Holiday rentals in Lyon

Three iconic places to discover in Lyon

Lyon stands out for its heritage, with history evident on every street corner. From major religious architecture to UNESCO-listed neighbourhoods and an ultra-modern museum, the city offers a wealth of ways to understand its evolution. These three sites embody the cultural and architectural richness that makes a stay in Lyon so charming.

1. Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica

Visible from all over the city, this basilica with its white domes has towered over Lyon from its hilltop since its construction. Completed in 1896, its Neo-Byzantine style is striking: the interior mosaics shimmer in the light, whilst the walls recount the region’s religious history. The climb to the summit rewards visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, where the two rivers meet. At sunset, the spectacle is well worth the detour, and guests appreciate the tranquillity of this spiritual haven as the day draws to a close.

2. Vieux-Lyon — Saint-Jean district

This medieval and Renaissance district unfolds its narrow alleyways like an open book spanning five centuries of history. Painted façades, mullioned windows, monumental doors: every 15th- and 16th-century townhouse tells the story of the wealth of Lyon’s merchants. The traboules – secret passageways running through the buildings from one side to the other – captivate the curious and invite exploration. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Jean retains an authentic atmosphere, brought to life by its restaurants and shops without detracting from its timeless charm.

3. Musée des Confluences

This building, situated at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, commands admiration for its deconstructivist architecture: sleek forms in glass and steel that seem to defy balance. Open since 2014, the museum invites visitors on an immersive journey into the origins of the universe, life and human societies. The collections feature a mix of impressive fossils, rare anthropological artefacts and interactive installations that captivate children and adults alike. It is a space where science becomes accessible and fascinating.

These three sites embody Lyon’s diversity: the spiritual, the commercial and the scientific. A stay in a holiday rental gives you the time to explore them at your own pace and form your own understanding of the city.

The ideal time of year to book a holiday let in Lyon

Every season transforms the character of Lyon. This city on the Rhône has its own unique charms depending on the time of year, and your choice of holiday will depend above all on your preferences and how well you cope with the weather.

Spring. From April to May, Lyon gently comes to life. Temperatures rise gradually, the days grow longer, and the banks of the Rhône and Saône come back to life. This is the time when the outdoor cafés fill up, the parks display their first colours, and the city breathes freely without the stifling heat of summer. Hiring a holiday let during this period allows you to enjoy this pleasant transition, ideal for strolling through Vieux Lyon or visiting museums.

Summer. June to September mark the peak season. Temperatures can get quite hot, particularly in July and August, but the atmosphere is festive. Cultural events and outdoor entertainment abound. The riverbanks become places to relax, and cafés make the most of their outdoor seating. A summer stay in a spacious holiday let offers the advantage of being able to retreat to the shade indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Autumn. September to November bring milder temperatures and often clear skies. The colours of the foliage enhance the views across the Presqu’île and the city’s parks. It’s an excellent time to explore Lyon without the summer crowds, with comfortable temperatures for walking and sightseeing. The bedrooms and living areas of a holiday let remain comfortable, and there is no need for air conditioning.

Winter. December to February brings dry, cold weather, rarely stormy. Festive lights and Christmas markets create a special atmosphere. Rainfall is moderate, and snow is rare within Lyon’s city centre. A well-insulated and heated holiday let allows you to enjoy cosy comfort whilst exploring the city in its winter finery.

There’s no such thing as a bad season in Lyon. A holiday let remains the most flexible option: it gives you the freedom to adapt your schedule to the day’s weather, to cook whatever takes your fancy, and to extend or shorten your stay depending on the conditions.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Lyon

Lyon invites you to step out of your holiday accommodation and explore a city where history is written into every street. With its rivers, secret passageways and painted walls, the city offers experiences that bring your holiday to life. Here are three unmissable experiences to enjoy in person.

