Lyon 3-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Lyon to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
Bucket list experience:
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Cinema was invented in Lyon, thanks to genius Louis Lumière, son of a photographer in town. On the back of the family’s many inventions, they built a sumptuous villa next to their main Lyonnais photography factory.
This home has been turned into a grand museum on the history of film. The Lumieres’ first very short-but-sweet films are on view, as well as evocative 19th-century photography.
Major cinema events are staged here. For special screenings according to film genre, or for youngsters, look up what’s showing on the Institute website.
There’s also a whole programme of cine-concerts, with live music accompanying old films, making for a wonderfully rich experience.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in Lyon to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
The Institute lies just east of central Lyon. Either take a taxi or get there via Metro line D to Monplaisir-Lumiere – it’s a 5-minute walk from the station.
Audio guides are available in multiple languages for a small additional fee. Guided tours are also available for individual visitors – see the website calendar for schedules.
There’s also a short introduction to the Lumiere brothers and what they achieved on the website. Worth a read before you go.
The museum is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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Classically smart, refined hotel right in the centre of Lyon’s main shopping quarter, close to both rivers and to the central art museums.
Official star rating:
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Chic family-run hotel smack bang in shop-filled Presqu’Ile, offering a cool restaurant serving excellent breakfast and innovative takes on classic Lyonnais dishes.
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Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[3.9 miles]
Uniquely stylish hotel-with-restaurant stretching across several historic houses in the centre of Vieux Lyon. Perfectly located for sightseeing.
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Gorgeous convent converted into a calm luxurious retreat, aloof on the Fourviere hillside overlooking Lyon.
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