You who don’t like the stifling heat of summer! Yes, we’re looking at you! October is here to put an end to your suffering. Dig out your blankets and light your candles, but don’t get too comfortable—we’ve found plenty to do in the capital of Gaul. And for our sun lovers, don’t panic. You’ll be so busy with our activities that you won’t even notice fall setting in.
Let’s wrap up this delightful selection of things to do in October in Lyon with something a little more thrilling—the highlight of the month: Halloween. In Lyon, once again this year, the cream of the crop will make an appearance on the evening of the 31st—vampires, werewolves, wizards, and the whole gang. In short, if you want to take part in this grand celebration, dig your costume out of the closet and polish your dentures for a night that’s sure to have some bite.
More than 90 original works by Mucha brought together for the first time in Lyon. To get your fill of art as the days grow shorter, head to the Grand-Hôtel-Dieu: a new exhibition dedicated to Alphonse Mucha opens there in Lyon this September, bringing together for the first time more than 90 original works (posters, drawings, paintings) divided into six sections and enhanced by immersive installations.
Honoring the famous “Vogue des Marrons”
If there’s one event in Lyon that symbolizes the fall season, it’s obviously this one. La Vogue des Marrons is back in full swing starting Saturday, October 3, much to the delight of all Lyon residents. Carousels, bumper cars, cotton candy, duck fishing, rifle shooting, candy apples, and, of course, the famous roasted chestnuts: the collective imagination is running wild, once again. We’ve all kept our inner child alive, haven’t we?
Let’s be clear: there’s nothing better than a great concert to open up your chakras and transport you to another planet. After a festival season this summer unlike anything Lyon has seen in a long time, it’s time to reconnect with indoor concerts. Whether you’re into megastars or intimate settings, Lyon offers a whole host of must-see concerts in October. Among them, we’ve picked out Lemon Twigs, Frustration, and Cat Power.
Pavyllon brings Yannick Alléno’s culinary excellence to the heart of Lyon. For a gourmet outing that’s perfect for October evenings, head to Pavyllon, opened on Place Bellecour in Lyon by the world’s most-starred chef. The “Brèves de comptoir” set menu at €55 and several gourmet menus (up to €150) showcase the restaurant’s ambition.
Visit the “L’escadron Bleu” exhibition
Head to the Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation in Lyon this October to explore the mini-exhibition for all ages, which traces the extraordinary story of these eleven female nurses—the Blue Squadron—who set out across Poland to rescue their compatriots and other prisoners in distress. It’s also a chance to revisit the flagship exhibition at this vital center.
Vézelay, a Romanesque and Gothic gem perched on the “eternal hill.” For a getaway from Lyon in October, head to Vézelay: this small Burgundian village perched on the “eternal hill” is famous for its Romanesque and Gothic basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Feeling a little down this October? Head to La Virée! Located on Rue Jean-Larrivé in the 3rd arrondissement near the Guillotière Bridge, this spot is an award-winning bistro (Bib Gourmand), voted the best bistro in France in 2025. People come here for a €20 set menu and market-fresh, seasonal cuisine, all paired with natural wines. We highly recommend stopping by!
Vienne shines with its heritage, culture, and its truly monumental market. Just a stone’s throw from Lyon, Vienne feels like a living museum dating back over 2,000 years: people come here for its ancient theater, its summer jazz festival, and to stroll every Saturday through one of France’s largest markets. It’s the perfect October getaway to enjoy a change of scenery without having to cross the whole of France.
Science Expériences invites you to don a lab coat—and for the youngest visitors, to become true little curious researchers. Dive into the mysteries of the universe and put the laws of physics to the test during your visit. This immersive, multidisciplinary science museum—already enjoyed by more than 250,000 visitors—offers a fun and captivating adventure for all ages. Here, you’ll explore, experiment, learn… and above all, have fun!
Discover Lyon in a whole new way by following the GR® 169 “Fortress Loop.” The “Metropolis Through the Forts,” inaugurated in 2022, is a long hiking loop that circles Lyon, passing through twelve forts, from the Irigny train station to the Feyzin train station. Why not hike a section of it in October—or even the entire loop if you have some RTT days left to take before the end of the year? Allow 8 to 10 days to complete the entire route, or take advantage of the many train stations and bus stops to break it up into shorter segments.
In October, you can never say no to a good, comforting meal—and for that, nothing beats an authentic Lyonnais bouchon. Step inside Le Casse-Museau: founded in 1947 by Aunt Paulette, this legendary restaurant is renowned for its homemade cuisine and vintage decor. Awarded the “Maître Restaurateur” and “Bouchon Lyonnais” labels, it offers a simple yet masterfully executed menu, featuring iconic dishes like free-range chicken with garlic and the traditional gratin dauphinois.
