Every December, Lyon lights up with a unique energy during the famous Fête des Lumières. With spectacular installations projected onto its monuments, the capital of Gaul becomes an artistic playground where thousands of visitors come to admire luminous works and captivating shows. This guide gives you all the details you need to make the most of this 2024 edition: programming, transport, accommodation and unmissable activities. It's time to marvel!
What is the Fête des Lumières?
The Fête des Lumières is four evenings of pure visual magic brought to life in the streets of Lyon. The festival will take place from December 5 to 8, 2024, and the main spotlights will be switched on between 7pm and 11pm, with an earlier closing on Sunday. The heart of the festivities is located in the city's historic districts: Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, but many other works are also spread throughout the city. This event delivers moments of enchantment, so if you're wondering what to do in Lyon? Discover the 17 not-to-be-missed highlights of this popular and popular event.
What's on?
Every year, the program is a dazzling mix ofworld-renowned artists and emerging talents. What's more, this 2024 edition features some thirty works spread over 28 different locations! Indeed, among the unmissable installations, you'll find :
- The Anooki at Parc de la Tête d'Or : these mischievous little characters have become the festival's mascots.
- L'œuvre immersive de la Cathédrale Saint-Jean : a projection that brings this historic monument back to life with spectacular visual effects.
- Les Lumignons du Cœur: a participatory installation inviting the public to light candles in support of a local charity.
How to get to the event?
Lyon is a bustling city, welcoming thousands of visitors for this event. That's why, for a serene and responsible arrival, here are the most practical transport options:
- By train: Lyon is well served by the rail network, with direct trains from Paris, Marseille, Geneva, etc.
- By plane: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport offers fast connections to the city center via the RhôneExpress shuttle.
- By public transport : during the festival, use metro lines A and D, which take you directly to the heart of the event (Bellecour stop).
And why not take the opportunity to read our Top 16 unusual activities to try out in Lyon?
Practical tips for the Lyon 2024 Festival of Lights
To make the most of the event, get organized:
- Book your accommodation early: the Fête des Lumières attracts a lot of visitors, so it's best to secure your accommodation now.
- Dress warmly: between the outdoor illuminations and the walk to the artworks, Lyon in December can get pretty chilly!
- Avoid the car: traffic and parking are complicated during the festival, so opt for public transport or car-sharing.
Petit Futé tip don't miss the Lumignons du Cœur, a special installation where you can light candles in support of a good cause! It's one of the Top 15 free things to do in Lyon.
Where to stay in Lyon for the Fête des Lumières?
For the perfect stay, here are three top-rated hotels where you can put down your suitcases after a well-lit evening:
- MAISON NÔ : housed in a former bank in the heart of Lyon, the venue offers modern rooms, a wellness area with sauna and fitness, and a rooftop offering a breathtaking view of Fourvière. This unique venue combines sleek design and attentive service, with a panoramic bar and restaurant. Book your room here.
- Hôtel Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux-Arts: a classic, ideally placed to access the various works of art in the blink of an eye. You can book your stay here.
- MOB Hôtel Confluence : a more relaxed and creative choice, close to the facilities in the south of the city and appealing to a younger audience. Book your stay now by clicking on this link.
Good to know for a more intimate atmosphere, consider youth hostels or self-catering accommodation close to the illuminated areas.
What to visit in Lyon during the Lyon 2024 Festival of Lights?
In addition to the festival, Lyon has a plethora of treasures to discover. Here are a few ideas to round off your stay:
- The Basilique de Fourvière: climb up to this iconic monument for a panoramic view of the city and its lights.
- Musée des Confluences: futuristic architecture and fascinating exhibitions, perfect for a cultural break.
- The traboules of Vieux Lyon : these secret passages between buildings hide fascinating stories and medieval charm.
Related article discover the best places to visit in Lyon over a weekend , to make the most of your visit!
What to do in Lyon with your family during the Fête des Lumières?
Bring the whole family? Lyon has plenty to offer young and old alike during the Fête des Lumières, which is why the city is in pole position in the Top 10 cities to spend the festive season in! Here's something for your kids to enjoy:
- The Boum lumière at Parc Blandan: a funfair version of the light festival for kids, with games, creative workshops and music.
- The exhibition at the Musée Miniature et Cinéma : a journey into the world of special effects and miniatures, fascinating all ages.
- Les Lumignons du Cœur: join in this gesture of solidarity by lighting candles and helping a charity.
To captivate your tribe and your teenagers, here's what to do with children in Lyon? Top 15 activities.
What can you do in Lyon for free?
The Festival of Lights is also an opportunity to discover Lyon without breaking the bank ! Here are a few ideas for free activities:
- Stroll through Vieux Lyon: stroll along the cobbled streets, discover the traboules and admire the colorful facades of the historic district.
- Enjoy the outdoor illuminations : the festival is free, so take in the various illuminated sites without spending a penny.
- Stroll along the banks of the Rhône River: they've been landscaped and are the perfect place to see Lyon from a different angle.
The activity to book activity: a dinner cruise on the Saône to admire the lights from the water. A unique gourmet outing!
Lyon 2024's Festival of Lights is the event not to be missed in December! With spectacular works of art, festive events and urban discoveries, every street corner reveals a new illuminated surprise. For more inspiration and discoveries, check out Petit Futé's festival news. Discover Lyon like never before!
