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Things to do in Lyon

If you dream of exploring cobblestone streets, discovering leafy squares, eating delicious food, and admiring impressive architecture, Lyon is the city for you.

Located just a seven hour drive from Calais, Lyon is known as being the culinary capital of France and for good reason! With its many monuments, museums, and markets dotted all over the city you'll be sure to be drawn in by it's renaissance charm. There are plenty of things to do in Lyon, so you'll be sure to have an unforgettable time exploring this fascinating city. Not only does Lyon boast incredible French food and sights, but Lyon is also a short drive from the city of Annecy as well as just under an hour from the Swiss city of Geneva.

If you're travelling by car take advantage of more freedom and peace of mind by upgrading to one of our Flexi tickets. Allowing you to take the scenic route home at a leisurely pace, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time so you can enjoy even more of Lyon during your trip!

So whether you are planning a short break or a longer holiday, start planning your trip to Lyon today and book now.

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Calais

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Dover

Morning	01:55	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05	16:40
Evening	18:55	20:50	23:40

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About the city
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About the city

Explore the city on two wheels

Although you can quite easily wander around Lyon and find all of the great things to do here, you might prefer to explore on two wheels as part of a guided tour which gives you the opportunity to learn all about the city’s culture and history along the way.

You will find both electric bike and Segway tours in Lyon which are equally fun options that offer the chance to see the city in a safe and enjoyable way. Tours will take you past some of Lyon’s most popular sights, including Vieux Lyon (the old town), the Parc de la Tête d'Or, and along the banks of the river Rhône, giving you a fantastic overview.

There is also a Segway night tour that takes you around the city’s La Confluence area. This area sits where the Rhône meets the Saône and boasts contemporary architecture and modern design that is the complete opposite of what you will see elsewhere in the city.

Head to La Croix-Rousse

For something a little different, head to la Croix-Rousse which is home to romantic squares, lovely facades, and a very creative population. This area of Lyon was at the centre of the city’s silk industry and you will find murals dedicated to this craft, plus silk weaving demonstrations in the museum too.

Foodies will also love La Croix-Rousse as it is home to an open market which offers an amazing range of local produce, plus plenty of lively bars, unmissable patisseries, and hip restaurants.

With so many great things to do in Lyon, what are you waiting for? Book your Dover to Calais crossing today and you could be exploring this varied and vibrant city in no time at all.

Discover Lyon’s history

Everywhere you turn in Lyon you will find a different district, monument, or museum that offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past and the things that have happened there over the years.

Your first stop should be the stunning Basilique de Fourvière which sits on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Boasting four striking towers which each stand at 48 metres tall, the basilica’s interior is just as beautiful due to its stained glass windows, mosaics, and combination of materials including marble, pink granite, green onyx, and slivers of silver and gold.

One of the most famous things to come out of Lyon is the invention of the cinematograph which was invented by brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière in the 1890s. If you are interested in film and cinema you won’t want to miss a visit to the Institut Lumière which celebrates the brothers’ contribution to filmmaking and holds a festival every October.

Eating and drinking in Lyon

Known as the culinary capital of France, you won’t be disappointed with the eating and drinking options that you will find in Lyon. The city’s location gives it unrivalled access to local produce which makes meals taste even better than they would elsewhere, and you will find a whole range of rich and rustic specialties that are typically French in the best way.

To make the most out of your time in Lyon, take a tour that allows you to try lots of dishes and ingredients so that you don’t miss out on anything. Tasting tours also teach you about the food that you are eating, so you can pick up some tips about what to buy in the markets to bring home with you.

Located just a 30 minute drive from Lyon you will find a Beaujolais vineyard Segway tour that will show off just how beautiful the French countryside can be. Not only will you be shown the vineyards, countryside, and picturesque villages, but you will have the chance to taste both wine and local food too.