-kept secret. Look for the plaques above the doors in Croix-Rousse and Vieux-Lyon, and all you’ll have to do is push the door open. And if you don’t feel like searching, we’ll give you a magic map to find them in a flash!
Tête d’Or Park and its zoo
Even if this isn’t news to you and everyone already knows it, it’s always good to remember how lucky Lyon residents are to be able to stroll for free through the magnificent Tête d’Or Park. Take this opportunity to stroll through the park and soak up the greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Zoo remains a must-see for young and old alike. Undoubtedly one of the best free activities in Lyon, no matter the season.
The Montluc Memorial
This place isn’t the most fun activity on this list, but it’s still very interesting. During World War II, the Gestapo in Lyon used it as a prison to hold Jews and other prisoners before sending them to concentration camps. Since 2010, the building has been open to the public as a major site of national remembrance. Admission to the memorial is free, and it takes us back to this dark chapter in France’s history.
Bonus: book boxes
If you love to read and are curious, we’ve got a real little treasure hunt for you. Sort through your bookshelf and bring along a few books you’d like to donate. Now set off on an adventure and rummage through the book boxes in search of a book that might catch your eye. Not only will you get to stroll through the city, but you might just stumble upon a hidden gem.
