Discover Lyon’s Festival of Lights
Every year at the beginning of December, Lyon is transformed into a veritable open-air art gallery. The Festival of Lights illuminates the capital of Gaul for four magical days, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. This free, spectacular event combines centuries-old traditions with contemporary creations to create an unforgettable spectacle. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff or simply curious, Lyon’s Festival of Lights promises a unique experience that transforms the city into a magical theatre of light.
What is the Festival of Lights in Lyon?
Lyon’s Festival of Lights is much more than just a festival: it’s an age-old Lyon tradition that has become a world-renowned artistic event. Every year, for four days around 8 December, the city is decked out in thousands of lights and hosts spectacular artistic installations that transform its monuments, squares and neighbourhoods into veritable works of illuminated art.
This free event, open to all, attracts almost 2 million visitors who stroll through the streets of Lyon to admire the creations of French and international artists. From monumental projections to interactive installations and drone shows, the Fête des Lumières offers an artistic diversity that amazes young and old alike. To make the most of your visit and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s wonders, don’t hesitate to take an audio-guided tour of Lyon to discover all the secrets of the capital of the Gauls.
See also the Lyon guide :
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- Free activities in Lyon: 16 free visits and outings
- Top 10 of Lyon’s best culinary specialities
- 9 exceptional Lyonnais bouchons to try
- 15 not-to-be-missed excursions around Lyon
The history and origins of the Festival of Lights
1. A religious tradition since the 17th century
The history of the Festival of Lights dates back to 1643, when a terrible plague epidemic threatened to strike Lyon. Faced with this imminent danger, the city’s aldermen and religious dignitaries went on pilgrimage to the hill of Fourvière, a place of great devotion to the Virgin Mary. They made a solemn vow to pay homage to her every year if the city was spared from the plague.
Their prayer was answered: Lyon miraculously escaped the epidemic. True to their promise, the people of Lyon introduced an annual tribute to the Virgin Mary, initially celebrated on 8 September. This tradition continues to this day, bearing witness to the deep spirituality that permeates Lyon’s identity.
2. 8 December 1852: the birth of spontaneous illuminations
The decisive event that gave birth to the illuminations as we know them today occurred on 8 December 1852. On that day, the golden statue of the Virgin Mary was to be unveiled at the top of the Fourvière chapel. Unfortunately, a devastating flood in the Saône flooded sculptor Fabisch’s workshop, forcing him to postpone the inauguration from 8 September to 8 December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
On the long-awaited day, bad weather threatened to cancel the festivities. But suddenly, the clouds cleared and a magnificent starry sky appeared. Lyonnais spontaneously placed lumignons (small candles) in their windows to celebrate what they considered to be a new miracle. This tradition of 8 December still persists today throughout the Lyon region, where people light up their windows in homage to the Virgin.
3. From popular tradition to the modern festival
For over a century, the illuminations on 8 December remained an intimate family tradition. It wasn’t until 1989 that the city of Lyon launched its first Lighting Plan, highlighting its architectural heritage with permanent, artistic lighting. Ten years later, in 1999, the city council decided to create a four-day event, transforming the age-old tradition into a contemporary arts festival of international stature.
Today, Lyon’s Fête des Lumières has become a global benchmark for illuminated art, inspiring cities across the globe. Despite its evolution, it retains its soul and continues to celebrate Lyon’s unique tradition of uniting spirituality, history and artistic creativity.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lyon on foot and on your own
To make the most of your stay in Lyon during the Festival of Lights, there’s nothing like an audio-guided tour that takes you through the city’s most beautiful districts. This 7.9km route takes you over Lyon’s two most emblematic hills, from Fourvière to the Croix-Rousse, via Vieux Lyon and the Presqu’île. Thanks to 26 fun and interactive audio guides, you’ll discover not only the sites illuminated during the Festival of Lights, but also the fascinating history of the capital of Gaul, its secret traboules and its UNESCO heritage.
Dates and times of the Fête des Lumières 2025
The next Fête des Lumières will be held from Friday 5 to Monday 8 December 2025. Starting on a Friday evening offers the advantage of a full weekend to enjoy the illuminations, with the added bonus of Monday 8 December, the traditional and historic day of the festival.
The timetables for the illuminations are as follows:
Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Monday 8 December: 7pm to 11pm
Sunday 7 December: 6pm to 10pm
Note that some sites may have specific opening times. For example, the Basilique de Fourvière and the Manufacture des Tabacs may close earlier or open at different times depending on the technical constraints of the installations. We recommend that you consult the official Fête des Lumières website before your visit to find out the precise opening times for each installation.
