Lyon France
Lyon sits at the meeting of the Rhone and Saone, a city the UNESCO list covers almost end to end: Roman theatres on Fourviere hill, Renaissance traboules in Vieux Lyon, and the elegant Presqu’ile between the rivers. It is France’s gastronomic capital, from workers’ bouchons to a dense constellation of stars, and a serious science city hosting international congresses at the Cite Internationale. August visitors get warm river evenings, though some bouchons close for the holiday.
- Vieux Lyon and the traboules - the Renaissance quarter’s hidden passageways, best with the morning light on Fourviere above.
- Les Halles Paul Bocuse - the covered market as gastronomic museum; go hungry.
- Croix-Rousse - the silk-weavers’ hill of markets and workshops, Lyon’s most local neighborhood.
- Parc de la Tete d’Or - the vast riverside park by the Cite Internationale conference district.
Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS) has dense European connections, 30 minutes from the center by Rhonexpress. Paris CDG is 2 hours by direct TGV, making one-stop intercontinental routings easy.
The TCL metro, trams, and funiculars cover everything; a Velo’v bike along the river quays is the pleasant option. TGV trains reach Paris in 2 hours and the airport in 30 minutes by Rhonexpress tram.
May-June and September-October are ideal (20-27C). August, when ICPR visits, is warm (25-32C) and quieter, with some family-run restaurants on holiday; book the famous tables ahead.
Map
No upcoming conferences scheduled in Lyon right now.
▶ 1 past conference in Lyon
Presqu’ile (Bellecour to Terreaux) is the central base; the Cite Internationale/Part-Dieu side suits convention-centre events; Vieux Lyon is the postcard option.
Our picks in Lyon
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Away Hostel & Coffee Shop
21 Rue Alsace-Lorraine, 69001 Lyon
Bright design hostel by the Opera with dorms and privates - the budget base at the foot of Croix-Rousse.
Hotel Carlton Lyon - MGallery
4 Rue Jussieu, 69002 Lyon
Belle-epoque boutique by the Cordeliers with red-velvet character - central, charming, and steps from the Presqu’ile’s restaurants.
Hilton Lyon
70 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France
The hotel inside the Cite Internationale complex, steps from the Lyon Convention Centre and beside the Tete d’Or park - the zero-commute...
ibis Lyon Centre Part-Dieu
78 Rue de Bonnel, 69003 Lyon, France
Reliable budget-friendly chain by Part-Dieu station and the metro, a short ride from the Cite Internationale - the value pick for students,...
InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu
20 Quai Jules Courmont, 69002 Lyon
The converted grand hospital on the Rhone with its spectacular domed bar - Lyon’s statement luxury address.
Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache
12 Cours de Verdun Rambaud, 69002 Lyon
Art-nouveau railway hotel at Perrache station with listed interiors - practical mid-range with direct tram lines everywhere.
Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette
14 Quai du General Sarrail, 69006 Lyon, France
Sleek design hotel on the Rhone quay in the 6th arrondissement, roughly midway between the convention centre and the Presqu’ile - a...
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
20 Quai Gailleton, 69002 Lyon
Classic riverside five-star between Bellecour and the confluence, with rooftop dining over the Rhone - the polished business default.
Community Notes