Lyon, France — Activities
Lyon Culture
The presence in Lyon of prestigious cultural institutions, such as the National Opera, the Célestins Theater and the Lumière Institute, contribute to the city's international reputation and strong cultural influence. Cultural events and institutions benefit from one of the largest chunks of Lyon's budget and it shows.
Excellent information about all cultural events in Lyon can be found online (www.eldorado.fr) and in local newspapers and magazines, such as Lyon Poche (www.lyonpoche.com), Le Petit bulletin (www.petit-bulletin.fr) and Lyon Capitale (www.lyoncapitale.fr).
Tickets for theatrical or musical events can be bought from the booking offices directly or from FNAC, 85 rue de la République (tel: 0825 020 020; www.fnac.com).
Music
Auditorium
The Auditorium is the permanent residence of the Lyon National Orchestra. Since 2000, this symphony orchestra, comprising 102 musicians, has acquired an international reputation throughout the world.
149 rue Garibaldi
Tel: (04) 7895 9595.
Website: www.auditoriumlyon.com
National Opera
One of Lyon's most prestigious cultural venues, the National Opera houses several institutions. Among them is the Opera Orchestra, which started in 1983, with young musicians and experienced conductors. It alternates classical repertoire works with new compositions.
1 place de la Comédie
Tel: 0826 305 325.
Website: www.opera-lyon.com
Theater
Célestins Theater
From classical to contemporary, all styles are represented in Lyon. The Célestins Theater is the oldest theater in Lyon and has had two centuries of continuous dramatic activity. It welcomes Parisian shows as well as regional companies, with productions ranging from classical theater to music hall.
4 rue Charles Dullin
Tel: (04) 7277 4000.
Website: www.celestins-lyon.org
Théatre La Maison de Guignol
Lyon was also the birthplace of the theatrical puppet figure known as Guignol, which was created in 1808 by Laurent Mourguet. This tradition is still alive today with the Théatre La Maison de Guignol.
2 montée du Gourguillon St Georges-Vieux
Tel: (04) 7240 2661.
Website: www.lamaisondeguignol.fr.st
Dance
Maison de la Danse
The Maison de la Danse was created in 1980. The company is completely devoted to choreography, with an emphasis on new productions. It welcomes French and foreign companies.
8 avenue Jean Mermoz
Tel: (04) 7278 1818.
Website: www.maisondeladanse.com
Film
Lumière Institute
In 1895, the Lumière brothers invented cinematography and shot the first ever film in the city. The Lumière Institute offers cinema screenings every day. It is also the best place for film aficionados to catch celluloid rarities and arthouse movies.
25 rue du Premier-Film
Tel: (04) 7878 1895.
Website: www.institut-lumiere.org
Lyon Tours
Walking tours
Lyon's tourist office offers a variety of walking tours in English and French. There are guided tours, such as the two-hour ‘Old Lyon and the traboules' tour and the ‘Lyon Renaissance district' tour. The tourist office also offers an audio-guided tour of Lyon, complete with an itinerary map and personal stereos for hire in four languages, including English. Self-guided tours are also available with the excellent guidebook World Heritage Excursions. These include ‘Presqu'île North' and ‘Presqu'île South'.
Tel: (04) 7277 6969.
Website: www.lyon-france.com
Bus tours
City Discovery runs the ‘Lyon Le Grand Tour' on board an open-top double-decker. The 90-minute tour takes in Old Lyon, Fourvière Hill, the Saône River banks and many other sites and monuments. The tour departs from outside the tourist office on place Bellecour.
Tel: (020) 7193 8320 (from the UK).
Website: www.city-discovery.com
Boat tours
Navig'inter offers various river cruises, including the two-hour tour up the Saône River. The tours start and finish at quai Rambaud.
Tel: (04) 7842 9681.
Website: www.naviginter.fr
Other tours
Cyclopolitain offers thematic tours of Lyon in vélo taxis, Tuesday to Saturday. If you're feeling energetic, Jogg'in City has jogging tours in the city center. The tours last one hour and cover a distance of 5.5km (3.5 miles), with commentaries in English and French. Hotel pick-up.
Cyclopolitain
Tel: (04) 7830 4342.
Website: www.cyclopolitain.com
Jogg'in City
Tel: (06) 7779 3514.
Website: www.joggincity.fr
