5 Great Reasons to Spend the Summer in Lyon
All of this, starting from the Phénix, of course…
Summer in Lyon, as seen from Vieux Lyon, is something quite rare. The sun beating down on the cobblestones of Rue Saint-Jean in the morning. The Roman theaters of Fourvière aglow in the evening beneath the stars. To Fourvière, towering over it all, just as it always has. The Hôtel Phénix stands there, facing the banks of the Saône, in a Renaissance mansion that has weathered the centuries and from which summer in Lyon unfolds effortlessly—on foot, by boat, or as you climb the hill.
The Nights of Fourvière
There are hotels in great locations. And then there’s the Phénix. Just a ten-minute walk from the banks of the Saône, the Roman theaters of Fourvière are hosting the 80th edition of the Nuits de Fourvière this summer. Eighty years of concerts, dance, circus, and theater in one of Europe’s most spectacular settings: an ancient amphitheater perched on a hill, with Lyon as the backdrop at sunset.
For this anniversary edition, the festival has organized eight themed balls open to all—from a disco ball to a masquerade ball, including the Block Party for Kids on July 2 for families. An eclectic lineup that brings together leading voices from the international scene, contemporary dance, circus arts, and original productions.
Walking back to the Phénix after a concert under the stars, strolling along the banks of the Saône on certain July evenings—that’s exactly what life in Lyon is all about.
- Roman Theaters of Fourvière, 1 rue Cléberg, 69005 Lyon
- May 28 through July 25, 2026
- Starting at €13 — tickets available at nuitsdefourviere.com
- A 10-minute walk from Le Phénix — via the Chazeaux or Gourguillon trails
“Everyone out!”
Every summer, Lyon takes on a different pace. And in Vieux Lyon, this is especially noticeable.
From June 30 to August 30, the municipal festival “Tout l’monde dehors” takes over the city’s squares, courtyards, and alleyways with more than 200 free events. In the Saint-Jean and Saint-Paul neighborhoods—which directly surround the Phénix—the program takes on the feel of a village festival: Cuban salsa at Place Gailleton on Tuesdays in July, open-air movies under the stars, concerts in cobblestone courtyards, swing dances, street performances…
No need to make a reservation, no need to go far. Walk out the hotel door, turn left onto the riverfront, and Lyon’s summer is already there—free, spontaneous, and authentic.
That’s what people in Lyon have always done in the summer. And ever since the Phénix opened, we’ve been doing it before everyone else.
- Saint-Jean and Saint-Paul neighborhoods, 69005 Lyon — right around the hotel
- June 30–August 30, 2026 — full program available at lyon.fr
- Free admission — no reservation required
Dinner Cruise
There’s one thing that few visitors do—and that even the people of Lyon sometimes forget—and that is seeing their city from the river.
The Hermès restaurant boat offers dinner cruises on the Rhône and Saône rivers, lasting two and a half hours. The chef cooks on board. The quays of Old Lyon glide gently by on the port side. Fourvière looks like a postcard from the river. And as summer draws to a close, when the light turns golden on the Renaissance facades, you understand why people say Lyon is beautiful—especially from the water.
The itinerary: Departure from the riverfront, heading toward La Confluence and its futuristic architecture, then cruising up the Saône River toward the medieval Île Barbe. Throughout the cruise, commentary provides a fresh perspective on the riverbanks of this city with a history spanning two millennia.
Perfect for couples looking for an extraordinary evening. Unforgettable with friends. And best of all: a view of Lyon that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Saône Riverfront Market
Strolling through the markets along the banks of the Saône is one of the must-do activities in Lyon during the summer. Located on the Quais Saint-Antoine and des Célestins, right in the heart of the Presqu’île and across from Vieux Lyon, the Saint-Antoine Market is the city’s largest food market.
There are dozens of producers and vendors offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, Lyon-style cured meats, fish, poultry, artisanal breads, pastries, flowers, and regional specialties. The market is open Tuesday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Sunday until 2 p.m. On Mondays, the market features handmade goods, with stalls selling clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. In the summer, the atmosphere is particularly pleasant thanks to the view of the colorful facades of Old Lyon and the Basilica of Fourvière.
Between sampling local products, strolling along the Saône, and exploring Lyon’s heritage, the Quais de Saône Market is the perfect outing to enjoy Lyon with family, friends, or during a weekend getaway.
“Explore Ancient Lyon”
Put on the headset, and Lyon disappears. In its place: Lugdunum, the Roman city in its heyday, with its temples, amphitheaters, and inhabitants. An immersive experience that leaves just as much of an impression on teens as it does on adults.
- Lugdunum, 17 rue Cléberg, 69005 Lyon
- Open year-round — VR experience available throughout the summer of 2026
- Museum admission: €6 / VR experience: see lugdunum.grandlyon.com for pricing
