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Locrawl

Lyon

Lyon is the capital of the French administrative region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. A city of half a million, Lyon alone is the country's third-largest city, but its metropolitan area is only second in population to Paris. Lyon is mostly known as the gastronomic epicentre of France, with one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in the country. Lyon was a Roman provincial capital and thus has extensive Roman ruins. Architecture in old Lyon ranges from 12th century to modern, and is primarily influenced by its position in the Renaissance as a centre of silk production.

See
62
Do
21
Eat
25
Drink
16
Buy
16

21 places match

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    ASVEL

    The Villeurbanne basketball team has a long history as one of the major clubs in the country.

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    LOU Rugby

    The rugby team of Lyon has bounced between the top two levels of the country's league system (Top 14 and Pro D2) in the 2010s; they have played in Top 14 since 2016–17. The team moved to OL's former home of Stade de Gerland for 2017–18.

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    Olympique Lyonnais

    Successful on the soccer field but massively in debt, so OL were relegated in 2025 to Ligue 2, the second tier. The stadium (capacity 59,000) is in the suburb of Décines 15 km east of city centre. The women's team is also badly in debt but continues to play in their top tier.

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    Auditorium

    The Lyon National Orchestra plays in this impressive, modern concert hall which also hosts some jazz and world music concerts.

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    CNP

    Two independent cinemas; the Bellecour branch has the most avant-garde programme. All foreign movies in original version.

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    Comoedia

    After a few years of closure followed by refurbishment works, this independent cinema is now very comfortable and has a relatively avant-garde programme. All foreign movies are shown in original version.

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    Institut Lumière

    The museum also has a theatre showing thematic series of cinema masterpieces (in original version). The theatre is in the former Lumière factory, which was the scenery of the first movie in history (La sortie des usines Lumière).

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    Maison de la Danse

    A theatre dedicated to modern dancing. Also a fine example of architecture of the 1960s.

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    Ninkasi

    This is a modern-day institution in Lyon. Ninkasi has two places for live music: Kafé (free shows, essentially electronic music) and Kao (a concert hall dedicated to rock and electronic music). It is also a beer brewery and has bars all over the Presqu'île, and also in Villeurbanne.

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    Opera house

    The old opera house was completely redesigned by Jean Nouvel in the 1990s and hosts opera and dancing shows, along with a few other concerts (especially jazz) in the smaller "Amphithéâtre" room.

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    Pathé

    This major national firm has four theatres in Lyon (Cordeliers, Bellecour, Vaise, Carré de Soie) offering essentially American blockbusters and mainstream French movies. The Bellecour branch has foreign films in original version.

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    TNP

    Jean Vilar's spirit of 'popular theatre' lives on in the historically left-wing Villeurbanne.

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    Théâtre Tête d'Or

    This is the only theatre in Lyon showing popular comedies in the Parisian "boulevard" style.

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    Théâtre des Célestins

    The historical theatre, in a beautiful 19th century building by Gaspard André. Serious programme.

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    Théâtre le Guignol de Lyon

    Compagnie des Zonzons

    The largest Guignol theatre, showing original creations for children and adults.

    €9, child under 15 €7

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    Transbordeur

    The medium-sized hall (capacity 1,500) for rock or popular music concerts.

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    UGC

    The other major cinema firm, has four theatres in Lyon (Part-Dieu, Cité Internationale, Astoria, Confluence). The Astoria (M: Masséna) has foreign movies in original version.

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    Véritable Guignol du Vieux Lyon et du Parc

    Especially intended for children, this outdoor theatre is in the park, near the lake and the zoo.

    Wed Sat Sun, bank and school holidays 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00

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    Complexe du Rire

    Two rooms and talented young comedians.

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    Espace Gerson

    1 place Gerson

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    Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse

    'The other' theatre, with a more avant-garde programme.