Check out what to see Lyon, France at night

Night time in Lyon is really when the city comes alive and all the locals come out to celebrate the end of day, an evening out to enjoy some drinks or discover a new restaurant in town. And Lyon really sparkles at night when all its squares, river front and historical monuments are lit up like little jewels for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s a photo essay of some wonderful places to visit in Lyon’France at night.

A busy promenade at night in Lyon, France

Lyon, France FAQ

What is Lyon, France known for?

The city of Lyon is recognised for its amazing food markets, cuisine and gastronomy. A smaller version of Paris with a Unesco Heritage site of Old Lyon and the Fourviere Hill along with the scenic Perqu’ile area

Is Lyon, France worth visiting?

Dining venues in Lyon

It looks like almost all the restaurants and bars are filled and busy for the evening, it’s no surprise considering that it is a weekend night in Lyon. It’s a lovely summer evening and everyone wants to be outdoors at any of the public venues in fashionable attire. I keep forgetting the French are so stylish even here in Lyon, and people watching is almost a sport at any of the busy promenades.

At  Pres qu’ile, in the heart of Lyon’s central district, there is a exciting buzz filled with sexy French conversations, glasses filled with champagne and huge platters of fresh oysters which seem to be prevalent on every menu, porquoi?

It just seems natural that the French love to celebrate their weekends leisurely at the many parks and squares or having a nice long meal at any gastronomic restaurant open for the late afternoon to evening dining event.

A walking promenade in Lyon, France

Check out these top restaurants to visit in Lyon when you visit

Fashionable window shopping in Lyon

Window shopping at night in Lyon, France

Place des Terraux in Lyon and the stunning water fountain

Lyon’s public squares are beautiful at night time

Wondering what to do in Lyon at night, then check out all the beautiful public squares that are main gathering places with gorgeous fountains, plazas and monuments in Lyon where all the venues are lit at night .

The squares are used like a like an extended living room for meeting friends and hanging out late into the evening. Many of these public venues are also a great spot to find a nice bar or café and people watch, or just have a nice relaxed conversation.

Considering that it is not even the busy tourist season, the squares are already packed including the large venues at Place des Terraux or Place Bellecour, and all the restaurants along the perimeter of the square are filled.

Lyon at night

Fountain Bartholdi

I was drawn immediately to this stunning water fountain  above created by French Sculptor FE Bertholdi in 1889. He is also the same artist who created the Statue of Liberty in New York, creating significant public sculpture for everyone to enjoy especially in Lyon at Place des Terreaux in the historic center of the city.

Lyon’s city hall and Place des Terreaux

Lyon City Hall and Place des Terreaux

Lyon’s Saone riverfront walk

Walking along the Saone riverfront at night is magical, especially on a warm summer evening. All the restaurants are busy and everyone is seems to be hanging out at all the piers and sitting areas along the waterfront.

Eclectic sounds of sappy Euro pop, the Beatles and Jazzy French beats echo through the public areas where people congregate, sing and even do some impromptu dancing. And it’s fun to just hang out by the river where it’s cool and breezy late into the evening with all these amazing landmarks lit up.

Along the riverfront, the city has installed some local art and sculpture, including this dramatic sculpture below of two young lovers. Placed right next to this illuminated pedestrian bridge that leads to Vieux Lyon (the old medieval area of Lyon), it’s the perfect spot to take a photograph of Lyon’s central district and riverfront.

Dramatic sculpture at the Saone river, Lyon, France at night time

 An elegant pedestrian bridge to Vieux Lyon

Pedestrian bridge along the Saone river, Lyon, France at night time

Exploring Vieux Lyon at night

The old medieval town is wonderful to explore at night with all the pedestrian zones filled with cafes and bars. You can explore the many promenades which all lead to the main square facing the cathedral of St. Jean with it’s stunning interiors and stained glass.

Vieux Lyon is the perfect spot to really get a feel for the older parts of the city where all the main historic roman monuments and medieval buildings are located, including Lyon’s Cathedral of St. Jean and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.  If you want to see what the area of Vieux Lyon looks like during the day time, check out my post on Lyon’s attractions here.

The Saone river at night, Lyon, France at night time

Interior details of Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Altar at Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in the medieval district of Lyon, France

Dining in Vieux Lyon at night

A bistro at Vieux Lyon – the old town

Here’s a fun walking tour around the many streets and promenades of Lyon at night

 Eating and shopping venues at Pres qu’ile, Lyon

Water views to Lyon’s central district and restaurant promenade and shopping venues

Thanks for checking out my post on Lyon, France at night. If you enjoyed reading the post, please share it with any of the social media buttons around the post. Thanks again for visiting today.  Also, you can take a look at my recent post on a first impression of Lyon here.

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