The Festival of Lights is back in Lyon for a 25th edition which promises to be full of surprises and memories, including the return of several installations that left a lasting impression during previous editions. More than thirty works are on the program this year and it will be complicated to see everything in one evening. However, with a minimum of organization and by following the route that we offer, you can see the essentials in just 3 hours.
If you thought you could enjoy the Festival of Lights by strolling haphazardly on the Presqu'ïle or in Vieux-Lyon, you are making a big mistake. Compact crowds, imposed direction of traffic, detours… We quickly end up going in circles or finding ourselves wandering in search of an installation… The moment of magic in the middle of the night in Lyon can quickly turn into a nightmare.
Fortunately, Team CityCrunch, with its experience and after having studied the program in detail, offers you a super optimized route to make the most of the Festival of Lights.
So, put on a good pair of sneakers and a warm hat (and prepare yourself a thermos of wine/hot tea), we'll take you for a little walk that should put lots of stars in your eyes (and no blisters on your feet ).
Departure from Terreaux
We start with Terreaux, which will certainly be as packed as Part-Dieu on the first day of sales. But the monumental mapping of Return of the Little Giant des Allumeurs d’Images is a must-see. This is one of the anniversary works of this edition. A word of advice: arrive early to avoid ending up stuck between a group of tourists and an amateur photographer armed with an XXL tripod.
The exit from the square is via rue Constantine, take the opportunity to take a trip up to the Place Sathonay where the Lights of the Heart will bring a touch of poetry to this early evening. Consider making a wish in passing (like not coming across a stroller in the narrow streets of Old Lyon!)
Festival of works in the Old
Cross the Pont de la Feuillée to arrive on the place Saint-Paul where the station will host the work New wavea triple projection by artists Zouhour Saoud, Jésus Baptista and Dirk Rauscher. Then you can continue with Not For Sale by Helen Eastwood and Laurent Brun at Temple of Change before continuing to Place Saint-Jean for the highly anticipated Mother by Julian Hölscher. The entrance to see this installation is on rue de la breche and requires you to make a small detour, but you can also try to sneak into the square via rue des Antonins.
In this area, the crowds are likely to be dense given the narrowness of the streets. Don't hesitate to get out of the alleys and go through the quays if you notice things getting busy.
Stop at the booth(s) in Bellecour
Cross the Bonaparte Bridge to reach the Presqu'île. Lean on the wall of the quai Saint-Antoine to admire the'Child Light of Lightning Hope projected onto the buildings on the opposite bank. Then join the Place Bellecour to (re)discover the famous snow globe I Love Lyon by Jacques Rival.
In the square, avoid the Ferris wheel, a real tourist trap. You can, however, relax for a few minutes in the catering area. Large tables are set up there and you can sit there for a few minutes (and order mulled wine or food if you have the patience…).
Ascent of the Peninsula
We leave for the last part of our route which consists of going back towards the north of the Presqu'île. Make a small detour through the Place des Célestins to admire Flux from the Scale Collective before leaving Place des Jacobins to see one of the other anniversary works of the Festival of Lights: Jacobins Act 4 by Patrice Warrener.
Then join the Republic Square to discover Coral Ghosta poetic work by Philipp Frank on marine ecosystems. You can then reassemble the Rue de la République under the luminous arches of D'hiver Walk to reach the Place de la Bourse and the installation Celestial Brainstorm d'Amelia Kosminsky.
So ! Our little tour is coming to an end, it will have allowed you to see a dozen works including 3 anniversary works. If you still have a little strength, continue to Albion Square where you can discover several student experiments. His simpler and less impressive works are often poetic and creative, perfect for a gentle end to the evening.
And the Parc de la Tête d’Or?
This year again, the Parc de la Tête d'Or will be one of the unmissable spots of the Festival of Lights with four works presented. However, we advise you to dedicate an entire evening to it. The wait at the entrance and the size of the park mean spending at least two hours there.
There you are, you are ready! Don't forget to charge your phone (and make room for all the videos you're going to make), your comfortable sneakers, and above all, to thank your feet inwardly at the end of the evening.
Happy Festival of Lights!
The route in a map
Click on the map to find it on Google Maps.
