Make the Most of Your Time by Exploring Lyon’s Neighborhoods
Widely recognized for being the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon is one of the country’s most significant and largest cities. While the scrumptious food, which happens to be incredibly popular for all the right reasons, seems to be one of the city’s best highlights, Lyon has so much more in store for you. Whether you consider yourself a history buff, a foodie, a socialite, or an explorer, there’s a little bit of everything for every kind of traveler.
Why limit yourself to exploring just a finite area when you can easily wander to some of Lyon’s astounding neighborhoods? Lyon is home to a multitude of neighborhoods, with each one telling a different story and offering a unique experience. Let us help you get acquainted with the best of them to make things convenient for you.
Best Neighborhoods in Lyon
Vieux Lyon
Boasting Renaissance architecture in the form of huge mansions, Vieux Lyon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Old Lyon, it is situated on the west bank of the Saône river. This neighborhood is the perfect mix of serene and spirited, giving you the liberty to spend your time however you want. You can either choose to spend your evening relaxing by the river bank or stroll the cobblestone streets to explore everything Vieux Lyon has to offer. There are multiple remarkable restaurants in the area serving delectable food, make sure to visit one to satisfy your taste buds. Additionally, it has great connectivity to other parts of Lyon, making it convenient for you to get around.
Best attractions: Musée Cinéma et Miniature and Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Fourvière
Fourvière is a popular place among visitors, and we aren’t surprised. Considering the fact that Fourvière has some of the most picturesque standpoints, you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city. It is in proximity to Vieux Lyon, featuring a hill which is known as “the hills that pray”. The top of the hill can be reached either via a funicular or you can take a more exhilarating path and reach the top by walking through the steep medieval streets encompassing a couple of long stairways.
Best attractions: Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Gallo-Roman amphitheater
La Croix Rousse
Artistic and colorful are two terms that describe La Croix Rousse the best. The neighborhood once used to be considered the heart of Lyon’s silk manufacturing industry. The passageways (traboules) which once were used for transporting silk to the city center, give that away. The area now follows a bohemian & laid-back vibe, which can be experienced in its shops, cafes, restaurants, etc. Apart from that, it is also home to various boutiques, art galleries, workshops, nightclubs, and more, offering you an experience unlike any other neighborhood.
Best attractions: Theatre de la Croix-Rousse and Maison des Canuts
Presqu’île
Tucked between the Rhône and Saône rivers, Presqu’île is a charming neighborhood featuring classic French architecture. The lively atmosphere of this neighborhood is one of its strongest assets, making it a wonderful place to be explored by visitors. Additionally, this area is known for offering a prime experience, and that is evident from the number of luxury apartments, fine dining restaurants, and high-end brands it houses. If you want to add a luxurious hint to your trip, visiting Presqu’île is going to be worth your time.
Best attractions: Musée des Beaux Arts, Église St. Nizier, Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs, and Musée de l’Imprimerie
La Part Dieu
Although a business district of Lyon, La Part Dieu has a vibe of its own. This neighborhood might not be as exciting and happening as the others, but it does offer a unique experience with a couple of hidden gems to explore. The area is teemed with a plethora of skyscrapers and it also houses one of Europe’s largest shopping malls. Visitors looking to indulge in some shopping will find a vast range of domestic and global goods. There is also a quiet side to La Part Dieu on the west with multiple open green spaces that act as a breezy escape from the buzzing streets.
Best attractions: Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse and Westfield La Part-Dieu
La Confluence
La Confluence is the place where the two rivers- Rhône and Saône meet, hence the name. It is a modern neighborhood, facilitating eco-friendly living. The area is immensely popular among shopaholics and party animals alike. Visitors who are particularly looking to enjoy the nightlife will find an array of bars, clubs, and music venues dotted throughout the area. It also has a huge mall that offers boat services.
Best attractions: Musée des Confluences
Brotteaux
From the remarkable culinary scene to luxury apartments, Brotteaux is as sophisticated and opulent as it can get. This area particularly draws visitors who enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and like all things lavish, including fine dining and shopping from high-end boutiques. Many gourmet restaurants owned by world-renowned chefs and bars are a part of this neighborhood. Besides that, you will find endless opportunities to photograph and appreciate the stunning buildings of Brotteaux.
Best attractions: Gare des Brotteaux and Parc de la Tête d’Or
How to Get Around Lyon’s Neighborhoods?
Now that we have uncovered some of the best places to discover in Lyon, the next step is to determine how to get around the city. While public transportation may seem to be the most feasible option, having your own vehicle will make traveling much more convenient and hassle-free. A rental car is the closest you can get to travel comfortably in Lyon.
If you prefer complete privacy and maximum comfort while traveling, renting a car in Lyon is your safest bet. Not only that, a rented car also offers the flexibility and liberty to travel on your own terms with complete ease. Whether you want to explore just one neighborhood, a couple of them, or all, with a hired car at your disposal you can plan your itinerary accordingly.
