here is the route to see a maximum of illuminations in 3 hours

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The 2024 Festival of Lights is finally here! After a year of waiting, the illuminations returned to Lyon from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 December. And for the 25th anniversary of the event, the organizers thought big with no less than 32 works to discover.

An express route of around 3 hours

Lyonnais, visitors from the region, tourists from all over the world… the crowd should once again be there. With the Festival of Lights attracting around two million people over four days, it is often advisable to anticipate your trips so as not to waste too much time in queues.

While some will be patient and take the time to stroll through the city, letting themselves be carried away by the magical atmosphere, others will prioritize efficiency. If you are one of them, you are reading the right article. Here is an example itinerary to see a maximum of illuminations in three hours.

(Don't pay attention to the letters on the card)

Departure from Place Antonin-Poncet – Bellecour

The route above can give you an idea of ​​how to optimize your journey. It can also prevent you from having to retrace your steps. Your starting point is Place Antonin-Poncet, from here you will go to Place Bellecour, right next door.

Then, go through rue Gasparin to head towards Place des Célestins, before joining the Place des Jacobinsthen that of the Republic. Then, pass through the “Grôlée district”, before taking Rue de la République to reach Place de la Bourse.

After seeing the illumination on Place de la Bourse, take Rue de la République in the opposite direction for a few meters and turn at the first right into Rue de la Poulaillerie. You will then be able to see the works of the printing museum, Place Saint-Nizier and Quai Saint-Antoine.

Quai Saint-Antoine, Saint-Jean and Fourvière Cathedral

Moreover, once on the quay, follow it to the footbridge of the Pont de Justice. You can enjoy the lovely view of Fourvière hill with the giant work broadcast all evening.

Once you have crossed the footbridge, you will be in Old Lyon. Head towards the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral by taking rue de la Bombarde, then rue Saint-Jean. Then, head to the Fourvière basilica (illuminated from Thursday to Saturday). For the bravest, go up on foot, those who are less mobile, take the funicular with more or less waiting depending on the time.

Gare Saint-Paul, Place des Terreaux and direction Tête d’Or

Then, either you take the funicular back to Saint-Jean and then go to Saint-Paul station, or you go from the Fourvière basilica to Saint-Paul station directly on foot. Next step: return to the Presqu'île via Place Sathonay, Place des Terreaux and Place Louis-Pradel.

There you have it, you have covered the entire Presqu'île and Vieux-Lyon in record time. All you have to do is head towards the Tête d’Or park. From Place Louis-Pradel, the journey is quite quick: allow around twenty minutes.

There, you can stroll in the park, ideal for the end of your visit. In total, this route should last around 3 hours but may be extended depending on crowds and queues. Note that it is also possible to do it in the opposite direction…

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