It’s officially summer! While we obviously envy the lucky ones who are already heading off on vacation, we’ll send them a postcard in August when it’s our turn. In the meantime, Lyon and its surroundings are at their best: outdoor activities, outdoor cafes galore , festivals, and concerts for every taste. In short, once again, we won’t have time to get bored.
Dancing at Les Nuits de Fourvière
For its 80th edition, Les Nuits de Fourvière unveils a truly exceptional lineup for the 2026 season. True to its reputation for blending all styles, the festival offers the people of Lyon the privilege of cheering on major headliners in the majestic setting of its Roman theaters. This year, the five-star lineup once again celebrates eclecticism: from Massive Attack’s hypnotic electronic music to Jack White’s feverish rock, not to mention Pulp’s iconic pop and the elegance of Charlotte Cardin and Asaf Avidan—there’s something for everyone!
An open-air movie theater under the stars! For a series of fun summer evenings right in the heart of Lyon, the “Cinéma sous les étoiles” festival returns July 15–18 at Place d’Ainay. On the program: four masterpieces screened outdoors. Free admission and a refreshment stand on site!
Step inside the Cinema & Miniature Museum, a place that’s truly one of a kind! Housed in a 15th-century building listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic museum immerses you in the magical world of cinema and miniature art. Spanning over 2,000 m² of exhibition space, more than 10,000 original artifacts await you—a veritable Aladdin’s cave for movie enthusiasts. From Harry Potter to Indiana Jones to Batman, the greatest heroes are waiting to meet you there. So, are you ready for a spectacular journey behind the scenes of the 7th art?
For a nature getaway to add to your July itinerary around Lyon, head to Lake Barterand, located near Chanaz. There, you’ll find a supervised beach as well as a 7-km trail around the lake, marked by carved stones. Supervised swimming is available from June 15 to September 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and there is an admission fee to access the beach (€2.50).
This summer, fill up on discoveries with the whole family at Science Expériences Lyon! Located right in the heart of the Presqu’île, this 750 m² immersive experience combines virtual reality, interactive experiments, and fun activities to explore the mysteries of space, the deep sea, the brain, and much more. Guided by science educators, visitors of all ages learn while having fun before getting hands-on during participatory workshops. An ideal outing to fill your July days while sparking the curiosity of children… and adults alike!
An iconic site where Cistercian history, a royal necropolis, and a panoramic view of France’s largest natural lake come together. For a getaway outside Lyon this summer, head tothe Royal Abbey of Hautecombe, located on the shores of Lake Bourget in Savoie. A historic necropolis of the House of Savoy, it can be explored through its abbey church, gardens, royal terrace, and state rooms. Occupied since prehistoric times and designated a UNESCO pile-dwelling site in 2011, the site blends medieval ruins with 19th-century restorations.
In July, treat yourself to a takeoff a little more original than those from Saint-Exupéry Airport: go live on the International Space Station at an altitude of 400 km (but without leaving Earth). If your dad has his head in the clouds, “Space Explorers: The ISS Experience” is coming to Lyon and offers an immersive experience inspired by NASA missions, using 360° footage shot in space to recreate the International Space Station with striking realism. You have to see it to believe it!
Five movie nights in Vieux-Lyon, no reservations required: first come, first served! In late July, make way for the big screen in a unique setting: the European film festival Cinéma du Vieux Lyon Festival takes place from July 20 to 24, 2026, in the historic Vieux-Lyon district, featuring five nights of screenings and a special appearance by Olivier Marchal. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.; screenings begin at 9:30 p.m. in the original language with subtitles, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Opened in 2024, Accentué quickly earned a spot in our selection of the best restaurants in Lyon thanks to its recent Bib Gourmand award. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a great place to eat in Lyon in July: here you can enjoy French cuisine with global influences, entirely centered on spices, featuring a lunch menu with an appetizer, main course, and dessert for €27.
A 20-hectare paradise nestled between cliffs and clear water, ideal for swimming and water sports. For a refreshing getaway in the middle of summer, head to Île Chambod: a 20-hectare natural site tucked away in the Ain Gorges, featuring a 300-meter supervised beach, a 15-kilometer navigable stretch of water, and numerous water sports (kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing). On site, you’ll also find a restaurant (Le Carbet) and a 3-star campground (Le Camp’île) where you can stay overnight and fully enjoy the area.
Want to add a breath of fresh air to your July itinerary around Lyon? At 1,012 meters, Mont Saint-Rigaud offers one of the region’s most beautiful panoramic views. For a nature getaway to squeeze into your July schedule, head to Mont Saint-Rigaud and its observation tower, which stands over 15 meters tall. Easily accessible by car, mountain bike, or via numerous trails (including a 15-kilometer loop), it combines nature and history with ancient ruins and a sacred fountain.
For a July evening that’s out of the ordinary, go with a sure bet: the Candlelight concerts. They’ve been delighting Lyon for several years now, and it’s easy to see why. The Candlelight concerts offer audiences the best way to experience an extraordinary musical moment in the city’s most beautiful venues. From French variety to international pop and even classical music, all the major musical genres are waiting for you!
Step inside one of France’s largest natural “fridges”: the Cerdon Caves, at ~14 °C. When the heat sets in in Lyon in July, head to the Cerdon Caves, located in the Ain department near Lyon, for a welcome cool break. Once there, you can enjoy a recreational park spanning over 25 hectares and an underground tour that takes you among stalactites and stalagmites in a cave at about 14 °C—perfect for cooling off with the family.
Recharge your batteries in the heart of the Forêt des Expériences in Beaujolais. When the July heat sets in in Lyon, head out for a breath of fresh air on this 3.5-km trail through the Cantinière Forest (Chambost-Allières), featuring seven themed stations and sensory workshops designed by the National Forest Service to reconnect you with nature. It’s the perfect way to cool off and recharge in the great outdoors, near Lac des Sapins and the villages of the Pierres Dorées.
Supervised sandy beaches in July and August and emerald waters to cool off in. Want to get away for a day (or more)? Lake Vouglans, 35 km long and holding approximately 600 million m³ of water, offers emerald-blue waters perfect for swimming. Three sandy beaches (Mercantine, Bellecin, Surchauffant) are equipped and lifeguarded in July and August, with free parking, nearby campgrounds, and a wide range of water sports and recreational activities.
When the July heat sets in, head to the Lacroix-Laval estate: a 115-hectare park on the outskirts of Lyon, designated a “Remarkable Garden” and an “EcoGarden.” There, you can enjoy trails, picnic areas, hammocks, lounge chairs, a castle, and a rose garden. The park is open daily and accessible to people with limited mobility.
At the Brasserie des Brotteaux, you can savor the Belle Époque through both the food and the decor. For a gourmet break in the middle of July in Lyon, head to this century-old brasserie located on Place Jules-Ferry, across from the Brotteaux train station. The Brasserie des Brotteaux offers an authentic Belle Époque setting and a traditional Lyon-style menu. The restaurant is open daily.
