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Eight free ideas for Lyon: the Parc de la Tête d’Or and its zoo, the traboules of Old Lyon, the climb up to Fourvière, the Fresque des Lyonnais, the banks of the Rhône, the slopes of Croix-Rousse, the Confluence district, and museums that are free on certain Sundays. Enough to fill a whole day without opening your wallet, while staying at a campsite near the city.
No budget needed to enjoy Lyon: the capital of Gaul is packed with free activities, from Parc de la Tête d’Or to the traboules of Old Lyon. Here are 8 ideas to fill your day without opening your wallet — perfect for a getaway from your campsite near Lyon.
This is one of the largest urban parks in France, and entry is free — zoo included. A lake, a rose garden, wide lawns and shaded walkways: you can spend a whole day here with the family. Children love the fallow deer and flamingos, while sports fans enjoy jogging around the lake.
These secret passageways running through Renaissance buildings are a Lyon speciality. From the Saint-Jean district to the Croix-Rousse, you can visit dozens of them for free: push open the doors (they close gently behind you, out of respect for residents) and discover inner courtyards, galleries and spiral staircases.
The climb is a workout — or free by funicular if you have a TCL ticket — but the basilica’s esplanade offers the finest panorama over Lyon, from the pink rooftops of Old Lyon to the Alps on a clear day. The basilica itself can be visited for free, and the neighbouring Gallo-Roman theatres are open access.
At the corner of the Saône quays, this trompe-l’œil painted wall depicts 30 famous figures from Lyon, from Guignol to Paul Bocuse to Saint-Exupéry. It’s the ideal starting point for a street-art walk: the city has around a hundred painted walls, including the famous Mur des Canuts in the Croix-Rousse.
Five kilometres of landscaped riverbanks, from Brotteaux to Gerland: pedestrians, cyclists and floating terraces share the space here. In summer, it’s the spot Lyonnais locals favour for an evening picnic, with views over the barges and the quayside facades.
The former silk weavers’ district is best discovered on foot, among monumental staircases, artists’ workshops and village squares. The daily market on boulevard de la Croix-Rousse (except Mondays) is one of the liveliest in the city — free for the eyes, dangerous for those with a sweet tooth.
At the southern tip of the peninsula, the futuristic Confluence district stands in contrast to Renaissance Lyon. The walk along the Saône, from the Musée des Confluences (spectacular architecture, freely accessible forecourt) to the nautical basin, reveals the city’s most modern face.
Several museums in Lyon open for free on certain days, notably the first Sunday of the month for municipal museums. Check the calendar before your visit: it’s a chance to discover the Beaux-Arts museum — Lyon’s “little Louvre” — without spending a cent.
The campsites around Lyon are the most economical accommodation for visiting the city: expect to pay a fraction of the price of a hotel, with a pool thrown in. Widening your search to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, campsites in the Monts du Lyonnais and along the Saône offer peace and quiet at low prices, less than 30 minutes from the city centre.
No, entry to the park and its zoo is free. It is one of the largest urban parks in France.
These passageways running through Renaissance buildings can be visited freely and at no cost, from the Saint-Jean district up to Croix-Rousse. Just open the doors respectfully, mindful of the residents.
Yes, the basilica can be visited for free, as can the nearby Gallo-Roman theatres. Only the funicular requires a TCL ticket if you don't walk up.
Several municipal museums, including the Fine Arts Museum, open for free on certain days, notably the first Sunday of the month.
Campsites around Lyon and across Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, particularly in the Monts du Lyonnais, offer affordable accommodation less than 30 minutes from the centre.
