Things to do in Lyon for self travelers

Have you ever dreamt about going back in time? Now you have a chance to do it in Lyon! Discover the most splendid historical spots of old Lyon. First, you will see the Cathedral of Saint-Jean, which was started as a Norman or Romanesque-style building and finished in Gothic style. Do you like taking photos? You will have a chance to do it in front of the most photographed facade of the Vieux Lyon — the Lawyers House, which is also one of the top 10 most instagrammable places in the entire city! You will also visit the Place du government, not just one of the most beautiful places in Lyon but a house of a very important Lyonnais family, the Neuville de Villeroy, who ruled the city for a long time. Your trip will continue at the Place du Change — one of the busiest squares with famous restaurants and silk shops (don't forget that Lyon is the city of silk!). Of course, you will see a fascinating Maison du Chamarier, a unique example of a transition between the Gothic and the early premises of Renaissance architecture. During the tour, you will wander through a maze of cobblestoned alleyways and hidden passages called "les traboules" which communicate from one house to another through courtyards without using the streets. They date back to the Renaissance and remind the Roman patio. Already interested? Get ready for your journey in time!

Located south of Lyon, the spectacular structure of the Musée des Confluences is not only the merging point of the Rhône and Saône, but also of art and science. Inside, you can immerse your curiosity in the mysteries of human culture and natural science, with exhibitions that encourage dialogue between the disciplines of palaeontology, mineralogy, zoology, ethnography, archaeology, and science and technology. Egyptian mummies, a 155 million year old dinosaur skeleton, fossils, and a replica of Sputnik 2 are just some of the wonders you can expect to see inside. While the interior holds an incredible collection, the building is also a feat of art unto itself. Designed by the firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, the Musée des Confluences’ architecture suggests a place of discovery, wonder, and knowledge sharing dedicated to all audiences. Visitors can wander through a unique museum that facilitates dialogue between scientific disciplines to provide a more complete view of the world.

The Aquarium of Lyon is home to tropical species, four kinds of sharks, and fish from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Keep an eye out for the colorful yellow-masked angelfish, the polka-dotted panther grouper, and prickly porcupinefish. The shark pit is the highlight of any visit. You'll have the chance to see Australian baby sharks along with several other shark species. Plus, all the usual aquarium suspects are there too like clownfish, seahorses, and jellyfish.

Le Hameau Duboeuf is Europe's first wine park, boasting over 3,000 objects related to everyone's favorite fermented grape drink! Explore a spectacular collection spanning more than 2,000 years of winemaking history. Fly over the lush countryside of Beaujolais and the Mâconnais in the 4D cinema, get putting on the mini-golf course, play a game of giant chess, and put the kids on the little train in the garden, all while you indulge in some wine tastings. It's a di-_wine_ time for everyone!