Do you want to take your other half on a date in Lyon? Here are my best ideas, including outings and activities, for the most romantic moment with originality. Your lover and you will fall under the spell or fall back under the spell of the beautiful city of Lights.
1) Stroll in the Parc de la Tête d’Or
Go to the Rhône’s edge where you will find this urban park of 105 hectares. This park is perfect for a romantic date because there are many beautiful things to see inside, such as the rose garden and the relaxation area, as well as the botanical and zoological garden.
Along your stroll, you will have the opportunity to admire numerous species of trees, plants, and flowers.
The botanical garden is a real wonder with its beautiful greenhouses and its statue that gives a romantic scenery.
The zoological garden welcomes into its midst 67 species, of whom half of them are endangered.
The Lyon’s Zoo is one of the oldest in France and carries on with its mission to protect endangered species.
2) Wander on the Place Bellecour
Bellecour is one of the most famous squares in the city. Recognizable by the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, this square is as beautiful during the day as it is during the night.
You also can see the Fourvière hill and its basilica, along with a part of the small Eiffel Tower of Lyon (also called metallic tower). In 1930, the square’s buildings were classified as “historical monuments”.
The Victor Hugo street is a few minutes away from the square, and you can see a wonderful statue of said writer.
3) Make a Sushi Kit in Ceramic
If you both love sushi and manual work, this activity is for you.
Firstly, you will learn the basics of ceramic with Marcia, then shape your sushi kit according to your liking. The kit is composed of a tray, a chopstick rest, and a small bowl for the sauce.
You will be ready for your next romantic sushi dates.
Information and Booking (in French)
4) Take in the View From the Fourvière’s Summit
Climb the Fourvière hill to reach the summit and admire the breathtaking view in front of you with the person sharing your life.
It is one of the most emblematic and magical views in Lyon.
You also can see the Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière basilica, and it is possible to visit it, along with the Roman ruins that once were the place of the Roman colony.
It will be the occasion to take a look at the Ancient theater of Fourvière. You will also see the Eiffel Tower of Lyon.
In addition to the breathtaking view, you will share a historical moment with your other half.
5) Go to the Cinema
Going to the cinema is a must-do for a date. No matter the movie choice, you will have a wonderful moment with your lover while watching a good movie.
There are several cinemas in Lyon, choose the one you prefer.
The Lumière cinema has three buildings in the city: one on the place Bellecour, another in the Saxe Roosevelt district, and the last one on the place des Terreaux.
There is also the Pathé Bellecour cinema, situated on the square of the same name.
Or the Comoedia cinema, where you will have the opportunity to meet many directors during preview showings.
6) Stroll in the Barbe Island
View this post on Instagram
Barbe Island is a must-see for a romantic moment with your soulmate.
Well away from the city, you will travel back in time and will be immersed in a medieval atmosphere while visiting this island that offers Middle Ages-like landscapes.
In the middle of the Saône, your visit will be calm, and you will have an unforgettable moment with your lover while enjoying the magical scenery of abundant vegetation and calm water.
This is the perfect place to play boules and have a picnic if you want to.
Don’t forget to take a look at the Othoniel pontoon as well as the Notre-Dame church (that once was an abbey and the first monastic monument of the city).
If you’re a bit hungry, the Jocteur bakery offers delicious snacks.
7) Rent a boat
Discover the Val de Saône region on board Cedric’s boat, who will keep you company on this trip along the Saône and the Rhône rivers.
On board his 6-seater motorboat, Cédric will make you discover the banks of the Saône river, the wild fauna and flora, as well as the heart of the city of Lyon with its monuments and their illuminated facades.
And if you are looking for an even more romantic experience, you have the possibility to spend the night on board the boat moored at the quay thanks to its two beds.
8) Cook Specialties of Lyon
Cooking is a magical moment when done with your other half, so come to this workshop to learn recipes for a complete menu (starter + main course + dessert) of Lyon specialties Lyon.
there is nothing better than to join in under a chef’s supervision to discover the city’s gastronomy.
On the menu, a gougère and its canut’s brain (a cheese from Lyon) as a starter, a vinegar chicken as the main course, and a praline pie for dessert.
Thanks to the pieces of advice and explanations of Thierry-Rodolphe, your other half and yourself will learn new delicious dishes that you will enjoy in a dining room with a glass of wine. A real candlelit dinner to end the workshop on a romantic note.
Information and Booking (in French)
9) Get a Massage
Treat your lover and yourself to a relaxing and calm moment with a massage. This is the most relaxing and romantic activity.
