Over the Saône, Lyon
© Creative Commons / Diego Cupolo
+100
Lyon Nightlife
The best way to see the city's architectural heritage is by night, when over 100 sites are illuminated. Old Lyon, the banks of the Saône, the Presqu'île and Croix Rousse are the liveliest districts at night. There is a wide variety of bars and pubs scattered all over the city and it is not always easy to choose between Irish, English, Latino, Cuban and the exotic among the range of watering holes available. There are also traditional Lyonnais bars.
The presence in Lyon of prestigious cultural institutions, such as the National Opera, the Célestins Theatre and the Lumière Institute, contribute to the city's international reputation and strong cultural influence. Cultural events and institutions benefit from one of the largest chunks of Lyon's budget and it shows.
Excellent information about all cultural events in Lyon can be found online (www.eldorado.fr) and in local newspapers and magazines, such as Lyon Poche (www.lyonpoche.com), Le Petit bulletin (www.petit-bulletin.fr) and Lyon Capitale (www.lyoncapitale.fr). Information on Lyon's nightlife is available online (www.lyonweb.net/sortir.htm or www.sortirlyon.org) and in local newspapers Lyon Poche, Lyon Débrouille, and Le Petit Paumé.
Tickets for theatrical or musical events can be bought from the booking offices directly or from FNAC, 85 rue de la République (tel: 0825 020 020; www.fnac.com).
Bars in Lyon
Café du Soleil
Café du Soleil is a traditional Lyonnais café, perfect for an early-evening aperitif. Situated in a small and charming area of Lyon, this is one of the oldest cafés in the city, having been here for two centuries, and a friendly alternative to the large fashionable nightspots of the city centre. You can also try Le 110 Vins next door for traditional Lyonnais fare and an impressive wine list of over 300 wines.
2 rue Saint Georges
Tel: 04 7837 6002.
Website: http://cafe-du-soleil.eresto.net
Le Moana
Latin-style bars, such as Le Moana in Quartier St Paul, guarantee exotic décor and fantastic cocktails. Decorated with bamboo, coconuts, and tropical flowers, Le Moana also features three aquariums, including one with piranhas.
20 quai Pierre Scize
Tel: 04 7883 2959.
New Albion
The New Albion is a popular English-style pub with two giant screens for concerts and sporting events, a dartboard and a wide selection of draught beers. There are also regular theme nights, quiz and gigs.
12 rue Ste-Catherine
Tel: 04 7828 3300.
Clubs in Lyon
L'Alibi
Full of laser lights and mirrors, the cool and cosy L'Alibi plies an up-for-it crowd with eclectic sounds. Meet people from all walks of life and jive to all kinds of music ranging from pop, rock and techno to funk, soul and salsa.
13 quai Romain Rolland
Tel: 04 7842 0466.
Website: www.alibidisco.com
New Hollywood
New Hollywood has the biggest dance floor in Lyon and appeals to nostalgia fans with swing, jive and rock'n'roll.
6 rue Henri Barbusse
Tel: 04 7869 4277.
Website: www.newhollywood.fr
Yes Hot Spot
Popular with a trendy crowd, chill at Yes Hot Spot, a newer venue featuring three themed rooms - Party Room, Smoking Room and Paradise Room - and an intimate ambiance.
12 quai St Vincent
Tel: 06 2916 1415.
Website: www.yeshotspot.com
Live Music in Lyon
Le Marché Gare
Le Marché Gare, a recent addition to the scene, promotes new music from reggae to heavy metal.
34 rue Casimir-Périer
Tel: 04 7240 9713.
Website: www.myspace.com/lemarchegare
Le Transbordeur
Le Transbordeur has two performance spaces; a larger one for established international acts and a smaller stage for local bands.
3 boulevard Stalingrad
Tel: 04 7893 0833.
Website: www.transbordeur.fr
Ninkasi
This slick venue brews its own beer - choose from six different house beers - and has a regular programme of live bands and DJs.
267 rue Marcel Mérieux
Tel: 04 7276 8900.
Website: www.ninkasi.fr
Classical Music in Lyon
Auditorium
The Auditorium is the permanent residence of the Lyon National Orchestra. Since 2000, this symphony orchestra, comprising 102 musicians, has acquired an international reputation throughout the world.
149 rue Garibaldi
Tel: 04 7895 9595.
Website: www.auditoriumlyon.com
National Opera
One of Lyon's most prestigious cultural venues, the National Opera houses several institutions. Among them is the Opera Orchestra, which started in 1983, with young musicians and experienced conductors. It alternates classical repertoire works with new compositions.
1 place de la Comédie
Tel: 0826 305 325.
Website: www.opera-lyon.com
Dance in Lyon
Maison de la Danse
The Maison de la Danse was created in 1980. The company is completely devoted to choreography, with an emphasis on new productions. It welcomes French and foreign companies.
8 avenue Jean Mermoz
Tel: 04 7278 1818.
Website: www.maisondeladanse.com
Theatre in Lyon
Célestins Theatre
From classical to contemporary, all styles are represented in Lyon. The Célestins Theatre is the oldest theatre in Lyon and has had two centuries of continuous dramatic activity. It welcomes Parisian shows as well as regional companies, with productions ranging from classical theatre to music hall.
4 rue Charles Dullin
Tel: 04 7277 4000.
Website: www.celestins-lyon.org
Théatre La Maison de Guignol
Lyon was also the birthplace of the theatrical puppet figure known as Guignol, which was created in 1808 by Laurent Mourguet. This tradition is still alive today with the Théatre La Maison de Guignol.
2 montée du Gourguillon St Georges-Vieux
Tel: 04 7240 2661.
Website: www.lamaisondeguignol.fr.st
Film in Lyon
Lumière Institute
In 1895, the Lumière brothers invented cinematography and shot the first ever film in the city. The Lumière Institute offers cinema screenings every day. It is also the best place for film aficionados to catch celluloid rarities and arthouse movies.
25 rue du Premier-Film
Tel: 04 7878 1895.
Website: www.institut-lumiere.org
Do you have any Feedback about this page?
© 2011 Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission, click here for information on Columbus Content Solutions.
Recommended Sites:
Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Africa, the way it should be seen
We´re cutting the cost of Africa overland trips by up to a whopping 40%. 25% off many trips departing by 30/6/12.
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical,
evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities
covered.
Follow World Travel Guide
Promotional Features
Luxury all-inclusive ski holidays from Club Med
Now that the cold weather has set in, it is time to embrace winter and look ahead to your next ski escape. Book with Club Med now to benefit from some great deals... Read more
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter packed with travel features, competitions, holiday inspiration and travel deals.
Travel Partners
Small group adventure holidays
Authentic travel experiences from Explore - the adventure experts. Prices from £537 including flights.
Vegas has something for everyone
From world-class dining to unparalleled entertainment, there's more to Las Vegas than you know.
Africa, the way it should be seen
Africa up to 40% off! Original overland adventures.
Life´s a journey.
Find detailed information on the World's top ski resorts in the new World Travel Guide ski channel
