Winter in Lyon – what’s on?

MyFrenchLife™ - Winter in Lyon - Place des TerrauxAlthough the autumn colours of Parc de la Tête d’Or are now but a distant memory with the cold weather steadily creeping in, there is still plenty to do during winter in Lyon.

Here are our recommendations of what to do to get the most out of Lyon this hiver!

Explore some of Lyon’s cultural riches

1. La biennale d’art contemporain de Lyon
Take shelter this winter in Lyon’s most iconic modern spaces and explore ‘La vie moderne, an exhibition showing the work of 60 artists from 28 different countries. Have a wander and take in the intriguing portrayals of our modern world.

One ticket includes access to three exhibits.

Where: La Sucrière, Les Docks, 47-49 quai Rambaud, 69002 // Lyon Museum of Contemporary Art, Cité Internationale, 81 quai de Charles de Gaulle, 69006 // Musée des Confluences, 86 quai Perrache, 69002.
When: Until Sunday 3 January 2016
Métro: Perrache // Cuire // Debourg.

2. A night at the museum

A night at the museum is back for the second year running. On the first Friday of each month until March, the Musée des Beaux-Arts opens its doors, offering visitors the chance to explore a particular theme, time period or exhibition. Each theme is presented through music, choir and dance, making it an excellent family outing.

MyFrenchLife™ - Winter in Lyon - Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Where: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, 20 Place des Terraux, 69001.
When: The first Friday of each month until March 2016, from 6pm – 10pm.
Métro: Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel.

Winter in Lyon spectacles: dance and opera

We know the Lyonnais love their spectacles more than most. Now that the season is in full swing, why not take the opportunity to experience some yourself? Here are a few of our favourites for this winter in Lyon.

1. Casse-Noisette

What better way to get you into the Christmas spirit, than the magic of the ‘Nutcracker’? The Ballet du grand théâtre de Genève presents an enchanting version of this well-loved tale. What a perfect way to spend a winter evening!

Where: Maison de la Danse, 8 avenue Jean Mermoz, 69008.
When: 9 – 18 December 2015.
Métro: Grange Blanche.

2. Le Roi CarotteMyFrenchLife™- Winter in Lyon - Le Roi Carotte

Offenbach’s ‘Le Roi Carotte’ is a scathing satire of society’s elite after the Franco-Prussian War, telling the tale of a totalitarian King in this magical and comical operetta. It’s the perfect excuse to spend some time in the beautiful Opera of Lyon.

Where: Opéra de Lyon, 1 Place de la Comédie, 69001.
When: 12 December 2015 – 1 January 2016.
Métro: Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel.

3. Giselle

The epitome of romantic ballet, ‘Giselle’ by the Jacobson Ballet follows the tradition of classical ballet in telling this story of love, regret and deception. The powerful yet delicate choreography deeply conveys the characters’ emotions and, perhaps, echoes some of our own experiences with love.

Where: Maison de la Danse, 8 avenue Jean Mermoz, 69008.
When: 23 – 31 of January 2016.
Métro: Grange Blanche.

Expand your repertoire of favourite bouchons

What is it?

The weather for picnics is long past, so wintery days in Lyon are best spent with a three-course meal.

While the Lyonnais cuisine might not have suited your appetite during the hot summer months, winter in Lyon is the perfect time to uncover your new favourite bouchon.

Le Bouchon des Cordeliers, which only recently opened in September by the renowned Cedric Garin, presents the perfect winter menu for you to try to forget the cold weather outside.

Where: 15 Rue Claudia, 69002.
When:
Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2pm and 7pm – 10pm.
Métro: Cordeliers Bourse.

Make the most of Lyon’s markets

MyFrenchLife™ - Winter in Lyon - Marché de Noël à la Place CarnotWhat is it?

The famous markets are still pumping all through winter in Lyon, bringing you the best seasonal produce. The most exciting addition to the market schedule is, of course, the Christmas markets.

With a market in the picturesque Croix-Rousse and Place Carnot, be sure to get your fill of vin chaud, gauffres, and pommes d’armour.

Etsy Lyon and Le Sucre are also running a pop up market, with Lyonnais creators, where you can find the perfect cadeau for loved ones.

Where: Place de la Croix-Rousse 69004 // Place Carnot 69002.
When:
Until 25 December 2015.
Métro: Croix-Rousse // Perrache.

Festival of Lights

What is it?

While Lyon’s biggest festival of the year has been cancelled due to the recent attacks in Paris, the festival is going back to its traditional roots.

MyFrenchLife™- Winter in Lyon - Festival of Light candle

The Fête des Lumières began as a spontaneous celebration of the Virgin Mary, when a bronze statue of her was erected and Lyonnais all placed candles in their windows.

This year, the maire of Lyon has decided that 8 December will instead pay homage to the victims of the Paris attacks. He has called for everyone to place candles in their windows, to illuminate the city on this night.

Where: All over Lyon.
When: 8 December 2015.

What are your favourite winter activities in Lyon? Let us know if we’ve missed any in the comments below!


Image credits:
1. Place des Terreaux, by Babinet Damien, via Wikimedia Commons.
2. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, via the Musée des Beaux-Arts Facebook page.
3. Le Roi Carotte, via Opera Lyon.
4. Centre joyeuses fêtes, via the Marché de Noël de Lyon website.
5. Lumignons fete des Lumieres, by Myrabella, via Wikimedia Commons.

About the Contributor

Judy MacMahon

Experience FRANCE beyond the CLICHÉ with MyFrenchLife.org MyFrenchLife is for Curious Savvy Francophiles wherever you are. Meet Francophiles in France, online, and/or wherever you live. You’re very welcome to join us - Judy MacMahon - MyFrenchLife.org

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