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In exactly three months will start the annual “Fete des Lumieres” in Lyon, one of the most amazing enchanting celebration in France prior Christmas holidays (see previous post November 2008 in this blog). It was back in 1852 when the first celebration of the lights took place in Lyon the day of December 8th. Since then, the tradition went one gathering more and more people illuminating the cold and dark nights of December. Nowadays, Lyon generats a highly sophisticated and internationally recognized light show in the streets of the city center charming more than 3 million visitors over the week-end making it one of the most popular events in the country. The show consists in different stories told in the streets along with amazing light projections of the main historical monuments of the city. This year, “La Fete des Lumières” starts December 8th and will last until December 11th.
As every year now, Hotels will be full so it is HIGHLY recommended to book a room several months in advance (sometimes a year in advance if you want to be closer to the city center). Lyon has a very good public transportation system which will make everybody’s moves much easier and faster so there is always the possibility to book a room rather far from down town but well connected to the Metro. However, don’t even think coming to the city center by car for the show, you may spend more time in your car than enjoying the show since the city center will be close to traffic after 5pm the days of the show. The public transportation company of Lyon (TCL) usually offers special tickets during the show with extended service. The offer for the 2010 event hasn’t been published yet but you can check it out at www.tcl.fr
Among well located hotels with good prices and available rooms at this date:
Kyriad lyon Croix rouse connected to Metro line C (from 118 euro/night)
Best Western Saphir Hotel connected to Metro line D (from 180 euro/night)
Mercure Lyon Beaux Arts located in the city center (from 154 euro/night)
Best Western Crequi Lyon Part Dieu (from 155 euro/night)
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu (from 108 euro/night)
Novotel Lyon Part-Dieu (from 172 euro/night)
Park & Suites Prestige Lyon Part Dieu (from 156 euro/night)
Hotel Berlioz behind Perrache station, on tramway line T1 and close to Metro line A (from 110 euro/night)
There are numerous flights from various European cities to Lyon including UK: London, Birmingham and Manchester; Germany: Dusseldorf, Munich and Frankfurt; Italy: Milano, Roma and Bologna; Spain: Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla; Brussels and Amsterdam. Please visit http://www.lyonaeroports.com/ to see if there is any flight from your home town.
There is a very convenient shuttle between the airport and the Lyon Part-Dieu train station that departs every 15 min for a Return ticket of 23 euro per adult. Part-Dieu station is connected to the Metro line B and Tramway line T1 which gives easy ride to the city center.
Coming by train? Hurry up, tickets go fast but you may still get a return ticket from Paris for 44 euros (or 55 euros from Paris CDG airport).
Lyon is internationally recognized for having high quality restaurants (from small and popular “Bouchons” to 3* Michelin gastronomic restaurants). Beside numerous museums and historical monuments, the city is a paradise for shoppers. There is the possibility to book one of the city special pass: the Lyon City Card that gives you free access to museums, guided tours as well as discounts for activities, shops and restaurants. You have the possibility to add public transportation to your pass for a couple of euros if you wish but remember that for the Light Festival, there will be special tickets available that may give you a cheaper option. So check it out at http://www.en.lyon-france.com/things-to-do/discover-lyon/p-1684/lyon-city-card.php prior booking your trip and enjoy the best of the city, you won’t regret it.