To get around Lyon easily during the Festival of Lights, the city centre is entirely pedestrianised from 5pm onwards (4pm on Sundays). Public transport services are reinforced and often free of charge during the event. Don’t hesitate to use the Navaway itinerary to visit Lyon as a guide to help you find your way around the city during the Festival of Lights.
Must-see sites for the Fête des Lumières
1. Place Bellecour: the beating heart of the festival
With its 62,000 m², Place Bellecour (69002 Lyon) is not only Lyon’s largest square, but also one of the epicentres of the Festival of Lights. Every year, this immense esplanade of red sand plays host to grandiose installations that completely transform the space. From monumental projections to interactive light structures, not forgetting the traditional Ferris wheel that lights up with a thousand lights, Place Bellecour always puts on a breathtaking show.
The creations presented in this iconic square are often among the festival’s most ambitious, using the immensity of space to create fantastical worlds. In 2018, for example, visitors were immersed in a giant children’s bedroom, while other editions have featured cosmic journeys or choreographed ballets of lights. Place Bellecour is usually the ideal place to start your evening at the Fête des Lumières.
2. Saint John’s Cathedral: a sublime Gothic masterpiece
Saint-Jean Cathedral (8 place Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon), also known as the Primatiale des Gaules, is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sites of the Festival of Lights. This majestic cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, was built between 1175 and 1481 and boasts a monumental façade that has served as a canvas for the most talented artists.
The projections on St John’s Cathedral are always a highlight of the event. The façade comes to life, the walls seem to collapse and then rebuild, and fantastic characters come to life on the centuries-old stones. Video mapping uses Gothic architecture with millimetre precision to create breathtaking optical illusions that leave spectators speechless. It’s a not-to-be-missed event, and you’ll often need to arrive early to get a good seat, as the crowds are so dense.
3. Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica: the symbol of Lyon illuminated
Perched on the hill overlooking Lyon, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière (8 place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon) is the city’s symbol par excellence and the birthplace of the tradition of illuminations. During the Festival of Lights, this emblematic monument is decked out in its finest luminous finery, visible from almost anywhere in Lyon.
One of the most magical spectacles is visible from the quays of the Saône: from there, you can simultaneously admire the illuminations of the Basilique de Fourvière above, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean below, the Tour Métallique and several buildings in Vieux Lyon. This exceptional panorama creates a visual symphony that embodies all the magic of the Festival of Lights. The basilica itself often features light installations on its forecourt and inside, accessible by taking the funicular up from Vieux Lyon.
4. Place des Terreaux and the Town Hall
The Place des Terreaux, behind the Hôtel de Ville in the 1st arrondissement, is another emblematic venue for the Fête des Lumières. This historic square, redesigned by artist Daniel Buren with its famous fountains lined up in a row, is the ideal setting for spectacular artistic creations. The majestic façade of the Hôtel de Ville is regularly the setting for monumental projections that tell enchanting stories and transport spectators into fantastical worlds.
The installations on the Place des Terreaux often combine light, water and sound to create immersive experiences that play with the elements of the site. Buren’s fountains light up and seem to dance to the rhythm of the music, while the façade of the Hôtel de Ville is transformed into a giant screen where captivating visual stories unfold. The atmosphere in the square during the Festival of Lights is nothing short of magical.
5. The Parc de la Tête d’Or: nature and light
For several years now, the Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon’s green lung, has been an integral part of the Festival of Lights. This magnificent 117-hectare park offers an exceptional natural setting for illuminated installations that interact with the trees, lake and walkways. The drone shows are particularly impressive, with aerial choreography lighting up the night sky above the park.
The installations in the Parc de la Tête d’Or often offer a more poetic and contemplative experience than those in the city centre. Night-time strolls in this enchanting setting offer a soothing contrast to the bustle of the historic centre. It’s the ideal place to end your evening in style, in a magical atmosphere where nature and light blend harmoniously.
6. The quays of the Saône and the Presqu’île
The quays of the Saône offer one of the finest panoramas of the Festival of Lights. As you stroll along the river, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole of illuminated Vieux Lyon, with the Basilique de Fourvière towering majestically over the hill in the background. Numerous light installations also line the quays, creating an enchanting route linking the different districts of Lyon.
The Presqu’île district between the Rhône and Saône rivers is the commercial and cultural heart of Lyon. During the Festival of Lights, the rue de la République and the squares that line it (Place des Jacobins, Place des Célestins) are decked out in a thousand lights. The façades of Haussmann-style buildings are the backdrop for artistic projections, while installations on the ground invite passers-by to interact with the light. Let yourself be carried away by the crowds and enjoy this unique illuminated stroll.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of these extraordinary places and discover all Lyon’s secrets, don’t hesitate to follow the Navaway tour of Lyon, which will guide you through the city’s emblematic districts and give you a better understanding of the history and heritage behind these magical illuminations.
