Apartments in Lyon -- Best Places to Stay

Lyon offers visitors a little bit of everything. For the past 500 years, it's been an industrial powerhouse. Today, it's the third largest city in France and is home to a whole host of cultural gems. Set amongst its wide boulevards and grand, Art Nouveau architecture, you'll find fascinating museums, a hearty dose of French tradition, great shopping, and a lively nightlife filled with trendy bars and clubs. As a thriving university city, there is a youthful vibe to the streets, and its commercial past means there is an air of sophistication. Set around nine arrondissements, Lyon has something for everyone, including a delicious foodie scene perfect for adventurous gourmets. Get right to the heart of the city with our Lyon apartments, where you can discover everything on offer and more from a local perspective.

Arty Arrondissements and Magnificent Museums - Things to do in Lyon

Whilst living like a local in our apartments in Lyon, you can explore all the major attractions which offer cultural and historic insights in the city's past.

• Vieux Lyon -- This Renaissance district is one of the largest in the city and is home to a host of architectural wonders and historic narratives.
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere -- A minor basilica built back at the end of the 19th century. It was once the site of a Roman forum.
• Fourviere -- Another of Lyon's oldest districts, Fourviere rises up from the Saone River and, at one point in time, was the site of Lugdunum, an original Roman settlement.
• Lyon Cathedral -- Sitting in the heart of the city, Lyon Cathedral is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is the seat of the Archbishop of Lyon.
• Parc de la Tete d'Or -- This colourful park sprawls out in the urban centre of Lyon, providing peace and quiet away from the busy streets. It stretches out over 117 hectares, and has a picturesque lake and plenty of picnic spots.
• Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon -- Situated in what was once a Benedictine convent, this important museum showcases paintings from some of France's finest artists as well as international creatives.
• Ancient Theatre of Fourviere -- A Roman theatre that sits on the hill of Fourviere. It harks back to times-gone-by, and offers an insight into early French civilisation.
• Gallo-Roman Museum, Lyon -- Set on the Gallo-Roman civilisation in central Lyon, this museum highlights archaeological finds and historical narratives from the region.
• La Croix-Rousse -- This hill rises up over the city, offering spectacular views. It was once an important part of the silk industry.
• Place Bellecour -- A large square in the heart of Lyon that is characterised by ornate statues and local cafes.
• Musee Gadagne -- Situated in the Saint-Jean quarter of Lyon, this museum complex combines the Musee d'histoire de Lyon and the Musee des merionnettes du monde.
• Institut Lumiere -- An intricate building home to the preservation of French filmmaking.
• Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls -- Dedicated to a cult celebrated by the Gallic tribes when they arrived in Lugdunum, this amphitheatre was an important part of Lyon's ancient history.
• African Museum of Lyon -- Hosts a range of collections of West African objects, and is the oldest museum of its kind in France.

The Culture Lovers Alternative Guide to Lyon

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, but it's also a hotbed of culture, bursting with arty finds and musical goods.

Start by exploring Passage Thiaffait, a covered road in Vieux Lyon that was once a major part of the silk-weaving industry in the city. There are plenty of workshops and boutique stores still in the area that make and sell everything from textiles to tiles and jewellery. If you're still feeling in a creative mood, head to rue Burdeau, a complex of art galleries from all walks of life. Here, you can admire everything from illustrations, paintings, and sculpture in the selection of artists' workshops. There's also a local café that oozes a bohemian vibe, and is the perfect place to grab a coffee and soak up the creative vibe.

Book lovers will enjoy the Librairie Grand-Guignol, an independent book specialist and record shop all rolled into one cultural extravaganza. After dark, Bec de Jazz is the place to be. It hosts a range of jazzy performances throughout the week, all of which are framed by the eclectic selection of paintings on display.

Afterwards, head back to one of our Lyon apartments and get some much-needed shut-eye before your explorations of the city start again.

Lyon Accommodation

Lyon is a popular city with bustling streets and a vibrant personality. As France's third largest city, it sees millions of visitors every year. Lyon accommodation is as eclectic as the city's personality, with everything you could imagine from boutique hotels and artsy hostels to upmarket guesthouses and luxury apartments. Apartments offer a great way to really get to know the city, allowing you to blend in like a local.

Lines into Lyon -- Getting to the City

Lyon is served by the Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport, which is situated just 25km outside of the city. The easiest and cheapest way to get to the city centre is by hopping on the express tram which travels directly between the airport and the city. Alternatively, you can get a regular bus from outside the airport terminals. A lot of people arrive in Lyon from Paris on the high-speed train service. It takes just over two hours and offers incredible views of the French countryside along the way.

Some visitors choose to hire a car from the airport or from Paris and drive into Lyon. Not only will you get to travel at your own pace and stop and start as you wish, but you'll have a way you can easily explore the surrounding regions.

Once in Lyon, it's easy to get around. There are numerous buses and trams that connect up all the major landmarks, and there are long-distance buses that travel to other parts of France and Europe. The best way to get around is by foot, hopping on the efficient metro system when necessary.