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Colors of Lyon - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Place des Celestins Lyon The Festival of Lights is considered the most striking cultural event in the Lyon. Festival takes place in mid-December and lasts for four days. Holiday attracts illumination experts from different countries. The festival is accompanied by a number of interesting events, including performances by musicians and acrobats, light shows and fairs. The most exciting and captivating performances are held in the evening, when the city's main sights are illuminated with hundreds of twinkling lights.
Excursion over cultural sights of Lyon - 'must visit' points of interest
A walk around the city will give a lot of unforgettable experiences. You could see beautiful historic buildings and interesting monuments at every step in Lyon. One of the most popular … Open
It is particularly interesting to watch the laser show; facades of old buildings and palaces are covered with color images of great beauty and various metamorphoses occur with those buildings. They can be deformed and bizarrely twisted, they change the shape and arrangement of elements in rays of laser illuminators. Such ideas seem amazing. Sometimes, optical and lighting effects are so realistic that it can be very difficult to distinguish illusion from reality. During those four days, no less than fifty performances are held, each of which is unique and unrepeatable.
Surprises await guests of the festival at every step. For example, figures of exotic animals can be found strolling stately in one of city's malls; theaters and museums are transformed into huge gaming machines; all historical sights are changing their appearance completely. The beautiful and unique festival was first celebrated a century and a half ago; at that time the reason for the event was the end of plague. Naturally, first holidays were significantly different from modern ones. Townspeople have lit bonfires and arranged funny performances, treated each other with festive delicacies and gave presents. Each year, a colorful event is visited by three million foreign travelers wishing to enjoy a spectacular show and take part in recreational activities. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Your active city break in Lyon. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Perhaps one of the most favorite holiday destinations among tourists is Aquarium Grand Lyon. It is located in the immediate vicinity of Lyon. It houses a fascinating collection of deep sea … Open
Music lovers will enjoy another festival - Nuits sonores. It is held in late May and is dedicated to electronic music. The festival always attracts a great number of popular performers. Les Nuits de Fourvière Festival is held in summer; an ancient theater has been its main site of action for many years. Festival is dedicated to contemporary theater, cinema and music.
Lyon Beers lover feel at home in the gastronomic capital of France - the latter prefer to visit the French city in late April when the Lyon Biere Festival is held here. At this time, hundreds of French, Belgian, and German brewing companies present their best products. Visitors to the festival can enjoy conferences, during which they learn a lot of new and interesting information about beers and their production. And, of course, the event wouldn't be complete without beer tastings so that festival participants can choose the best drinks. All this happens at Le Sucre Concert Hall.
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Lyon
1. The period from early May to late September is considered a high season. At this time, the weather is the most favorable; it’s good for walking, as rains are very rare. Tourists, … Open
Many associate France with thrillers and detectives, including books, comics, and films of this genre. The Quais du Polar Festival is dedicated to these particular genres. Here, authors writing in the appropriate style, as well as directors of thrillers and detectives, join visitors to the festival at meets-and-greets, conferences, seminars. Such famous figures as Frederic Dard, Jacques Deray, and Bertrand Tavernier took part in the event at different times. TheQuais du Polar involves theater performances, exhibitions, and games related to the theme of the festival. The 4-day event takes place at different venues throughout Lyon, the main venue is the Palais du Commerce.
Lyon Comic books are also loved in France, and the Lyon BD taking place in early June owes its existence to this big love. The abbreviation "BD" in French means "Bande Dessinée" - the "ninth art", comics. The festival is so popular that hundreds of other events are held within its framework, and no superhero could manage to fit into one cultural institution. That is why the event occupies different venues in Lyon - concert halls, theaters, exhibition complexes, cultural centers, museums, cinemas, even restaurants and cafes. At specially organized meet-and-greets, one can get acquainted with BD authors. Visitors can also enjoy theater performances, art exhibitions, fairs, music concerts, as well as learn new things during masterclasses.
Extraordinary weekend in Lyon - unusual places, services and attractions for travel gourmet
Want to make your stay in Lyon truly special? The ancient city keeps many secrets and is ready to offer its guests a lot of incredible entertainment. To clear up one of the secrets, just go … Open
Another noteworthy event is called the Jungle Art Urban Festival, and it is organized twice a year: in late February and early September. A visit to the fest is a great opportunity to explore the local culture and art. At the Le Croiseur Theater, one can take part in art exhibitions, masterclasses (in such genres of graffiti, ceramics, screen printing), musical performances, theatrical and dance shows. The festival often opens new talents, as it is visited not only by eminent artists and performers, due to which innovation in art is constantly evolving.
This guide to traditions and festivals in Lyon is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Lyon and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Lyon
♥   Cathédrale Primatiale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Lyon, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon, 1.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Saint-Martin d’Ainay, Lyon, 1.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Saint-Just, Lyon, 1.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Saint-Sixte, Ars-sur-Formans, 24.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Ancienne cathédrale Saint-Maurice, Vienne, 27.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathédrale Saint-Charles Borromé, Saint-Étienne, 50.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Lyon
♥   Castle 'Château de Francheville' Rhône, 8.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Lissieu' Rhône, 11.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Irigny' Rhône, 11.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Chazay' Rhône, 17.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Pusignan' Rhône, 17.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Montribloud' Ain, 17.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Trévoux' Ain, 19.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Lyon
Detailed Lyon maps
Lyon metro maps
Tram map of Lyon
Lyon photo gallery

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Colors of Lyon in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Lyon

Rhone-Alpes
Quatres Glorieuses gastronomic exhibition is held in December; the name of this festival can be literally translated as ‘Four glories.’ This large-scale exhibition brings together the best poultry producers in the region. During the exhibition, visitors have an opportunity to taste a variety of dishes cooked of poultry of the highest quality. It is considered very ... Open »
Grenoble
The Festival of Détours de Babel taking place from mid-March to the beginning of April is another great event, which would be interesting to all music fans. You can listen to modern music and jazz that has already become a kind of classic. The venue for the event is Center International des Musiques Nomades. Since the festival's motto is "back to the roots", this means a ... Open »
Geneva
Escalade, which is celebrated each December, is one of most famous and colorful national holidays. A large historical procession is the culmination of the festival. The townspeople dress up in medieval costumes and walk on main city streets with an orchestra consisting of flute and drum players. Hot red wine is considered the main drink of the holiday. It can be tasted in many ... Open »
Albertville
No less popular dish, which is now known far beyond Albertville, is the fondue. Even if the original fondue recipe is quite complicated, you can try its simplest version in one of the local restaurants. Local people of Albertville are the real gourmets of traditional French wine. That's why, after a great ski pastime, they prefer to warm themselves with a delicious mulled ... Open »
Meribel
Today, Meribel is known as one of the best French ski resorts, which is visited by professional athletes and world celebrities. A hundred years ago, on the site of the top-notch resort, there was a small mountain village whose inhabitants lived a very secluded and measured life. Some features of the former village lifestyle manifest themselves even today. Such regional features ... Open »
Burgundy
In November, Bourgogne is visited by a huge number of music lovers; they are attracted by Nevers D'Jazz Festival. It features open-air concerts making the event even more soulful and romantic. World Sacred Music Festival is another unusual musical event. The permanent venue for the festival is Dijon; this unusual event may seem boring only at first glance. The charming ... Open »
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Lyon. Learn the best periods to visit Lyon to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Lyon.
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