Practical tips for making the most of the Fête des Lumières
1. How do I get to Lyon for the Festival of Lights?
By train: Lyon has excellent TGV rail links. The city has two main stations: Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache. From Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux or Lille, you can reach Lyon in just a few hours. Lyon Part-Dieu is the main station, but is slightly out of the historic centre. From Part-Dieu, take metro line B to Saxe-Gambetta, then line D towards Vieux Lyon-Cathédrale Saint-Jean, or tram T1 towards Debourg to Perrache.
By plane: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport is around 25 km from the city centre. The Rhônexpress express tramway takes you to Lyon Part-Dieu station in around 30 minutes (fare: €16.10 one way). From there, take the metro or tram into the city centre.
By car: If you’re coming by car, be aware that Lyon’s city centre is entirely pedestrianised during the Festival of Lights. You are strongly advised not to use your car in Lyon during the event. A practical solution is to park for free at the La Doua university campus, which is slightly out of the way and close to the northern ring road, then take the T1 tram to the centre (25 minutes to Perrache).
2. Getting around Lyon during the Festival of Lights
The best way to discover the Fête des Lumières is undeniably on foot. The historic centre is completely pedestrianised from 5pm onwards (4pm on Sundays), allowing you to wander freely between the various installations. Make sure you bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a good 10 kilometres to see most of the illuminations!
Public transport (TCL) will be reinforced during the event, often free of charge. The metro and trams run until late at night, so that everyone can get home safely. The most useful lines are :
Metro line D (green), which serves Vieux Lyon-Cathédrale Saint-Jean, Bellecour and links east and west Lyon
Metro line A (red), which crosses the whole of the Presqu’île, with stations at Bellecour, Hôtel de Ville and Perrache
The T1 tramway, which links the Parc de la Tête d’Or to Perrache via the Auditorium
A TCL en Fête pass is generally available for €3.70, valid all day in all zones. It’s the perfect way to get around!
3. Where to stay during the Fête des Lumières?
The Festival of Lights is one of the most popular events of the year in Lyon. Accommodation fills up very quickly, often several months in advance. So it’s essential to book your hotel or flat as soon as possible.
The best areas to stay :
Vieux Lyon (Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges, Saint-Paul): you’ll be at the heart of the action, right next to Saint-Jean Cathedral and the banks of the Saône. The district’s medieval atmosphere will add to the charm of your stay. But be warned: the area is closed to traffic during the event, so plan to park elsewhere.
The Presqu’île: ideal for being right in the centre of everything, between Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux and Rue de la République. You’ll have easy access to all the illuminated sites.
Fourvière and the heights: for a breathtaking view of the illuminated city, opt for accommodation on the heights of Fourvière. Take the funicular down to the centre.
Areas well served by the metro (lines A and D) and tram (T1) are also good options if the city centre is full. The Guillotière, Croix-Rousse and Part-Dieu districts offer plenty of accommodation with quick access to the historic centre.
4. What to bring for your visit
Warm clothing essential: in early December, temperatures in Lyon can be cool, especially in the evening. Make sure you bring warm clothes, a hat, a scarf and gloves. A good waterproof coat is also recommended, as rain is not uncommon at this time of year. Avoid umbrellas, which will obstruct the view of other visitors, and opt for a mackintosh or windbreaker instead.
Comfortable shoes: you’ll be doing a lot of walking! Comfortable shoes suitable for city walking are essential. The cobblestones of Vieux Lyon can be slippery in wet weather, so choose shoes with good grip.
Food and drink: you can bring your own sandwiches and snacks, but bottles of alcohol are strictly forbidden. There are plenty of food stalls on the sites, offering Lyon specialities and hot drinks. Traditional mulled wine is available everywhere, but the quality varies: the nearby bouchons lyonnais often offer better options.
With children: the Fête des Lumières is a wonderful family event, but you need to be careful. The crowds can be very dense, especially at peak times and at the most popular sites. Children under 6-7 may find it difficult to keep up with the pace and tire quickly. Pushchairs are strongly discouraged because of the crowds. If you’re coming as a family, use a baby carrier and hold your children securely by the hand.
Pets: we advise against bringing your dog, even on a lead. The dense crowds and noise can stress your pet, and you run the risk of losing it in the rush.