1. A boat trip on the Saône and the Rhône

Seeing Lyon from its rivers gives you a whole new perspective. A boat trip reveals the quays, bridges and building facades in a way that the streets simply don’t. Between the Saône and the Rhône, you’ll sail through the heart of Lyon’s fascinating landscape, where confluences and meanders tell the story of the city’s evolution as you float along the water.

These cruises offer the perfect opportunity to relax after a day of exploring the city on foot. The sunsets are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon.

Address: 13bis quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon.

2. A tour of the traboules of Vieux-Lyon

The traboules are covered passageways that link streets from one side to the other, often passing through buildings. They are a unique feature of Lyon. As you stroll through Vieux-Lyon, you’ll discover these hidden galleries, with their Renaissance staircases and inner courtyards. It’s a journey into the architectural intimacy of the medieval and Renaissance city.

Many are open to the public. They create a timeless atmosphere where the soft sound of footsteps echoes beneath the ancient vaults.

Address: Saint-Jean district, 69005 Lyon.

3. Discovering the murals of the Croix-Rousse

The Croix-Rousse district is covered in monumental murals, forming a veritable open-air gallery. These painted walls tell stories: the history of the canuts and the silk industry, scenes from life in Lyon, and poetic images. A stroll through this area becomes a hunt for the colours and patterns that bring each façade to life.

It is a form of urban art that has transformed the neighbourhood’s landscape and encouraged residents to rethink their relationship with their heritage.

Address: Croix-Rousse neighbourhood, 69004 Lyon.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in Lyon

When planning a trip to Lyon, the comfort of your accommodation is just as important to the quality of your stay as its location. Between museum visits, strolling through Vieux Lyon and moments of relaxation, you’ll appreciate coming back to a well-equipped place to unwind in the evening. Travellers choosing a holiday rental in Lyon are looking, above all, for practical and functional facilities, suited to the length of their stay and the size of their group.

• Fully equipped kitchen: cooking a meal between outings helps you save money and sample local specialities bought at the market.
• Parking: in Lyon, having a secure parking space or a reserved bay is a major advantage for exploring the city with peace of mind.
• Air conditioning: summers in Lyon can be hot and humid. This system provides real comfort during heatwaves.
• Washing machine: during a longer stay, being able to wash your clothes on site makes packing easier and saves you trips to and from the launderette.
• Efficient heating: in autumn and winter, a reliable heating system ensures cosy nights despite the cold Rhône-Alpes weather.
• Internet and Wi-Fi access: staying connected allows you to check public transport timetables, book a restaurant or share your photos.
• Television: a relaxing evening at home, especially with the family or after a busy day of exploring, is well deserved.
• Fully equipped bathroom with shower and bath: after a day of walking and sightseeing, a proper, comfortable bathroom is essential.
• Outdoor space (balcony, courtyard, terrace): being able to get some fresh air, have breakfast outside or read in peace enhances any city break.

Finding a holiday rental in Lyon that meets your expectations in terms of facilities is no small matter: it guarantees a smooth and enjoyable stay, whatever the number of travellers and the length of your visit.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in Lyon?

Prices for holiday rentals in Lyon vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat in the city centre, you can generally expect to pay between 60 and 100 euros per night. A family-sized property with two to three bedrooms tends to cost between 120 and 200 euros per night. More spacious or upmarket flats, particularly those with views of the Saône or the Rhône, range from 200 to 350 euros per night, depending on the facilities.

Several factors influence these rates. Location plays a key role: holiday accommodation near Vieux Lyon or the Presqu’île will cost more than a property on the outskirts. The length of stay also affects the price. Landlords often offer discounted rates for weekly or monthly stays, making a longer stay better value than a series of short nights. The facilities available (fully fitted kitchen, terrace, car park, air conditioning) also account for significant differences in price.

Seasonal factors also influence pricing. Prices are higher during the summer months and school holidays than in the off-season. To make the most of your budget, compare several listings, check for any additional charges (services, end-of-stay cleaning) and read reviews from other travellers. Booking several weeks in advance often allows you to benefit from better rates and a wider choice.