There are numerous types of massage (Oriental, Indians, Californians, shiatsu…), so you will find what you’re looking for.
There are several well-being centers in Lyon, such as the Royal Spa, where you can enjoy a jacuzzi.
Refelx’Massage offers energetic massages with oils, as well as reflexology (which allows you to loosen tensions and helps with problems like fatigue, anxiety, stress…).
The Thaï Paradis offers Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Balinese massages to promise you a magical and cocooning moment with your loved one.
You also have the Nomad & Sens spa, or the Au Bout du Monde spa.
10) Attend a Painting Workshop
Express your love through art by creating a painting following your emotions.
There is nothing more romantic than being able to see the love another person has for you and hanging it in your home.
Meet Marianne in her workshop and initiate yourself to the different painting methods at your beloved’s side and let your creativity and emotions do the rest.
Information and Booking (in French)
11) Draw and Make Your Wedding Rings
You must do this activity with your other half. You will find nothing more romantic and original than to draw and create yourself your wedding rings.
In Cécile’s workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn the making process of a jewel and to use your new knowledge to make your dream wedding ring, in gold or in silver, with stones or without.
You will melt the material, then shape it, along with the ring’s welding. You will then finish with the final touches.
If you want, you have the possibility to engrave something on the ring.
Information and Booking (in French)
12) Admire Works of Art
Art is subjective and can be seen in numerous forms. Whether it is “classic” museums with paintings and sculptures of more original ones, there is something for everyone in Lyon.
The most famous is the Confluences Museum. Take your lover to discover the origin of Humans and the dinosaur skeletons. One thing is sure, this moment will be magical and quirky.
The Fine Arts Museum is more classic but just as impressive with Ancient works of art, paintings and sculptures, as well as currencies from all over the world and from every era.
Many events take place in this museum, such as special guests, guided visits, or even nightly visits.
If you’re looking for more originality to impress your lover, the Illusion Museum is for you.
Between optical illusions, holograms, the tilted room, and many others, you will have fun and a good time. The bottomless wells and the vortex tunnel are a must-see.
If you want the visit to be more romantic, don’t forget to go to the infinite room.
For plane and car lovers, or those who admire firefighters, here are three museums that should entice you: the Clément Ader aviation museum, the Henri Malartre automobile museum, and the Lyon-Rhône firefighter museum.
13) Get Lost in the Presqu’île
View this post on Instagram
This is the central district of Lyon situated in between the Rhône and the Saône. The buildings will show you the history of the district and by their appearance coming from the 19th century, but also from the Renaissance if you go to Mercière street.
You will find everything, restaurants, theaters, luxury boutiques, and cultural places.
For an even more breathtaking sight, come and see the illuminations that make the Presqu’île shine at night; that is must-see.
It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful districts in Lyon with its architecture that tells the history and the evolution of the place.
14) See a Performance at the National Opera
View this post on Instagram
Seeing a performance at the opera is not something you do every day, quite the opposite it’s rare.
Share this unique experience with your beloved and have a magical moment by watching one of the shows offered by the National Opera of Lyon.
You have the choice between opera, dance, and concerts.
The National Opera is an integral part of the city’s heritage and is considered as one of the most beautiful theatrical architectures of the late 20th century.
15) Make a Terrarium
Plants are as delicate and wonderful as love, and they need it to live. Take your lover to this workshop full of lovely plants to meet Frédéric, who will teach you about them.
First, you will discover the art of flower arrangement, then you will create your own terrarium with Frédéric’s advice, who will be explaining the maintenance procedures.
Once at home, this small terrarium will not only bring a green touch to your home but will also make you remember this magical moment shared with the person sharing your life.
Information and Booking (in French)
16) Make a Natural Fragrance
Meet natural cosmetic creators Laure and Lisa to know more about their knowledge on perfume and its composition.
In this workshop, you will have the choice between 50 fragrances to create your dream perfume.
Your other half and you will create the fragrance of your perfumes with the chosen scents.
Now, you can put on the perfume smelling like a sweet memory.
Information and Booking (in French)
17) Stroll in the Rosa Mir Garden
View this post on Instagram
A stroll with your lover in a garden is always romantic, but this one, besides being romantic, will be quirky and impressive.
The Rosa Mir Garden is one of the most atypical gardens because of its architectural appearance. Existing since 1957, you can see the art of the Spanish bricklayer Jules Senis Mir. He made every part stone by stone. The artist was inspired by arabo-andalusian art.