5. Organisation and safety
Since the 2015 attacks, which led to the cancellation of the event (the only interruption since 1643), security measures have been considerably stepped up. A security perimeter has been set up, with checks at the entrances. Large bags, suitcases and bulky objects are prohibited. Please be patient at the controls and allow a little extra time to access the sites.
More than 1,500 people are being mobilised to organise the Fête des Lumières, including security teams, mediators and first-aiders. Three supervised toilets will be open from 8am to 11.30pm during the four days of the event (Place Bellecour, Saint-Jean and République). Information and guidance points will be set up at Place Bellecour, at the entrance to the Parc de la Tête d’Or and at Place Pradel next to the Opera.
6. Tips for avoiding the crowds
Choose staggered opening times: the first few hours after opening (7pm-8pm) and the last few hours before closing (10pm-11pm) are generally less busy than the 8.30pm-9.30pm peak.
Less crowded Fridays and Mondays: Saturday evenings are traditionally the busiest. If you have the choice, opt for Friday evenings or Mondays for a more comfortable experience.
Start with the outlying sites: everyone rushes to Bellecour and Saint-Jean Cathedral in the early evening. Start with the Parc de la Tête d’Or or the outlying sites, then head back towards the centre in the late evening when the crowds thin out.
Plan your itinerary in advance: consult the official Fête des Lumières map and plan your route. The official mobile app is very useful for locating the installations and estimating journey times. You can also use Lyon’s Navaway itinerary to easily find your way around the city and discover the districts between the different light installations.
The Fête des Lumières: a free and accessible event
One of the most remarkable features of Lyon’s Festival of Lights is that it is completely free. All the installations, projections and shows are open to the public, with no need for bookings or entry tickets. This free access is part of the DNA of the event and reflects the spirit of openness and sharing that drives Lyon.
Beware of scams: never pay to access a Fête des Lumières installation. If someone asks you for money to enter a site, it’s a scam. All the official shows are free and open to the public.
The Fête des Lumières is 50% financed by private funds (sponsors and patrons) and 50% by the City of Lyon. This economic model means that the event remains free of charge, while offering top-quality artistic creations by world-renowned artists.
The Fête des Lumières is also designed to be accessible to people with reduced mobility. Most of the installations are designed to be visible and accessible in wheelchairs. Adapted itineraries are available on the official website, and the reception teams can tell you about the best access conditions for each site.
Beyond the Festival of Lights: discovering Lyon
If you’re coming to Lyon for the Fête des Lumières, take the opportunity to discover this magnificent city even outside the event. Lyon is France’s third-largest city and has a wealth of heritage, cultural and gastronomic treasures to offer.
Vieux Lyon and its famous traboules (secret passageways through buildings) make up a Renaissance district that is unique in Europe. The Presqu’île, the commercial heart of the city, is home to majestic squares and lively streets. The Fourvière hill boasts not only its emblematic basilica but also exceptional Roman remains, including two perfectly preserved ancient theatres.
The Croix-Rousse district, once the hill of the canuts (silk workers), has a village atmosphere with its slopes, covered passageways and colourful market. The banks of the Rhône have been redeveloped into a magnificent area for strolling and relaxing, while the Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the most beautiful urban parks in Europe.
Lyon is also the world capital of gastronomy. Don’t miss the chance to sample Lyon’s specialities in one of the city’s authentic bouchons: quenelles, cervelle de canut, rosette, tarte aux pralines… A real treat for the taste buds! For a more modern gastronomic experience, explore the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the temple of Lyon’s gastronomy, where some sixty exceptional traders offer the best of the region.
To make the most of your stay and make sure you don’t miss out on any of Lyon’s must-see attractions, take the Navaway audio tour. This 3.5-hour tour takes you over Lyon’s two iconic hills, through medieval and Renaissance Old Lyon, the Presqu’île and its majestic squares. The 26 audio guides tell you all about the city’s fascinating history, its secrets and its anecdotes, for a visit that’s as rewarding as it is entertaining.
Did you know? Unusual facts about the Fête des Lumières
Every year, between 300 and 400 artistic projects are submitted to the organisers of the Fête des Lumières. Only around thirty of them are selected to be presented to the public. The selection process is rigorous, focusing on originality, technical quality and suitability for the site.
Lyon’s Fête des Lumières inspired many cities around the world to create their own festival of lights. Similar events have been held in Berlin (Festival of Lights), Jerusalem (Jerusalem Light Festival), Sydney (Vivid Sydney) and many other cities. But Lyon remains the global benchmark for light art and monumental installations.
