Lyon, France: Family-Friendly Guide to One of the World’s Top 100 Cities

Lyon has officially joined the DuckAbroad Travel Passport and our Top 100 Cities to Visit list. This is a destination your family will love exploring. Known as the culinary capital of France and home to one of Europe’s best-preserved Old Towns, Lyon blends history, culture, and kid-friendly adventures in a way few cities can match.

Why Lyon Is Great for Families

A Walk Through Time: Vieux Lyon

Explore one of Europe’s largest Renaissance districts, filled with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and secret “traboules” (covered passageways).

Ride the Funicular to Fourvière Hill

Hop on the funicular and head up to the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The views over the city are incredible, and the ride itself is an easy win with younger travelers.

Explore Ancient Roman Theaters

Lyon’s Roman theaters are real showstoppers for history-loving families. The Théâtre Antique and Odeon sit side by side and offer plenty of room for kids to explore, climb, and imagine life 2,000 years ago.

Cobblestones + Chocolate: Perfect combo

Pop into a traditional boulangerie or chocolaterie for a sweet treat. Lyon’s pralines—bright pink sugar-coated almonds—are a regional specialty kids will remember long after the trip.

Parc de la Tête d’Or: A Family Favorite

Lyon’s largest park is a must-do. It includes:

• a free zoo

• botanical gardens

• a lake with rowboats

• endless green space to run and relax

It’s easy to spend a half-day here without even noticing.

Science at Musée des Confluences

This modern glass-and-steel museum is packed with interactive exhibits, dinosaur skeletons, and hands-on learning. It’s one of the best family museums in Europe.

Cruise the Rhône or Saône River

Take a family-friendly river cruise and see the city from the water. It’s relaxing, scenic, and gives kids a break from walking.

Major Nearby Cities to Consider Visiting from Lyon

Here are some major cities within reasonable travel distance from Lyon that families could include in their itinerary:

• Marseille, France – About 276 km away from Lyon. 

• Nice, France – About 294 km away from Lyon. 

• Turin (Torino), Italy – About 233 km away from Lyon. 

• Milan, Italy – Approx. 338 km away. 

• Zurich, Switzerland – Approx. 339 km away. 

• Saint-Étienne, France – About 60 km southwest of Lyon. 

These cities offer a mix of cultures, landscapes, and travel experiences, making Lyon a great base or a stop on a broader European road-trip or train-journey.

Add Lyon to Your DuckAbroad Passport

Lyon is now part of the DuckAbroad Travel Passport, ready for your kids to collect as a sticker and celebrate as one of the world’s top travel cities. Update your app, explore the city’s highlights, and let Lyon inspire your family’s next adventure.