Lyon is a dynamic and cultural city with plenty of activities to do on Sundays for both locals and tourists. Here is my selection of activities to do in Lyon on Sundays for everyone and for all budgets.
⚡ In a hurry? Here are my top picks:
- The best one for families: Miribel-Jonage Park
- The most cultural one: Musée des Confluences
- To have the most fun: Museum of Illusion
Museums and Historical Sites
Museum of Illusion
Looking for a fun activity that will delight both kids and adults? The Musée de l’Illusion in Lyon is the perfect place for a family outing or a day with friends.
Challenge your perception with astonishing exhibits and interactive experiences.
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Prices:
- Adult (16+): €17
- Child (4-15): €11.50
⚡ Booking and Additional Information
Courzieu Wildlife Park
Immerse yourself in nature and discover a world of wildlife at Parc Animalier de Courzieu, located just 30 minutes west of Lyon in the beautiful Monts du Lyonnais forest.
Spend a day observing and learning about magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Opening Hours: from April to mid-November 10 am – 6 pm
Prices:
- Adult (13+): €18 per person
- Child (3-12): €14 per person
- Children under 3: Free
Booking and Additional Information
Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences is a Natural and Cultural History Museum located in the Confluence district.
The museum displays both permanent and temporary exhibitions and it is one of the most popular museums in Lyon.
Location: 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon
Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Price: €12 at full price (see for reduced price and free admission)
Booking and Additional Information
Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica is a landmark in Lyon.
The guided tour will give you an overview of the history and architecture of this remarkable building.
Exhibitions are often displayed inside the basilica and you can even visit it by night upon reservation.
Location: 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon
Opening Hours: 12:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Price: Free admission
Booking and Additional Information
Lyon’s Aquarium
This aquarium located in the Confluence district is a major tourist attraction in Lyon. Enjoy an incredible experience and learn about the aquatic fauna and flora from around the world.
Watch a wide variety of fish, sharks, turtles and other marine species and enjoy the themed tanks which emulate different natural ecosystems.
The Aquarium also offers fun and educational activities for children and adults including workshops, temporary exhibitions and animations.
Visiting Lyon’s Aquarium is the perfect activity for families and marine life enthusiasts. It istruly an unforgettable experience you won’t soon forget!
Location: 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, 69350 La Mulatière
Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Price: Starting from €18 per person
Booking and Additional Information
The International City of Gastronomy
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The International City of Gastronomy is an interactive museum on French gastronomy.
This is the perfect place to learn about the richness of French cuisine and have fun with interactive exhibitions and tastings.
Location: 4 Grand Cloître du Grand Hôtel-Dieu, 69002 Lyon
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: €7 (free admission every first Sunday of the month)
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Musée Miniature et Cinéma
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This museum is home to an impressive collection of miniatures and movie sets including props from the well-known Lord of the Rings movies.
This is the perfect activity for movie lovers and families!
Location: 60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: €16.90
Booking and Additional Information
Parks and Promenades
Parc de la Tête d’Or (Tête d’Or Park)
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Parc de la Tête d’Or is a free 105-hectare large public park in Lyon. Enjoy the lake and the botanical gardens and have fun watching the wide variety of animals on display in the park.
This is the perfect place to go for a walk on a Sunday!
Location: Boulevard des Belges, 69006 Lyon
Opening Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Map of the park (in French)
Jardin des Curiosités (The Garden of Curiosities)
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This garden is a real gem hidden in the Croix-Rousse district providing a full view of Lyon. When the sky is clear, you can even enjoy the view of the Alps and the Mont Blanc.
Go for a walk and discover the park’s wide variety of plants and flowers. This is the perfect activity to do on a Sunday!
Location: 29 Rue de la Brèche, 69004 Lyon
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price: €8
Booking and Additional Information
Miribel-Jonage Park
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This large recreational park located right by the vicinity of Lyon is equipped with picnic areas and bike paths. You can even take a walk by the park’s lakes.
It’s the perfect place for an outdoor day on a Sunday.
