Lyon 2027 | Destination Champions Club

CULTURAL AND CULINARY LYON

The city of Lyon is widely recognised as the gastronomic capital of France, where food is central to daily life and there is no shortage of places to gather and celebrate a weekend of rugby.

Across the city, traditional bouchons – small, local restaurants – serve classic Lyonnaise dishes, while modern dining spots and markets showcase the region’s produce. From long lunches to late evening dinners, Lyon offers a relaxed but lively setting throughout the weekend.

Beyond its food scene, Lyon is built around two rivers – the Rhône and the Saône – and combines historic neighbourhoods with a walkable city centre. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is known for its cobbled streets, Renaissance architecture and hidden passageways called traboules, while the Presqu’île offers wide squares, shops and cafés at the heart of the city.

From riverside walks to hilltop viewpoints, Lyon balances culture, history and atmosphere, making it an ideal host city for a major rugby weekend.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE REGION

1. THE OLD TOWN

The historic heart of the city, Vieux Lyon is one of Europe’s largest Renaissance districts. Its narrow streets are lined with independent shops, cafés and traditional restaurants, while the hidden traboules connect courtyards and streets throughout the area.

2. BASILICA OF FOURVIÈRE

Sitting above the city on Fourvière Hill, this landmark offers panoramic views across Lyon. The basilica is one of the city’s most recognisable sites and a popular viewpoint for visitors.

3. PLACE BELLECOUR

One of the largest public squares in Europe, Place Bellecour sits at the centre of Lyon. It’s a key meeting point and a natural place to explore the surrounding shops, cafés and streets of the Presqu’île.

4. LES HALLES DE LYON PAUL BOCUSE

A covered market dedicated to Lyon’s food culture, this is a go-to for local produce, cheeses, meats and pastries. It’s a good place to experience the city’s reputation for gastronomy.

5. TRABOULES PASSAGEWAYS

Unique to Lyon, traboules are hidden passageways running through buildings, originally used by silk workers. Today, they offer a different way to explore the Old Town.

6. RHÔNE AND SAÔNE RIVERS

The two rivers shape the layout of the city. Walks along the banks provide an easy way to take in Lyon, with bridges connecting the Old Town, Presqu’île and modern districts.

7. CROIX-ROUSSE DISTRICT

Known for its links to Lyon’s silk industry, this district features viewpoints, markets and cultural sites, as well as further traboules to explore.

8. FOURVIERE AMPHITHEATRE

The evidence is up on Fourviere hill, in a vast amphitheatre, constructed around 15BC, which is so well preserved that it still used as a venue (notably for the Nuits de Fourviere festival of music and film, staged throughout the summer). Even at first glance, it looks impressive, slanting down the slope. For good measure, the hilltop also throws in Notre-Dame de Fourviere, a 19th century basilica.

9. PRESQU’ÎLE DISTRICT

Positioned between the two rivers, this central district offers shops, cafés and restaurants, and is one of the busiest parts of the city during the day and evening.

10. LOCAL GASTRONOMY

From casual bouchons to fine dining, Lyon’s food scene is a key part of any visit. Dining out is central to the city’s identity and experience.