Must Do in Lyon France: The Festival of Lights

The French, known to hold their traditions and culture close to their heart, have a special way of celebrating. When they do, they make the rest of the world second-guess their idea of a celebration. Such is the magic of a classic French event.

Winter marks the beginning of one of the most exciting times in the country, particularly Lyon, France. In addition to the bustling and nostalgic Christmas markets of Alsace, France also boasts Lyon’s Festival of Lights; a dazzling winter spectacle that blends tradition with creativity, fun, and winter cheer.

If you are a culture-loving travel buff, then among some of the things you must do in Lyon France are indulging in Lyonnaise cuisine, and attending the iconic Festival of Lights.

Before you book your France tour packages in time for December, it would be worthwhile to learn more about the event.

Here is everything you need to know about France’s biggest winter festival.

Lyon’s Festival of Lights: What is it?
The History of the Festival of Lights
Highlights of the Festival
Pointers to Remember When Attending the Festival
Wrapping Up
FAQs
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Lyon’s Festival of Lights: What is it?

Lyon's festival of lights and the lightning cloud at the celestin's theatre — Lyon’s festival of lights and the lightning cloud at the celestin’s theatre
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Electric Egg

The Festival of Lights or Fête des Lumières, is a vibrant winter festival that takes place in Lyon during the first week of December. It is a unique and world-famous event that attracts millions of people from across the planet. Typically a 4-day event, the festival is celebrated around the 8th of December and transforms the entire city into a luminous wonderland full of vibrant colours and light. The architectural elements including the monuments and public buildings in the city turn into a canvas for light art, showcased by renowned artists during the event.

Aside from tasting the rich flavours of Lyonnaise cuisine, witnessing the Festival of Lights is a wholesome experience that you must do in Lyon, France.

The History of the Festival of Lights

Bright ship in Lyon's Festival of Lights — Bright ship in Lyon’s Festival of Lights
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Dave Primov

Lyon’s greatest festival is known to have originated back in the 19th century, with a strong story connecting it to 1643 and the most dangerous epidemic to strike Europe at the time – the plague.

On September 8, 1643, the people of Lyon and the city’s Municipal councillors decided to pray for their homeland. They promised a tribute to Virgin Mary in exchange for sparing Lyon. As it turned out, Lyon was spared from being affected by the plague. Hence, 200 years later, in 1852, the residents along with the Govt. decided to honour the historic promise, and erected a golden statue of Virgin Mary next to the Basilica atop Fourvière Hill.

The inauguration of the statue was planned for December 8, but due to an impending storm the festivities had to be cancelled. However, on that day, the people of the city spontaneously lit candles and placed them outside the windows of their homes to celebrate the occasion. The people also sang songs until late in the night and exclaimed “Vive Marie!” expressing their gratitude. Since then, the city of Lyon has been honouring Virgin Mary in the same way as a tradition.

It wasn’t until later in 1859, that the Fête des Lumières started evolving, leading it to become the grand spectacle it is today.

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Highlights of the Festival

A trip to Lyon, France in December would become one of the most colourful memories you will ever have in Europe. Because the city of Lyon displays sheer magic with spectacular light installations, artwork, music, food, and more during the time.

Here is an overview of what you can expect at one of the most coveted events in France.

Fourvière Hill, and the Basilica

The Basilica Notre Dame de fourviere in Lyon, France at night
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/dvoevnore

The Fourvière Hill and the Basilica it houses are two of the core elements of the celebration as history would suggest. During the festival, not only is the Basilica impressively lit, but the hill also offers spectacular views of the city’s illuminations. People from all over the country pay a visit to the Basilica to capture stills of the magical sight that the city transforms into during the time.

Renowned artists and themes

Colosses sculptures at Lyon's Festival of Lights — Colosses sculptures at Lyon’s Festival of Lights
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Electric Egg

The Festival of Lights is often a stage for renowned artists worldwide to showcase their work. The event explores various themes every year and invites legendary artists to present, whether it is music, light art, video art, or other forms of creative expression. Hence, the city turns into something of an immersive experience with an array of competing artists performing at their creative best to engage the crowd.

Sometimes, the artwork and installations also address social, ecological, or historically relevant themes. This often makes it a more heart-warming spectacle blending urban space, light, and sound. It is this unique experience that makes the Festival of Lights a must do in Lyon, France.

Building lights at Place des Terreaux

Place des Terreaux is another one among the most visited spots in Lyon during the event. Here, the building facades and other architectural elements are transformed into mesmerizing luminous works of art. There are also beautiful light shows with immersive music; a feat guaranteed to inspire you.

Light installations at The Tête d’Or Park

A Nocturne installation at Lyon's Festival of Lights — A Nocturne installation at Lyon’s Festival of Lights
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Electric Egg

The Tête d’Or Park, a stunning park in the heart of the city of Lyon, is another sight to behold during the event. Talented artists often create amazing light installations around the lakes, trees, and other aesthetics in the park, making it something of a luminous wonderland. Visiting the park would in fact be one among the top 10 of Lyon’s things to do during December.

