At Lyon Secret, we work our butts off Monday through Friday so you can fully enjoy your Saturdays and Sundays and show off with total ease in the morning at the coffee machine, saying , “Well, of course, I was there!” Here’s our selection of things to do in Lyon (and the surrounding area) this weekend.
Europe’s largest natural swimming area, in the heart of the Beaujolais region, has just reopened! For a nature getaway just a stone’s throw from Lyon, head to Lac des Sapins, located in the Beaujolais region near the Azergues Valley. It offers 8,000 m² of naturally filtered water and is billed as Europe’s largest natural swimming area. On-site, you can also go canoeing, paddleboarding, biking, and fishing, and choose between two swimming options (natural swimming with a fee and limited access, or a developed and supervised swimming area).
Head to the 80th edition of the Nuits de Fourvière
Les Nuits de Fourvière unveils an exceptional lineup for its 80th edition in 2026. True to its reputation, the festival offers Lyon residents the privilege of cheering on global stars in the majestic setting of its Roman theaters. This year, the 5-star lineup celebrates eclecticism: from the hypnotic electro of Massive Attack to the feverish rock of Jack White, via the iconic pop of Pulp and the elegance of Charlotte Cardin and Asaf Avidan. This weekend, Barbara Butch, Madame Arthur, Noam Sinseau!
📆 June 2, 2025 – July 26, 2025
📍 1 Cléberg Street, 69005 Lyon
Think you know everything about Lyon? Well, you’re in for a few more surprises… Beyond its secrets, like its famous traboules or underground passages, Lyon has a side to its history that’s unusual and sensual, but just as fascinating. A fun tour to get off the beaten path and become an expert on juicy anecdotes!
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 weekend, head to Mont Saint-Rigaud, the department’s highest peak at 1,012 m, with an exceptional panorama visible from its 15-meter observation tower. Easily accessible by car, mountain bike, or via numerous trails (a 15-km loop), it combines nature and history with ancient ruins and a sacred fountain.
Looking for a different kind of outing in Lyon this weekend? Head to the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures. Housed in a Renaissance architectural masterpiece listed by UNESCO, this unique venue takes you behind the scenes of the movie world. On site, explore over 10,000 original pieces—from costumes to props—from iconic franchises and universes like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel, and discover the secrets of filmmaking and special effects. And the big new addition this spring: the Batmobile (the real deal) is parked in the museum courtyard. Let’s go!
In our beautiful region around Lyon, we have real treasures, and proof of that is a place called the Pays des Pierres Dorées! A string of small villages and castles in the Beaujolais valleys. In just 30 minutes, escape from Lyon and find yourself in Tuscany. Plus, the Azergues River, which flows through the Beaujolais, offers no less than 50 kilometers of hiking trails along its banks… the perfect spot on a hot day.
A mysterious 16th-century stone masterpiece with no central core, hidden in a building in Old Lyon. For a heritage interlude during this long weekend, follow the trail of the “coquillage” staircase in Vieux-Lyon: a spiral stone staircase dating from the 16th century, remarkable for its lack of a central core. Located in a private apartment building at 10 Rue de Lainerie, this article traces its history and heritage value.
A medieval gem just a stone’s throw from Lyon, a must-visit for its sugar galette. For a change of scenery this long weekend, head to Pérouges: this medieval village, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” is known for its cobblestone streets, its 24 buildings designated as Historic Monuments, and its traditional sugar galette. You can get there by car via the A42 (about 35 min) or by TER train to the Meximieux-Pérouges station.
This weekend, once again, the Chapelle de la Trinité and the Basilique Saint-Bonaventure will be illuminated to immerse you in the magic of the Candlelight concerts… which pay tribute to the greatest artists in pop, classical, rock, and even rap. There are still a few spots left!
If you’re in the mood for a more heritage-focused outing this weekend, head to Saint-Jean Cathedral to admire Lyon’s astronomical clock. Standing nearly 10 meters tall, it is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship dating back to 1379 and boasts nearly 650 years of history , making it one of the most remarkable clocks in the world. After a meticulous restoration, it continues to fascinate with its complexity—and especially with its original mechanism, which also makes it the oldest clock in Europe to have preserved this mechanism.
Lyon by e-bike… quite the adventure! With the return of sunny days, there’s nothing better than hopping on your brand-new bike and setting off (again) to explore the city by bicycle! Between the banks of the Rhône and the Saône, the Tête d’Or Park, and the La Confluence district, Lyon will hold no more secrets for you thanks to the guide’s insights into the city that, as we recall, pioneered the bike-sharing concept in France with Vélo’v (the precursor to Vélib’)!
A little secret Babylon in the heart of Old Lyon, perfect for recharging your batteries without leaving the city. For a peaceful break this long weekend, head to the 4th floor of the Hôtel de Gadagne in Old Lyon: this hanging garden is an intimate haven of peace that invites you to daydream and features a café-restaurant in a historic setting dating back to the 14th century.
Saint-Philibert Abbey in Tournus is one of the most prestigious Romanesque sanctuaries in France. For a day trip idea this weekend, head north to Tournus: this town on the banks of the Saône is home to Saint-Philibert Abbey, a masterpiece of Romanesque art built in the 11th century, notable for its 18-meter-high nave… You have to see it to believe it!