This garden is part of the 20th century heritage.
18) Brew a Beer Together
Bring a bit of originality in your date by brewing a beer together. This is not something you can do every day.
A tasting with a few commentaries will happen at the beginning to introduce you to zythology (beer study), then you will start by choosing the recipe you want to do.
Afterwards, Lorris, Vianney, and Florent will explain the recipe, and you will even have the possibility to add a few ingredients to the recipe to personalize it.
You will mash and lift the grains, add the hops, and then finish by cooling the wort.
Information and Booking (in French)
19) Visit the Traboules in the Old Town
View this post on Instagram
Traboules are covered passages that go under habitations and that can only be crossed by pedestrians to go from one street to another.
The first ones were built in the 4th century and there are more than 500 in Lyon and 200 in the old town district.
Take the traboules of the old town during your visit to live a unique experience with your other half.
For an even more timeless experience, you can choose one of these 5 courses to make sure you see numerous wonderful hidden places.
All along your visit, you will enjoy the beautiful views of the old town.
20) Go Kayaking or Paddle Boarding on the Rhône
Why not discover the Rhône in an original way? Whether in a kayak or on a paddle board, you will see the river like you have never seen it before.
It will not only be the opportunity to do a fun and quirky activity, but also to look at wonderful places, something to create beautiful and unforgettable memories with your lover.
With a stand-up paddle (you’re standing on a board with a paddle), the course lasts half a day, and when kayaking, you can choose between a course lasting half a day, or an entire day.
You will have the possibility to choose the course you prefer to see the things you want to see.
Information and Booking (in French)
21) Learn to Make a Baguette Tradition or a Special Bread
Bread is a must on the table, even on a romantic date, so why not learn how to make one at your lover’s side?
Emmanuel welcomes you in his bakery to share his passion with you. Baking is difficult and he will tell you every secret of this occupation, starting by the tools to be used.
Then, you will make the dough that you will form into loaves to bake.
You will not only leave with a baguette tradition and a special bread (with seeds or fruits), but also with the recipes to make them at home.
Information and Booking (in French)
22) Go to the Aquarium
Take the plunge in the marine world with your other half by discovering marine species.
You will have the opportunity to see everything; if you’re fascinated by sharks, for example, the Shark Pit is for you.
The Tropical Freshwater will take you to waters full of tropical fishes, the Sea Water will plunge you in the deepest sea waters, and the Temperate Freshwater will take you to a freshwater environment.
The 5 Senses part welcomes the strangest species you will see in your life and that you didn’t know the existence of.
23) Stroll in the Croix-Rousse
Come to lose yourself in the Croix-Rousse district with your lover to see these atypical and slightly yellow and orange-colored streets.
Unlike the other districts of the city, you can see a panorama of colored buildings that give an atypical aspect to this part of Lyon, which is the charm of the place.
The convivial atmosphere of this district puts creativity in the spotlight with its numerous art galleries, designer’s boutiques, and café theaters.
This is the artists’ district.
Situated on one of the two hills that overlook Lyon, you can see wonderful panoramic views.
24) Do a Karaoke
Is there anything better than singing your favorite songs with your lover to have a good time?
No worries, you will not sing in front of strangers. You will be placed in a box, each one with a different decor, for a convivial and fun moment.
Thanks to the top of the range material at your disposal, you will have a fun moment with your other half while pretending to be famous singers.
Information and Booking (in French)
25) Learn to Make a Homemade Ice Cream
Everyone loves ice creams, why not take your lover to a workshop to learn how to make one?
Meet Julia and Tiago to discover the creation process of a homemade ice cream and put that knowledge to the test.
You will work with fresh fruits as the base and learn the different methods used according to the fruit (stoning, mixing, addition of agar-agar). Then, you will finally try your hand at professional tools to make your ice cream.
During the conditioning phase and the temperature control of your creation, you will taste ice creams with Julia and Tiago. It will be the moment to ask questions if you still have some in mind.
Besides, you will leave with 1L of ice cream to extend this extraordinary moment with your lover.
Information and Booking (in French)
26) Make a Natural Candle
Have a calm and fun moment while learning how to make a scented candle with dried flowers.
Choose the fragrance that corresponds to you and your other half to create the perfect candle. Afterwards, you will personalize it with the flowers of your choice.
Besides, all the ingredients used in this workshop are natural, such as the soy wax, and the essential oils.
You can even recreate this magical moment at home by reproducing the process.
Information and Booking (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!