In the best-attended editions, notably in 2012, almost 4 million visitors took to the streets of Lyon over the four days of the event. Since security measures were tightened and the installations were concentrated in a smaller area, the number of visitors has fallen to around 2 million, which is still considerable and makes the Festival of Lights one of the biggest cultural events in France.
A few days before the official opening, it’s sometimes possible to catch a glimpse of the lighting installations being tested. The technical teams carry out the final adjustments and tests, offering lucky passers-by a foretaste of the magic that is about to illuminate the city. Some locals are taking advantage of these rehearsals to discover the installations in a quieter atmosphere, before the public rushes in.
The tradition of 8 December extends far beyond the borders of Lyon. Throughout the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and even beyond, many families perpetuate the custom of placing candelabras in their windows on that evening. This intimate family tradition has been going on for over 170 years, bearing witness to the deep attachment of the local people to this unique cultural and spiritual heritage.
In conclusion, Lyon’s Festival of Lights is much more than just a festival: it’s a unique celebration that combines centuries-old tradition, contemporary creativity and a spirit of sharing. For four magical days, the city is transformed into a gigantic open-air art gallery, open to all free of charge. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff or simply curious, this exceptional event at the beginning of December promises unforgettable moments and luminous memories that will stay with you forever. To make the most of your stay in Lyon and discover all the treasures of this fascinating city beyond the event itself, don’t hesitate to follow the Navaway audio tour, which will reveal the secrets and history of the capital of the Gauls. So get ready, book your accommodation now, and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Lyon’s Festival of Lights!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Lyon Festival of Lights
When is the Festival of Lights in Lyon?
The Fête des Lumières takes place every year around 8 December, for four consecutive days. The 2025 edition will take place from Friday 5 to Monday 8 December, with opening hours from 7pm to 11pm (except Sundays from 6pm to 10pm).
Is the Fête des Lumières really free?
Yes, the entire Fête des Lumières is totally free and open to all, with no need for reservations or tickets. All the installations, projections and shows are free. Never pay to enter an installation: if you’re asked, it’s a scam.
How long does it take to see the Fête des Lumières?
To see the main sights (Place Bellecour, Cathédrale Saint-Jean, Fourvière, Place des Terreaux, Parc de la Tête d’Or), allow for a full evening of 4 to 5 hours. For a more in-depth exploration of all the sites, two evenings are ideal. Plan to walk around 10 kilometres.
Can I bring my children to the Fête des Lumières?
Yes, the Fête des Lumières is a family event. However, because of the crowds and the length of the route, it is not advisable to bring children under the age of 6 or 7. Pushchairs are strongly discouraged: use a baby carrier and hold your children securely by the hand. Be vigilant and avoid peak times.
When is the best day to visit the Fête des Lumières?
Saturday evenings are traditionally the busiest. To avoid the crowds, opt for Friday evening (opening day) or Monday 8 December (traditional day of the festival). The early hours (7pm-8pm) and the late hours (10pm-11pm) are also less crowded than the peak between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
How do I get around during the Fête des Lumières?
The best way to get around is on foot, as the city centre is entirely pedestrianised. Public transport (metro, tram) is reinforced and often free during the event. The most useful lines are metro D (Vieux Lyon-Bellecour), metro A (Presqu’île) and tram T1 (Parc de la Tête d’Or-Perrache). Avoid driving into the centre at all costs.
Where to stay during the Fête des Lumières?
Book your accommodation as early as possible, several months in advance. The best districts are Vieux Lyon, the Presqu’île and the heights of Fourvière. If the city centre is full, opt for a district with good metro (lines A or D) or T1 tram services, such as Croix-Rousse, Guillotière or Part-Dieu.
What is the origin of the Festival of Lights?
The Festival of Lights has its origins in a religious tradition dating back to 1643, when Lyon was spared an epidemic of plague after making a vow to the Virgin Mary. The illuminations as we know them today began on 8 December 1852, when the people of Lyon spontaneously placed luminous lights in their windows to celebrate the inauguration of the statue of the Virgin at Fourvière. The modern festival was created in 1999.
What can we bring to the Fête des Lumières?
You may bring food (sandwiches, snacks), non-alcoholic drinks and warm clothing. However, bottles of alcohol, bulky bags, suitcases and bulky objects are not permitted. Umbrellas are not recommended, as they obstruct the view of others: a mackintosh is preferable. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, a hat, a scarf and gloves.
Is public transport free during the Fête des Lumières?
Public transport is often free during the Fête des Lumières, but this varies from year to year. A TCL en Fête pass is generally available for €3.70, valid all day in all zones. Check the TCL website before your visit to find out the exact terms and conditions for the current year.
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