Hotels in Lyon

Staying in Lyon

Lyon wins people over with its human scale: a big city that is easy to cross on foot or by metro, set between two rivers, with a listed historic centre, elegant squares and a gastronomic reputation that never fades. For Moroccan travellers it is also a familiar city, with a large Maghrebi community, halal shops that are easy to find and direct flights from Morocco. Accommodation ranges from the business hotels of Part-Dieu to the boutique hotels of Vieux Lyon and the apartments of the Presqu'île.

In Lyon, the rivers guide the choice: Vieux Lyon on the Saône side, Part-Dieu on the Rhône side, the Presqu'île in between. For sightseeing, the Presqu'île and Vieux Lyon put the essentials within walking distance; for a business trip or a train connection, Part-Dieu is more practical. Summers are hot and an air-conditioned hotel is worth it; spring and autumn are pleasant. In December, the Festival of Lights fills the city and its hotels: if you are aiming for that period, book very early, and look for family rooms if you are travelling in a group.

Where to stay in Lyon

• Presqu'île (Bellecour, Terreaux)

  The busy shopping centre between the Rhône and the Saône, with the large squares, boutiques and restaurants. A wide choice of hotels in every category; a very practical starting point for exploring on foot.

• Vieux Lyon

  The Renaissance district at the foot of Fourvière hill, with its narrow lanes, traboules and bouchon restaurants. Boutique hotels in old buildings; a touristy atmosphere and sometimes small rooms.

• Part-Dieu

  The business district around the main railway station and the shopping mall. Functional chain hotels, practical for a short stay, a train arrival or a quick link to the airport. Little charm in the evening.

• Croix-Rousse and Guillotière

  Two lively, down-to-earth districts: Croix-Rousse, the former silk-workers' hill with its market and village spirit; Guillotière, multicultural, with many Maghrebi shops and restaurants. Fewer hotels, more apartments.

Good to know before you book

• Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport is linked to Part-Dieu station by a rail shuttle; from Part-Dieu, the metro and tram reach every district of the centre.
• Lyon has two main railway stations, Part-Dieu and Perrache: if you arrive or leave by train, check which one is on your ticket before choosing your hotel.
• Hotels in the old buildings of Vieux Lyon and the Presqu'île do not always have a lift or family rooms: with a family, check these points, as well as air conditioning in summer.

Questions about Lyon

Frequently asked questions