News archive

Published 7 December 2009

Lyon Light Festival

For the last ten years, Lyon has been hosting a world famous international light festival, which has become one of the city’s main attractions. Inspired by a religious celebration which started in 1852, the city is awash with lights for 4 days in early December. Buildings and monuments are illuminated and exhibitions of all shapes and sizes decorate the town with colour. The whole show is free and attracts visitors from the four corners of the globe, enjoying mulled wine, a great atmosphere and some original shows.

This year the show started on Saturday the 5th with tens of thousands of visitors and locals alike enjoying another amazing array of sights and sounds. Highlights include the facade of St Jean Cathedral with a spectacular display depicting its construction and the Place des Terreaux with a beautiful projection about the Earth's changing climate.

Lyon, France’s second city and gastronomic capital is a lively historic city, ideal for those in search of lots to see and do. Classified as a world heritage site, Lyon has it all; roman amphitheatres, medieval streets, renaissance architecture and modern art. So why not combine a visit to coincide with the light festival, giving you plenty to do in the evening as well as during the day. Lyon is also a great shopping location, so why not combine a city break with some festive shopping.

Visit our events holiday page for Lyon

Alternatively combine visiting Lyon with an independent walking holiday in the nearby Beaujolais