Lyon is a very romantic city, so finding romantic things to do is never a difficult chore.
L'amore is practically oozing from the cobbled walkways that connect the centre of the city, so taking a walk anywhere, you're likely to feel the subtle messages of romance all around you. But if you'd like something a bit more definite than subtle messages, we can recommend a number romantic things to do in Lyon that guarantee a contented sentimental heart.
Top of the list, the
Traboules St-Jean and the
Traboules de la Croix-Rousse cannot be beaten on the amorous attractions scale. The word "traboule", comes from the Latin, meaning "to pass through", which is basically the function of the
Traboules in
St-Jean and
Croix-Rousse, but the passageways were designed at the height of the romantic Renaissance period, with many architectural influences coming from Italy, and in particular, Florence. As a result, the
Traboules are laden with romantic design features including Florentine galleries, intricately detailed archways, spacious courts and highly romantic spiraling staircases.
But if it takes more than architecture to arouse the romance in your heart, maybe a dose of the natural will do the trick. Lyon's
Parc de la Tête d'Or is rated as one of the most romantic parks in France, and with good reason. The park features acres of natural parkland, but it's also the landscaping design that makes the park so romantic. Designed with the inspiration of English gardens in mind, you can stroll for hours with the uncanny feeling that you are taking part in a romantic period drama! In addition, for a lesser known garden that is full of romantic inspiration, head to
Jardin Rosa Mir; a small garden and temple hidden away on the
Croix-Rousse hill.
rue St-Jean
The romance of the Renaissance 'traboules'...
9 Place Colbert
Passageways of the Croix-Rousse silk workers...
Boulevard des Belges
Large and lovely nostalgic park...
Place de Fourvière
The centrepiece of Lyon's glory...
83 Grande rue de la Croix Rousse
Garden with Roughly Hewn Artwork Within...
102 Cours Lafayette
Pride of Lyon's Gastronomy...
Pont de la Guillotière
The grand river of Lyon...
Quai Raoul Carrié
Quai Clémenceau
Remains of Medieval Monastery on an Island in the Saône River...
Quai de la Pecherie
Famous book market along Lyon's River Saône...
99 Chemin de Fontanières
Unexpected Floral Paradise...