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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

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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Price from: £5
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

Hotel Le Royal Lyon

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[3.2 miles]

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:

Hotel Globe et Cecil

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[3.3 miles]

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.

Official star rating:

Cour des Loges

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.

Official star rating:

Villa Florentine

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[4 miles]

Gorgeous convent converted into a calm luxurious retreat, aloof on the Fourviere hillside overlooking Lyon.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Lyon

Auberge-Rhone-Alpes, France

The gastronomic capital of France, if not the world, is not just a foodie hotspot. With UNESCO-protected architecture and awe-inspiring Roman ruins, its one for history lovers too..

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Boat tours of Lyon

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[3.5 miles]

Boat tours on the Saone and Rhone rivers offer a serene, effortless way to appreciate Lyon’s glorious riverbanks and architecture.

Best for ages: Any | £15 | 1-3 hours

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Vieux (Old) Lyon

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[3.8 miles]

Lyon’s historic and most beautiful quarter, notably filled with fine 16th-century French Renaissance mansions. An insight into how the city thrived in the Renaissance.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Miniatures & Cinema Museum

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[3.9 miles]

A must for film buffs: Artist Dan Ohlmann showcases 120 miniature scenes and hundreds of film props to reveal the way special effects are made in the world’s leading film studios.

Best for ages: 4+ | £8

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