What to do in April in Lyon? Every year we’re told not to let our guard down. But here at Lyon Secret, we prefer to pull out all the stops to bring you the long list of great ideas we’ve got in store. And this year, our little finger tells us it’s going to be a long one!
Dig out your hiking boots
April marks the return of hiking. Whether it’s a simple walk for exercise or an ultra-trail, alone or with family, walking in the great outdoors is always a pleasure. And in this regard, Lyon is one of the best spots in France for getting away from it all in no time. In 2026, walking is anything but old-fashioned—we love it!
Let yourself be enchanted by a luminous and completely original reinterpretation of Sleeping Beauty. On the stage in Lyon, classical dance meets the magic of lights thanks to sparkling costumes that transform every movement into a true visual fireworks display. Much more than just a ballet, it’s a timeless interlude that elevates this timeless tale.
Catch a great movie at the theater (and pay 30% less for your ticket than the person next to you)
Check out these great deals for April! A good movie at the theater—a pleasure we never tire of… especially when it’s at the best price. Snuggling into a red armchair, sharing a movie with the one you love, munching on a Smurf or some popcorn during the trailers, staying glued to your seat during the credits… So this month, head to the big screen near you for a true escape. Find your tickets here for Pathé and CGR theaters at the best prices. Lyon, home of the Lumière brothers, can’t help but celebrate cinema as it should be celebrated. In April, we’re eagerly awaiting the release of The Drama, Michael, and The Devil Wears Prada 2.
Have a drink on a terrace with friends
It may seem trivial, but this little pleasure can radically change the whole feel of your weekend. Whether it’s for a quick coffee on a shaded terrace or a good beer (with or without alcohol) at a high table, the simple pleasure of sitting down with a loved one and sharing a snack should be prescribed!
This is clearly themost anticipated cultural eventof the early part of the year in Lyon. Come to Studio 24 to discover the works of Monet, the master of Impressionism, from a fresh perspective. The exhibition offers a fresh perspective on this painter who, like Picasso or Van Gogh, was one of the greatest of his time. 360° projections, virtual reality, sound effects… in short, the full range of tools to immerse yourself in the painter’s world in a whole new way.
The first industrial factory listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Want to get some fresh air outside Lyon for a day? Built by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux between 1775 and 1779, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans is an exceptional industrial site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Today, the site is open to visitors and hosts exhibitions, festivals, gardens, and cultural events year-round.
Get active during the sports vacations organized by the Lyon Metropolis
An event not to be missed for all aspiring Antoine Duponts. During the Easter break, the Lyon Metropolitan Area is organizing a series of free activities to introduce young people aged 3 to 18 to sports. BMX, archery, volleyball, and even rugby—around twenty activities will be offered. Since 2021, the program has introduced thousands of young people in the Lyon metropolitan area to sports other than soccer or swimming. An initiative for all the future champions of the next generation! Participation is free, but reservations are strongly recommended.
📍 Various locations in the municipalities of Lyon Bron, Dardilly, Décines-Charpieu, Meyzieu, and Villeurbanne
📅 Date: April 7–17, 2026
🎟️All the details here
Go to concerts by Tame Impala or Julien Doré
Or both! On the music frontin April, there are plenty of great things on the horizon, spearheaded by these two artists, including Tame Impala, who is eagerly awaited in Lyon. For those who can’t make it, no problem—there will be plenty more to come in the months ahead , whether at concerts or festivals. Once again this year, our spring, the long weekends in May, and our summer vacations will be shaped by the schedule of concerts and festivals.
A true listed glass cathedral that protects rare and fragile species. For a nature break in the heart of Lyon, head to the large greenhouses of the Parc de la Tête d’Or: they cover 6,500 m² divided into nine sections and house an exceptional plant collection. Listed as a historic monument, the site is undergoing a renovation project to preserve the small greenhouses and save rare species.
A giant LIDL in the iconic Citroën garage in downtown Lyon. Among the new attractions to discover in the city, LIDL has opened a store unique in France in the former Citroën garage, located right in the heart of Lyon. The ground floor spans 2,300 m² and is part of a historic 40,000 m² building; the grand opening took place on February 26, 2026, after approximately 10 months of construction.
Candlelight is back in full force for spring. All the magic of candlelit concerts combines with the joy of sunny days to give you a truly intense experience. Enjoy the greatest musical hits at the Bonaventure Basilica or Notre Dame de Fourvière… Coming soon: tribute concerts to Coldplay, Hans Zimmer, Édith Piaf, and Céline Dion. Check out the Candlelight lineup in Lyon for the coming months.
A remarkable medieval village perched on the banks of the Loire, between a 12th-century keep and artisan workshops. For a day trip out of Lyon, head to Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, perched above the Loire. Born from the union of two towns, the village is rich in medieval heritage (12th-century keep, city walls) and artisan workshops. It offers fun walking trails and is also a stop on the Camino de Santiago.
To celebrate the return of outdoor seating and beautiful April days, head to Le Musée: a bouchon located between Place de la Bourse and Saint-Nizier, serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine (saucisson brioché, tablier de sapeur, chocolate mousse) in an authentic atmosphere. Dishes are €19 and the three-course meal is €29, with breakfast served starting at 8 a.m. on opening days.
Lyon, the cradle and spearhead of cinema. Proof of this can be found at the Cinema and Miniature Museum, which is simply one of a kind. With no less than 2,000 m² of space dedicated to the seventh art in an iconic building in Old Lyon, the experience is truly immersive. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and even Alien…discover the world’s largest collection of original cinema memorabilia!
Sunny spring days are undoubtedly the most beautiful of the year. Lyon offers a light—especially in April—that’s hard to beat. Let’s take advantage of it to rediscover the city’s treasures, particularly its many murals. From the most famous to the newest, including the most hidden ones, they’re always worth a look!
Lyon, the capital of gastronomy, is renowned for its specialties and numerous bouchons. But why not mix things up by changing just two letters in the word “bouchon” to head to a bouillon?! Same concept: traditional cuisine and a warm atmosphere… So, let’s dig in!
A concentration of World Heritage sites and volcanic landscapes just a stone’s throw from Lyon. For a change of pace from Lyon’s terraces and to enjoy the return of sunny days, head to Le Puy-en-Velay, nicknamed the “Mont-Saint-Michel of the mainland.” The town stands out for its steep slopes and iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame de France, the Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe rock, and its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal in the spring for hiking and as the first stop on the Way of St. James, it’s easily accessible from Lyon for a weekend getaway.