Location: Chemin de la Bletta, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Map of the park (in French)
Shopping
Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This is Lyon’s iconic indoor food market and it offers a wide variety of fresh produce, local specialties and artisanal products.
Location: 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Additional Information and Map (website in French)
Rue de la République
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This is the main shopping street in Lyon featuring major fashion, jewelry and perfume boutiques.
The street is pedestrian-only, which is perfect if you want to go on a walk or go window shopping.
Most shops are open on Sundays to welcome both locals and tourists.
Location: Rue de la République, 69002 Lyon
Puce du Canal (The Canal Flea Market)
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This lively flea market usually exhibits a wide variety of vintage items, antiques and collectibles.
This is the second largest flea market in France – a perfect place if you are looking for good deals concerning rare and unusual items.
Location: 3 Rue Eugène Pottier, 69100 Villeurbanne
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Additional Information and Map (website in French)
Marché de la Croix-Rousse (La Croix-Rousse Market)
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This colorful and lively market offers fresh products, seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as local specialties.
Locals recommend this place for grocery shopping because of the affordable prices and the wide variety of stalls. On Sundays, there are nearly 95 different stalls!
Location: Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, 69001 Lyon
Opening Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Additional Information (website in French)
Must-See Districts
If you are going on a trip to Lyon and you wonder where to stay for the night, check out our guide on the districts of Lyon
Croix-Rousse
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Croix-Rousse’s slopes offer an incredible view of Lyon so much so that they are even part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. This is the perfect place to go for a walk or a bike ride on a Sunday.
La Croix-Rousse is a pretty artistic and bohemian district with lots of steep streets, staircases and traboules (covered passages crossing through building blocks). The district is also home to several artistic workshops, fashion boutiques and cafés.
I recommend you go on a walk along the pedestrian street Rue des Capucins that displays a wide range of delicatessens, pastry shops and chocolate shops.
Vieux-Lyon (The Old City of Lyon)
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This colorful medieval district is full of cobblestone-covered streets, traboules and Renaissance houses. The district is also home to many bars, restaurants and handicraft boutiques.
It is the largest Renaissance district outside of Italy. Tourists, foodies and beer lovers love hanging out there.
The district is also the favorite meeting place for students due to the sunny sidewalk seating areas.
Confluence
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This is a recent district with modern buildings and cultural installations as well as restaurants, shops and even a large shopping center.
It is now considered to be the trendiest district in Lyon. Most buildings have a modern look and some are even futuristic looking.
This is a relaxing district that both allows you to go shopping and have a drink in a bar as well as go on a walk away from Lyon’s restless city center.
Presqu’Île
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Presqu’Île district extends from about the bottom of the Croix-Rousse slopes to the Confluence district.
Stroll down Rue de la République (you’ll probably hear French people calling it “Rue de la Ré” instead) along Haussmannian buildings and several shops. You may also go on a walk around Place des Jacobins to enjoy the large marble fountain and sit by the welcoming sidewalk seating areas.
Fun Activities to Try
Free-Fall Simulator
Are you looking for a thrilling and unique experience? Then, you should give this free-fall simulator a try! This works thanks to a vertical wind tunnel that recreates the conditions of free-fall in an indoor area.
This is a way to experience similar sensations to skydiving without having to jump out of a plane. This activity is suitable for both beginners and advanced learners. The session is supervised by professional instructors to ensure a safe flight experience.
Experience the feeling of flying, free fall and weightlessness in a controlled and secure environment.
This is a fun, original and unique experience and the perfect activity for thrill-seekers and people in search of new experiences.
Location: 48 ancienne route de Grenoble, 69800 Saint-Priest
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Price: Starting from €69.90 per person
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Treetop Adventure Course
This is the perfect activity for thrill seekers and outdoor adventurers!
This treetop adventure course is located within an exceptional setting: a military fort from the 19th century offering a panoramic view of Lyon.
The activity is suitable for both beginners and advanced learners. There are different levels, from the easiest to the most difficult, for a fun and challenging tree climbing experience.
