Start at Place Bellecour
It is the natural landmark to begin a day in Lyon. Take in the square, get your bearings in the Presqu’île streets and have a coffee before walking over to Guillotière.
Spend an hour at Le Petit Musée du Vin
About ten minutes on foot from Bellecour, at 3 rue Passet, Le Petit Musée du Vin offers an hour or so in vaulted cellars: wine history, terroir, winemaking and aromas. Eight wines are poured, three of them talked through by the team. A welcome indoor activity in December, even if you know nothing about wine.
Special opening on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December 2026, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry 5:30 pm). Full price €32; booking recommended. The cellars are reached by a spiral staircase only: the museum is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.
A short walk along the Rhône
Right after your visit, reach the riverbank level with the museum and Pont de la Guillotière: there is no need to head south. Stroll north towards Pont Wilson, then use an open pedestrian access to cross into the Presqu’île. The Rhône gives you a different view of Lyon’s facades and bridges. The full route is on our walking loop map.
Jacobins and Terreaux
Heading into the centre of the Presqu’île, pause at the Jacobins fountain, then continue to Place des Terreaux and the Bartholdi fountain. The Musée des Beaux-Arts can be a good addition, provided you check that it is open on the day: regular closing days and any special festival hours.
Over to Saint-Paul and Vieux Lyon
Carry on to Saint-Paul, then wander the Renaissance streets towards Saint-Jean and its cathedral. Some traboules are private or closed: respect the signs. The Musée Cinéma et Miniature and the Gadagne museums are other ideas to check on their own websites: their hours for 5 to 8 December are not confirmed here. Book paid visits separately.
What about lunch?
Lunch in a traditional bouchon, or simply a stop at a bakery or café, shows you another side of the city. Book your table at busy times, especially if you have a visit slot to keep.
Before the illuminations
In the late afternoon, check the official map of installations and the entry points to the pedestrian zone on the festival website. The walk described here is a daytime suggestion, not a guarantee of access to every area in the evening.
Our tip: book Le Petit Musée du Vin early or in the middle of the day, then continue on foot to the historic districts. It is a way to enjoy Lyon without rushing from one sight to the next.