Leisure options at ESL Lyon
If you want to make the most of your free time, Lyon is the ideal city for you: shops, cinemas, exhibitions, concerts, sports centres, bars, restaurants, discos… just as many opportunities for you to go out with friends, to go for walks, or to “live it up”. This rich diversity means that there is something for every taste and every budget. Those who love old stone structures will rejoice at the chance to explore Roman Lugdunum’s two thousand years of history, and lovers of fine dining will be spoilt for choice. The hinterlands and countryside around Lyon deserve enough time to go hiking or biking or to taste the latest vintages of Beaujolais wines. The city’s closeness to the Mediterranean, to Paris or to Geneva make Lyon a preferred starting point for grand excursions.
Some events to keep in mind:
January | Salon Sirha & Bocuse d’Or | International Gastronomy Fair & Competition |
February | Salon des Inventions | Amazing, amusing, see the craziest inventions and ideas |
March/April | Biennale du cirque | Clowns, magicians and ringmasters come together to stage an astonishing show for you |
May | Les Nuits Sonores | One of Europe’s largest electronic music festival |
June | Les Intranquilles | Opens a door between literature and the performing arts |
July | Le Fooding d’été | Huge picnic with 5 great French chefs |
August | Fourvière Nights | Open Air Festival in the ancient Roman amphitheatre |
Brocante du Vieux-Lyon | Antiques fair that gives the Saint-Jean quarter a special character | |
September | International Dance Biennial | A famous dance event for everybody |
New Generation International Film Festival | The only cinema event in Europe attended by everyone involved in digital cinema | |
October | Grand Prix de Tennis | Meeting of the best players from all over the world |
November | Sortie du «Beaujolais Nouveau» | 3rd Thursday in November |
December | Light Festival | Fascinating light festival attracting thousand of visitors |
Christmas Market |