Ride ziplines, jump on rope bridges and swing from one vine to another while enjoying the surrounding landscape.
The activity is supervised by professionals to ensure everyone’s safety. This is the perfect place for families and friends to go on a Sunday.
Location: Fort de Vancia, 69140 Rillieux-la-Pape
Opening Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: €16 per child – €24 per adult
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Dream Away – Virtual Reality Room
This is the perfect activity for those who seek escaping reality and experience the “metaverse” instead.
This place is a virtual reality room offering a wide variety of games and virtual experiences including arcade games, extreme sports simulations and artistic and educational experiences.
You will be given a VR headset to experience these virtual worlds and live incredible adventures.
Discover fantastic worlds and have fun with this immersive and original activity by yourself or with somebody.
The offered games and experiences are suitable for all ages and levels. Share a unique and entertaining time with your family and friends.
Location: 36 rue du Plat, 69002 Lyon
Opening Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: Starting from €16 per person
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Way Out – Escape Room
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Experience the immersive settings of this escape room. Your objective: to solve puzzles in teams and escape the room in less than 60 minutes.
The place offers 4 immersive rooms each delivering unique experiences. Here are the themes for each room: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (20 000 lieues sous les mers), Thor the Thunder God (Thor, le Dieu du tonnerre), A Colorless World (Un monde sans couleur), and Treasure Island (L’île au trésor).
Have fun from 2 to 6 players and share this moment with friends or family. This is also a great activity for couples!
Location: 9 Rue Childebert, 69002 Lyon
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Price: €35 for 2 players (see for group pricing)
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Lyon Bike Tour
Ride an electric bike and enjoy a guided tour of the monuments, parks and districts in Lyon. This is a fun and ecological way to tour the city!
The groups are limited to 10 people to ensure a friendly experience. You will get to learn some trivia concerning the city of Lyon while speaking to a passionate guide. The tour includes tasting breaks to discover Lyon’s famous gastronomy and get some rest during the tour.
The little extra: the tour is available both in English and in French and you will be given headphones beforehand.
Location: 18 Quai Romain Rolland, 69005 Lyon
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: Starting from €30 per person
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Hunting Town Lyon – Escape Game
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
This next-generation outdoor escape game will take you on a one-hour tour of Lyon’s main hotspots.
You will be assisted by a Game Master who will guide you throughout the game.
Thanks to an onboard camera, your adventure will be filmed throughout the course.
You will have to solve video riddles to advance in the game.
With 2 to 8 players, your team will go on the hunt for a cursed dagger, but beware: the dagger must not fall into the wrong hands.
Location: Passage Ménestrier, 69000 Lyon
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price: €25 per person, starting from 2 players (see for group pricing)
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Kayak Trip Around Lyon
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Have a unique experience by riding a kayak on the Saône River and touring the city of Lyon.
You will be supervised by trained professionals during the whole trip. You will even be given a quick kayak lesson right before getting to discover the city from the water.
During your tour, you will get to enjoy several of Lyon’s landmarks such as the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica and the Old City of Lyon. You will even get a view of the Musée des Confluences from the banks of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers. Enjoy the view of the historical monuments and the quaint landscapes from a different and original point of view.
The tour is suitable for both beginners and advanced kayakers and you will be supervised by professionals to guarantee your safety.
Location: Pont Koening from the Quai Arloing side, 69000 Lyon
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Price: Starting from €50 per person
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
Segway Ride Around the City Center
You don’t feel like walking, kayaking or pedaling? Then, you should give Segway a try! This two-wheel electric vehicle is easy to steer and offers a unique driving experience.
Discover the main monuments and emblematic districts of Lyon during a 2-hour guided tour. Starting from Place Bellecour, you will head to Hôtel-Dieu, followed by the Opera, and the tour will end by the banks of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers.
Starting from 14 years old, the tour is supervised by professionals to guarantee your safety.
Location: 29 Quai Docteur Gailleton, 69002 Lyon
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Price: Starting from €49 per person
Booking and Additional Information (website in French)
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
