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Lyon
Lyon, the former capital city of the Gauls in the Roman Empire, is one of the most important French cities, as much for its size as for its historical importance. Ideally positioned to the north of the natural Rhone valley, the city is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Go on a discovery of its numerous monuments, meet Guignol and his friends (Punch and Judy show), travel back in time looking at the Roman ruins, walk around the streets of the picturesque Croix Rousse quarter, or take a stroll in the old city of the Renaissance while admiring the Opera and the Fourvière Basilica… Lyon and its charms are waiting for you!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the whole family and which can be reached from your hotel in Lyon.
Novotel Lyon La Part Dieu
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Lyons is divided into 9 districts. It is one of the three French cities to be thus divided, together with Paris and Marseilles.
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The Festival of Lights, taking place at the end of the year, is an absolutely magical moment that draws more than 4 million people.
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The la Part Dieu quarter with its tower blocks, of which one is called the Pencil, is the second most important business district in France.
Museums & Exhibitions
Le Musée des Miniatures et Décors de Cinéma - The Miniatures and Cinema Décors Museum
Children will think they are giants when discovering this strange museum which is divided into two parts. The first one presents an unbelievable collection of miniatures by Dan Ohlmann, an artist whose details and accuracy are impressive. It is an opportunity to discover the great monuments of the city. The visit then takes you among original film sets, life-size this time. A marvellous exhibition to discover the secrets of film-making. A unique museum!
60, Rue Saint Jean, Lyon – Tel. : (+33) 4 72 00 24 77
Open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6.30 pm and from 10 am to 7 pm on weekends.
Le Musée des Automates – The Automata Museum
Let yourself be carried away to the wonderful world of automata ! Going through the seven halls of this museum, young and old will be taken to a magic world made of really “living” scenes. With 250 animated characters and 20 scenes dedicated to famous people, this museum will delight the whole family.
100, Rue Saint Georges, Lyon – Tel. : (+33) 4 72 77 75 28.
Open every day from 2.30 pm to 6 pm
Le Musée de l’Imprimerie – The Museum of Printing
Typing, books, colours, printing techniques… Lyon played an important part in the development of the book. Through collections, entertaining activities and workshops, this museum gives the whole family the opportunity to understand, five centuries of the history of the printed matter. From the manuscript to the book on your bookshelves… a fantastic family trip!
13, Rue de la Poulaillerie, Lyon – Tel. : (+33) 4 78 37 65 98.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to Midday and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Le Parc de la Tête d’Or – The Park of the Golden Head
Right in the middle of Lyons, the Parc de la Tête d’Or, with its 105 hectares, is one of the largest urban parks in France. The variety and wealth of colours and fragrances, the wide lawns, the games and a huge lake… so many features make this place one of the favourite spots for happy and relaxed moments shared by the whole family. Note that a guide is at your disposal to help you discover the remarkable trees of the park.
Place du général Leclerc, Lyon – Tel. : (+33) 4 72 69 47 60
Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm (Winter) and from 9 am to 6.30 pm (Summer)
L’Aquarium Grand Lyon – the Grand Lyons Aquarium
Located just at the junction of the Rhône and the Saône rivers, it has 40 aquariums with close to 5,000 fish.
Around a ship wreck, children will be able to admire sharks and rays before going to the hall of the five senses, where there are entertaining experiments and surprises which are as strange as they are tiny. Laughter, thrills and discoveries are the key words in an unforgettable day for all.
7, Rue Stéphane Déchant, La Mulatière – Tel. : (+33) 4 72 66 65 66
Open every day from 11 am to 7 pm.
L’espace zoologique Saint-Martin La Plaine – Saint-Martin La Plaine Zoological Area
This zoo houses close to 850 animals,with 110 original species from all continents. With the family along shady paths, discover the beauty of the animal world: gorillas in their 2,000 sq.meter hothouse, chimpanzees, lions, Siberian tigers and more… You will be able to attend the feeding of the wolves and watch close to 300 reptiles. This park is also an opportunity to discover some rare species such as Malayan bears or cockatoos.
Autoroute (motorway) A 47, exit n°11, Rive de Gier, Saint-Martin La Plaine – Tel. : (+33) 4 77 75 18 68.
Open every day from 9 am to 6 pm (April to September) and from 10 am to 5 pm (October to March).
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Le Théâtre Guignol – Punch and Judy Show.
The Compagnie des Zonzons, performs puppet shows for children and their parents at the Théätre de Guignol. Centered around the famous character called Guignol and his friend Gnafon, these satirical stories use many expressions typical of Lyons, as well as references to current events. Do not miss it!
2, Rue Louis Carrand, Lyon – Tel. : (+33) 4 78 28 92 57
For information on programmes and time tables phone the theatre.
Les traboules de Lyon
A traboule? This word, typical of the city, means a lane that is reserved for pedestrians; it is often narrow and goes through buildings to go from one street to another. The city has created a full tour of six traboules in the Croix Rousse quarter. It is a good way to go for walks and discover the city differently.
Information from the Office du Tourisme, Place Bellecour, Lyon – Tel. : (+33) 4 72 77 69
L’Astronef – the Spacecraft
Thrills guaranteed ! The Astronef is entirely dedicated to the marvellous world of stars, and it is a show room equipped with the latest simulation technology. With film shows and interactive animations, the whole family is invited for a fantastic journey. Children will no longer look at the sky as they used to… Do not miss it!
28, rue Ponchardier, Saint-Étienne – Tel. : (+33) 4 77 33 43 01
Open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
For information on times and shows, ring the Astronef.
Some good places for a family meal
La Crêperie du Major
A small corner of Brittany close to the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). Surrounded by elves, witches and other korrigans (Breton goblins), the children will love this place and the extremely original 100% home-made pancakes.
12, Rue du Major Martin, Lyon - Tel. : (+33) 4 78 39 98 33
Open lunch time till 2 pm from Wednesday to Saturday and in the evening till 10.30 pm from Monday to Saturday.
La Commanderie des Antonins
Genuine and welcoming, this restaurant offers a cuisine from olden times that is prepared in front of you. The extraordinary décor, straight from the distant past, will delight the whole family!
30, Quai Saint Antoine, Lyon - Tel. : (+33) 4 78 37 19 21
Open from Monday to Saturday – Closed in August.
La Brasserie Georges
A real institution in the city – since 1836 – the Brasserie Georges is one of the biggest brasseries in Europe. Local specialities as well as choucroute are served to everybody’s delight!
30, Cours de Verdun, Lyon - Tel. : (+33) 4 72 56 54 54
Open every day from 11.30 am to 11.15 pm.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Lyon wish you an excellent stay.