Book flights to Lyon

Lyon occupies a central position in the Rhône-Alpes region, acting as a major hub for international travellers. The city is situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, providing a scenic gateway for those beginning a journey through southern France.

The historical heart of the city includes the Vieux Lyon district, where narrow medieval streets and Renaissance courtyards remain intact. High above the skyline, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooks the urban landscape, while the ancient Théâtre Antique de Lyon highlights the city's Roman origins. Visitors can also explore the Presqu'île, which houses the grand Place des Terreaux and the Opéra de Lyon.

This destination has earned a global reputation for its culinary heritage and architectural depth. Whether visiting for a gastronomic discovery or to wander through the secret traboules passages, travellers find a refined atmosphere that balances silk-weaving history with modern cultural innovation.

High season in Lyon

Lyon experiences its peak energy during the warm summer months from June to August, when temperatures often reach 27°C. After landing at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, visitors find a city that has moved entirely outdoors. The banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers become the social heart of the city, lined with barges and terraces where locals gather until late in the evening. This period is defined by a lively, sun-drenched atmosphere that makes the Renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon feel particularly lively.

The summer season is also a time for major cultural celebrations, most notably the Nuits de Fourvière festival. Performances take place in the ancient Gallo-Roman Theatre, allowing guests to watch theatre and music under the stars. The pace of life slows down during the traditional August holidays, but the city remains a hub for gastronomy and outdoor exploration. The long daylight hours provide ample time to explore the Parc de la Tête d'Or or enjoy the panoramic views from the Fourvière hill.

Low season in Lyon

The low season in Lyon arrives with the crisp air of late autumn and winter, bringing a more intimate and cozy identity to the city. While temperatures can drop to 2°C in January, the arrival of the winter months creates a picturesque setting for the city's world-famous culinary scene. Stepping off a flight into the cool mist of the Rhône valley, travellers quickly seek the warmth of a traditional Bouchon, where the hearty local cuisine provides a perfect refuge from the chill.

December is a significant month for the city due to the Fête des Lumières, or Festival of Lights. This event transforms the facades of landmarks like the Place des Terreaux and Cathédrale Saint-Jean into glowing works of art. Outside of this festival, the city is much quieter, offering a tranquil experience for those visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts or the Confluence district. The proximity to the Alps also means the city is a crisp, clear gateway for those heading toward the snowy peaks nearby.

Positioned as the primary international gateway for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the air infrastructure here provides easy arrival for those arriving on a flight to Lyon. Travellers landing in this part of France pass through the single major hub that connects the city to global destinations.

Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)

Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the principal international facility serving the region, located approximately 25 km east of the city centre within the municipality of Colombier-Saugnieu. It is a significant hub for Air France and a major base for several low-cost carriers. The airport has two main terminals that handle a diverse range of flights to Lyon from across Europe, North Africa, and North America. The airport is also notable for its integrated high-speed railway station, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, which links the facility to the broader French rail network.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, the most efficient way to reach the heart of the city is via the Rhônexpress tram-train. This dedicated service departs every 15 minutes during peak hours and reaches Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu in approximately 30 minutes. For those preferring road travel, official taxis and ride-hailing services are available at designated ranks outside the terminals, typically reaching the Presqu'ile district in about 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. Additionally, several long-distance bus operators provide connections from the airport to various towns in the surrounding region and major ski resorts in the French Alps.

After descending toward the runways of Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, the transition from the clouds to the heart of Lyon reveals a city defined by the meeting of two great rivers. This historic crossroads greets visitors with an immediate sense of scale, where Renaissance architecture sits comfortably alongside a sophisticated, modern urban energy.

Vieux Lyon
This Renaissance district is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and hidden traboules, which are secret passageways originally used by silk merchants to transport their goods. Walking through these corridors allows you to step back into the 16th century while discovering quiet courtyards tucked away from the main thoroughfares.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Perched high on a hill overlooking the city, this ornate 19th-century basilica is visible from almost every street corner below. Its white towers and intricate mosaics define the skyline, while the surrounding terrace has a panoramic view of the red-tiled roofs stretching toward the horizon.

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
This legendary indoor food market is the centre of the city’s culinary soul, featuring stalls filled with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and delicate pastries. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand why the city is often called the gastronomic capital of the world.

Presqu'île
Located on the narrow strip of land between the Rhône and the Saône, this district contains grand squares like Place Bellecour and elegant 19th-century buildings. It is the city’s social heart, where wide boulevards and high-end boutiques create a refined atmosphere for an afternoon stroll.

Parc de la Tête d'Or
As one of the largest urban parks in the country, this green space includes a tranquil lake, a botanical garden, and a sprawling rose garden. It provides a peaceful escape from the urban buzz, where locals gather under century-old trees to enjoy the afternoon sun.

Musée des Confluences
Situated at the very tip of the peninsula where the rivers merge, this striking ultra-modern building looks like a crystal cloud of steel and glass. Inside, the exhibits explore the origins of life and human culture, contrasting sharply with the city's ancient stone foundations.

Tailoring your arrival time in Lyon is easy when you book your journey well in advance and use the filters on eDreams to find competitive rates. Frequent travellers can also benefit from eDreams Prime, which provides additional savings and specialized support to help you reach this culinary capital with ease.