Looking for ways to get out and about despite the immense heat in our beloved city of Lyon? Lyon Secret shares its top tips for getting a breath of fresh air this summer! This time, forget sunny terraces and strolls through the city in the middle of the day, we’re going for shade and indoors! Here’s our selection of the best things to do in Lyon during the heatwave! And don’t forget to drink (a little water too)!
1. Try the restaurant le Tiroir: the best value for money in Lyon
At Lyon Secret, we love discovering the best places to eat in our beautiful city, renowned for its gastronomy! It’s an opportunity to indulge ourselves, but above all to share our favorites with you. With each visit, we explore new flavors in places where we immediately feel at home. If we’re talking about this new nugget unearthed in the 9th arrondissement, it’s partly because the cuisine is excellent and surprising, but also because the restaurant has a two-storey air-conditioned dining room! The heat wave is perhaps the best time to try out a restaurant!
đź“Ť20 Gd Rue de Vaise, 69009 Lyon
2. Visit Lyon’s best museums and exhibitions (3 are free from July 2 to 4)
Every year, it’s the same thing. We tell ourselves that we don’t have enough museums and exhibitions in our schedules, despite Lyon’s thriving offer. So this summer, to survive the heatwave, we’re mixing business with pleasure and heading off to the best museums and unmissable exhibitions. One thing’s for sure, you’ll come out more cultured and refreshed! And the good news is that, in response to the heatwave, the City of Lyon is opening three municipal museums free of charge from July 2 to 4: the Beaux-Arts, the MusĂ©e d’Art Contemporain and Gadagne. The aim of this measure is to provide the people of Lyon with some much-needed fresh air. The program starts at midday on Wednesday, July 2, when temperatures are expected to reach 38°C… Take heart!
3. Spend a few hours in a cinema
Movies aren’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when we think of summer! But when the weather’s this hot, it’s still the ideal option for having a good time away from home (rather than lying next to your fan). The hottest films of the moment? Elio, F1, 13 days 13 nights, Avignon, Lilo & Stitch, Dragon, you name it! In any case, there’s plenty to spend a few evenings away from the heat!
4. An immersive experience in the cool
Immerse yourself in the fascinating (and cool) world of Van Gogh with the Immersive Experience in Lyon, a sensory journey that has already seduced over 5 million visitors worldwide! In addition to being one of the only cool places to visit in Lyon, you’ll discover the artist’s masterpieces in 360° thanks to digital projections, video mapping and cutting-edge 4K technology. Come to PĂ´le PIXEL in Villeurbanne for an unforgettable artistic immersion!
5. Get active indoors
Now’s the time to use that gym membership you’ve only used twice! Remember, gyms may be sweaty, but they’re air-conditioned! Climbing, tennis, volleyball or fitness – many sporting activities take place indoors, in air-conditioned spaces. The best way to get over the sweltering heat and get back into shape for the new school year!
6. Cool off in one of the city’s swimming pools
Where there’s heat, there’s swimming! In Lyon, a number of swimming pools will be opening their doors to you to cool off this summer. And even though it’s likely to be crowded, that won’t take away the pleasure of taking a dip in the cool water in this sweltering heat! And a word of advice: try to be one of the first, because right now, Lyon’s swimming pools have as many fans as BeyoncĂ©!
7. Eat an ice cream (or two)
What better excuse than the heatwave to treat yourself to a delicious ice cream from one of Lyon’s favorite ice cream parlors? If you like to discover original flavors, don’t hesitate to visit Terre Adelice, in Vieux-Lyon. Elderflower, red bean or hibiscus, this ice cream parlour offers over 150 sweet and savoury flavours. There’s something for everyone!
8. Re-discover the city’s historical treasures
We don’t say it enough, but whether it’s in the basilicas, the churches or the traboules, there are some iconic places in Lyon where you can find a little spot of coolness! So even if you’re not a tourist, the heatwave can be the perfect time to rediscover our favorite spots in Lyon! And if you’re more in the mood for greenery, head for Lyon’s most beautiful parks to enjoy a little shade! Note that to cope with the heat, the City of Lyon is extending the opening hours of its major parks: until midnight at Gerland and Blandan, 23:30 for the TĂŞte d’Or.
Good to know: With the return of the heat, Lyon is pulling out all the stops to keep its residents cool! In fact, some parks are staying open until midnight, 3 museums are free for several days, swimming pools are extending their opening hours, 743 cool corners have been listed and an information number is available (04 72 10 36 26). So thank you to our beloved city for all this!