Car Rental at Lyon–Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS)
When renting a car, it’s vital to choose a convenient pick-up location, and what can be more convenient than the airport? Situated 13 miles southeast of Lyon city center, Lyon-Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS) is a popular car rental location in the city for multiple reasons, but mainly because of the fact that it provides great connectivity to the major routes.
Renting a car at the airport eradicates the need to stand in long queues and wait for expensive taxis or unreliable public transportation to drive you to your destination; your ride will follow the path you set for it. Moreover, hauling your luggage can be a task in itself, but with a hired car, you won’t have to worry about any such thing.
Considering most car rental companies are available either inside the terminal or within walking distance, with some even providing free shuttle services, you can benefit from renting a car at the Lyon-Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS). Imagine receiving your hired car just when you land in Lyon, feels feasible right? You don’t have to stop at just imagining; this, in fact, is attainable and can be done while you sit at home comfortably.
Pro tip: Aim to reserve a car rental at least a week before your visit. The sooner you book a deal, the cheaper price you will secure.
Car Rental Companies Available at the Airport
Alamo
Hertz
Sixt
Europcar
Enterprise
National
Fleet of Cars
The type of car rental you pick can make or break your experience. You should be mindful while choosing a car to rent, considering it will be your ride for the entire trip. From fuel-efficient economy cars and spacious SUVs to 7-15 seater minivans/vans and luxury cars, there are plenty of options to consider when searching for the perfect set of wheels.
Each type of car offers something different to the driver in terms of experience and specifications. Don’t pick any random car or the first deal you see while exploring your options; always prioritize your rental needs, and then select a car that seems to be the best amongst the lot. You can find a huge fleet of car rentals in almost every category, including mini, economy, compact, standard/intermediate, full-size, SUV, minivan/van, premium/luxury, etc. at the airport.
Car Hire Facility at LYS Airport
Upon arriving at the airport, follow the signs leading to the Car Rental Shuttle. Most car providers, including Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Keddy by Europcar, National, and Sixt, offer free shuttle services at the airport. The shuttle keeps running every 15 minutes; you can board one of them to arrive at the site of your selected supplier.
Car Rental Return at Lyon–Saint-Exupery Airport (LYS)
Returning your rented car at the airport is as easy as hiring one. Once you reach the airport, look out for the rental car return signs and follow the directions as indicated. You can also refer to the Rental Confirmation Voucher to find the exact location of the supplier. Return the car keys and Rental Agreement at the counter when dropping off the car.
Tips to Elevate Your Car Rental Experience
All it takes is following a bunch of tips to ensure an incredible experience renting a car. There’s no rocket science involved, just a few things that you need to bear in mind when looking for a car rental. Below, we have jotted down a handful of constructive tips that will help you have a pleasant rental experience.
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Compare to Secure the Best Deal
The key to scoring the best deal is to compare the available options. From cars and prices to ratings and benefits, you should make the comparison keeping these things in mind. The more you compare, the higher your chances of finding a deal that not only meets your requirements but is also budget-friendly. Find a platform that enables you to compare the options with ease, where you can even tailor the list based on your needs by using filters.
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Don’t Overlook the Deposit Amount
Many renters often overlook this part while renting a car. A security deposit is a sum of money that is left with the supplier using a credit card at the time of vehicle pick-up. Depending upon the rental type some suppliers request high security deposits, while some keep them low. Opt for a supplier based on your budget and preference.
Most suppliers only accept a credit card for taking the security deposit; a debit card or cash, on the other hand, is not widely accepted. One way to be certain about the terms & conditions regarding the security deposit is to check the supplier Rental Terms.
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Choosing a Good Pick-up Location is Crucial
Selecting a good pick-up spot plays a vital role in ensuring a great rental experience. Not all pick-up locations tend to be convenient, some can be a hassle. Airports and downtowns are the most convenient and popular rental locations among renters. As far as the airports are concerned, the reason people choose them has a lot to do with the fact that most car suppliers have their rental desks either inside or outside the terminal, making it incredibly quick and easy to pick up the car.
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Add-ons for Extra Comfort & Convenience
Opting for add-ons while renting a car is a definite way to make your journey more comfortable and smooth. There is an option provided to rent extras while reserving a car. The inventory of special equipment often includes GPS, Additional Drivers, Infant Seats, Toddler Seats, Child Booster Seats, etc. The extras can be booked while renting a car, however, their availability is confirmed by the supplier at the time of vehicle pick-up.
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Don’t Forget to Take Photos of the Car
One of the first things you need to do after picking up your rented car is to take a few pictures of its exterior. This will eliminate the possibility of you having to pay for the damage you aren’t responsible for. Just make sure to take the pictures in front of the supplier’s associate to be on the safer side.
Now that you are fully equipped with all the information on the best way to travel in Lyon, it is vital to know the best place to rent a car as well. Cars Rental France is an all-in-one platform that allows you to search, compare, and book a car while offering an incredible user experience. You can find a myriad of rental deals, including short-term, long-term, one-way, round-trip, last-minute, etc. at discounted prices. Head to its booking engine, enter the trip details, and let it work its magic. The website will put together an inventory of all the cars available to rent in Lyon. You can compare the options to secure a deal that aligns with your needs.
