What to do in Lyon in April Every year, we’re told not to get carried away. But at Lyon Secret, we prefer to pull out all the stops to offer you a whole host of great things to do. And this year, our little finger tells us that the thread will be long!
Sporting vacations organized by the Metropole of Lyon
A not-to-be-missed event for all budding Antoine Duponts. During the Easter vacations, the Metropole de Lyon is organizing a series of free activities to introduce youngsters aged 3 to 18 to the practice of sport. BMX, archery, volleyball and rugby are just some of the activities on offer. Every year since 2021, the program has enabled thousands of young people in the Lyon conurbation to discover disciplines other than soccer or swimming. It’s an initiative for all the great champions of future generations! Participation is free, but reservations are strongly recommended.
📍 Several venues in Lyon Bron, Dardilly, Décines-Charpieu, Meyzieu and Villeurbanne
📅 Date: April 22 – May 2, 2025
🎟️ All info here
Discover the secrets of science with your family
Halfway between an amusement park and a science museum, Science Expériences is a fun, enriching hybrid activity that takes an entertaining approach to science. Using cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality, video mapping and interactive activities, this tour takes you on a kaleidoscopic journey to the heart of science. From the farthest reaches of the universe to the depths of the abyss, via the center of the Earth, you’re invited to learn while having fun.
Location: Science Expériences, 32 Rue Thomassin, Lyon, 69002
Date: multiple dates
🎟️ From €22
A new way to visit the Basilica of Saint-Bonaventure
With LUMINISCENCE, the immersive show that illuminates France’s most beautiful monuments, the Basilica of Saint-Bonaventure shines with a thousand lights! Sublimated by high-precision digital projections, this mythical site takes on a new dimension, combining spectacle and history thanks to 360-degree video mapping and 3D spatialized sound. The perfect opportunity to (re)discover this jewel of Lyonnais architecture!
Location: Saint-Bonaventure Basilica
Date: multiple dates
🎟️ From €23
Get your hiking boots out of the closet!
April is the month when hiking comes back. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or an ultra trail, alone or with the family, walking in the fresh air is always a pleasure. And Lyon is one of the best places in France to get away from it all in no time. In 2025, we love walking!
Enjoy a drink on the terrace with friends
It may sound trivial, but this little pleasure can radically change the face of your weekend. Whether it’s a cup of coffee on a shady terrace or a good beer on the corner of a high table, the simple pleasure of sharing should be prescribed!
Going to the “Trop Forts!” exhibition at the Musée des Confluences
But how do they do it? We never think about it, but some animals evolve in extreme conditions that humans couldn’t endure for even an hour. For example, the penguin endures temperatures reaching -60°C, the camel can go without food and water for several days, or the llama can do without oxygen? This fascinating exhibition also invites us to reflect on climate change and the importance of our own adaptation. Discover it with your family!
📍 Location: 86 Quai Perrache, Lyon 2
📅 Date: Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11am to 10pm. Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm.
🎟️ Price: €12 full price
Discover the magic of Candlelight concerts
Candlelight magic is back in full force for spring. All the enchantment of candlelight concerts unites with the gaiety of fine weather to bring you a moment of great intensity. Enjoy the greatest musical tunes at Bonaventure Basilica and Notre Dame de Fourvière… Coming soon: tribute concerts to Coldplay, Hans Zimmer, Edit Piaf and Céline Dion. Take a look at Lyon’s Candlelight program over the coming months.
Dive into the world of Van Gogh
This is undoubtedly the most eagerly awaited cultural event of the year. After conquering more than 5 million visitors worldwide, the exhibition is coming to Lyon for our greatest pleasure. 360º panoramic projections bring you right up close to the painter’s work. Already had the chance to go? Don’t miss this year’s other exhibitions in Lyon.
📍 Studio 24 – 24 Rue Emile Decorps, Villeurbanne
📅 Date: from February 21
🎟️ Admission here
Admire the many frescoes in Lyon this April
The sunny days of spring are undoubtedly the most beautiful of the year. Lyon offers a light, particularly in April, that’s hard to beat. Let’s take this opportunity to rediscover the city’s treasures, and in particular its many frescoes. From the best-known to the newest and most secret, it’s always worth a look!