Light shows at the The Quays of Saône and the Confluence district

The banks of the river Saône, and the Confluence district in France are two exceptional spots in Lyon known to showcase some of the most immersive light shows. Unlike the bustling streets in the city, these spots offer pleasant walks along with contemporary light shows and innovative displays that mix peace with entertainment.

Pointers to Remember When Attending the Festival

Wasserleuchten installation at Lyon's Festival of Lights — Wasserleuchten installation at Lyon’s Festival of Lights
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Electric Egg

Fête des Lumières is famous for being one of the best things to do in France in December. For the same reason, the city is bound to get filled with tourists during this time. While the experience will indeed be nothing short of magical, it would be worthwhile to keep the following pointers in mind.

Plan your visit well in advance, and book cheap flights to Lyon a few months before so that you can get the best rates. Flights to the city in December are very likely to get pricier around the time.
Book the best hotels in Paris or Lyon for a comfortable stay. Start by visiting the Christmas markets and then travel to Lyon for a well-rounded winter France tour.
Try to use public transport as it can help avoid traffic jams. Organized shuttles and special travel services for the festival will let you enjoy a more pleasant experience.
Be sure to secure your France visa with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries well ahead to avoid last-minute hassles.
Carry plenty of digital storage so that you can take as many pictures and videos as you like.
Last but not least, ensure to pack versatile layers. It can help remain warm while you are out seeing the Christmas lights.

Also Read: 10 Unobvious Things to Know Before Visiting France

Wrapping Up

The Festival of Lights in Lyon, is hands down the best thing to do in December in France. With the extravaganza of illumination, colours, music, and festive cheer, you are sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience. As long as you keep the above pointers in mind, you are in for a treat.

Book your France tour packages in time for the winter festival this year.

Quick Summary – Festival of Lights: Must do in Lyon France

The Festival of Lights is a 4-day annual event that illuminates Lyon, France. Originating back in 1852, the festival began to be celebrated as a way to honour Virgin Mary for sparing the city from being affected by the plague. During the event which happens in the first week of December, the city comes alive with light installations, artwork, light shows, displays, music, food, and more. It is indeed an activity that you must do in Lyon, France in December.

FAQs

Why is the Festival of Lights celebrated in Lyon?

The Festival of Lights is a celebration that originated in 1852. To express their gratitude and to honour the promise they made to Virgin Mary for sparing Lyon from being affected by the plague, the people of Lyon and its Govt. erected a golden statue of the Virgin near the Basilica atop Fourvière Hill. On the day of its inauguration on December 8th, the people of Lyon celebrated by lighting candles outside their windows and singing songs. This tradition is what continues even today, and what has evolved into the magical celebration that is Fête des Lumières.

Where is the Festival of Lights in Lyon?

The Festival of Lights is celebrated across the city of Lyon, France. Many streets and districts are lit up with illuminations, displays, installations, and more. Two main focal points of the event are the Basilica of Fourvière and the Place des Terreaux. While the former is lit up with different vibrant colors, the latter is known to host interesting light shows.

What is the most famous festival in Lyon?

The most famous festival in Lyon is the Festival of Lights or Fête des Lumières. It is celebrated in the first week of December and typically spans 4 days. During the event the city of Lyon is illuminated with lights and installations.

What happens at the Festival of Lights in France?

During the Festival of Lights in Lyon, France, the entire city celebrates the erection of the commemorative statue of Virgin Mary with lights, colours, music, and artwork. The city is transformed into a luminous extravaganza over the four days of the event. The people of Lyon light candles and place them outside their windowsills per tradition. They also step out to see the installations and lights. Various artists from across the world are often invited to perform in video art, light art, music and more.

Does Lyon have a Christmas market?

Yes, Lyon does have many Christmas markets spread across the city in small clusters. Compared to the Christmas markets of Alsace, the markets in Lyon are more relaxed.

What should I buy in Lyon, France?

Lyon is best known for its culinary treats. Hence, you can take home specialty souvenirs in food like Cervelas truffés et quenelles de Bonnard. Saint-Marcellin cheese de la mère Richard, and regional wine from the Côtes du Rhône vineyards are other good options.

Apart from food, you can also buy miniature lights and Christmas decorations from the Festival of Lights markets in Lyon.

Which country is called the city of lights?

The city of Paris in France is called the city of lights as it is the center of entertainment and knowledge in the country. It is also one of the first cities to adopt mainstream street lighting.

Why is Lyon so famous?

Lyon is famous for its cuisine and gastronomy. It is also known for its various historical and architectural landmarks such as Old Lyon, and Fourvière hill. These two landmarks are also recognized on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

What is the most Christmassy town in France?

Strasbourg in Alsace is recognized as the most Christmassy town in France. It is often called the capital of Christmas in France.

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