The least we can say is that we didn’t see this one coming. With temperatures on a rollercoaster ride (on May 15, the high in Lyon was 11°C), the heat wave hitting France this week is historic. Simply put, it has never been this hot at this time of year since Météo-France began keeping records. But instead of just sitting back and taking the heat, why not take the bull by the horns? Aside from staying well-hydrated and not running a 100-meter dash at Place Bellecour at 2 p.m., what can you do in Lyon when it’s (very) hot? Here’s your survival kit for the coming days.
Head to the Grottes de La Balme, just 40 minutes from Lyon, to enjoy true natural air conditioning with a constant temperature of 12°C! This exceptional refuge promises a refreshing adventure through its labyrinths, stalactites, and mysterious underground lake, where you can even spot bats. It’s the perfect nature getaway to escape the city’s sweltering heat in the middle of summer. A quick tip: don’t forget to pack a light sweater for the tour!
What better than to think about the Titanic’s iceberg when it’s sweltering hot!? Dive into the incredible story of the Titanic with this extraordinary immersive exhibition. Explore life-size recreations of the cabins, captivating video animations, and 3D views that transport you aboard the legendary ocean liner. You’ll discover an impressive collection of authentic artifacts and relive the ship’s dramatic final moments. For the ultimate experience, VIP tickets offer a fascinating virtual reality exploration of the wreck—a moving journey to the heart of one of history’s greatest tragedies.
They could very well be our best allies over the next few days. When it’s not possible to escape downtown for some fresh air, swimming pools remain a sure bet for cooling off . Several spots are available in Lyon, and some are better suited to your schedule than others. So , before you put on your swim cap, read our recommendations!
When the thermometer climbs in Lyon, there’s nothing like a break in the greenery… without leaving the city. Nestled in the heart of Old Lyon, the Gadagne Hanging Garden feels like a secret little Babylon, perfect for recharging in the shade. An intimate haven of peace that invites daydreaming and features a café-restaurant in a historic setting.
Discover Lyon’s quirky and risqué side! When the thermometer goes wild in Lyon, there’s nothing like a fun tour to take a break while learning something new. This walk reveals the city’s secrets: traboules, underground passages, and a quirky, sensual history. An ideal route to get off the beaten path and discover some juicy anecdotes.
The movie theaters
The solution is sometimes just a stone’s throw from home… That’s right—the movies, of course! Watching a good film in an air-conditioned venue is the perfect way to literally combine business with pleasure. And when you consider that you can enjoy the best movie ticket prices in Lyon and even visit the world’s largest collection open to the public at the Musée Cinéma & Miniature.
With temperatures expected to reach 35°C this week in Lyon, there’s nothing better than planning a quick dip. Here’s a selection of places to swim around Lyon to check out as soon as temperatures soar, like they are this week.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated
As a reminder, it’s recommended to drink between 1.5 L and 2 L of water per day. You can also check out where to find drinking fountains in the city and water sources across the metropolitan area. We can’t stress this enough: staying hydrated is your best defense against the heat wave—and don’t forget to apply these rules to the 30 million pets who are part of our daily lives in France. In case of danger, call 112 to alert emergency services.
