Festival of Lights in Lyon

The Festival of Lights takes place every year at the beginning of December in the city of Lyon. This unique event attracts millions of visitors from all over the world to admire spectacular light installations, artistic projections and animations that transform the city into a living tableau. Discover the history, highlights and best tips to make the most of this magical event.

The History of the Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights has its origins in the 19th century, in 1852, when the people of Lyon decided to thank the Virgin Mary for her protection against an epidemic of plague. On December 8, residents spontaneously lit their windows with candles to celebrate the installation of a statue of the Virgin on Fourvière hill. Since then, the tradition has continued, and every year, the people of Lyon continue to light candles in the windows, while the city organizes large-scale illuminations. This simple gesture of gratitude has become a major event, transformed over the years into an internationally renowned artistic celebration.

Highlights of the Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights takes place over several days, around December 8, and features light installations throughout the city. Here are some of the unmissable highlights of this event:

Place des Terreaux Place des Terreaux is often one of the focal points of the Festival of Lights, with artistic light projections that transform building facades into veritable works of art. The light shows are often accompanied by music for total immersion.

The Basilica of Fourvière and the hill of Fourvière Dominating the city, Fourvière Hill offers a spectacular view of Lyon, and the basilica itself is often impressively lit. Many visitors go up to the basilica to enjoy a panorama of the city's illuminations.

Old Lyon and Saint-Jean Cathedral The historic district of Lyon, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is also a must. St. John's Cathedral is often the scene of incredible visual projections, playing with its Gothic architecture to create striking effects.

The Tête d’Or Park This immense park in the heart of the city becomes an enchanting place during the Festival of Lights. The artists create light installations around the lakes and trees, transforming the park into a magical universe.

The Quays of Saône and the Confluence district The banks of the Saône and the new modern architecture of Confluence lend themselves well to lighting installations. These places allow for a pleasant walk and offer light shows that are often more contemporary and innovative.

Artists and themes

Each year, the Festival of Lights explores various themes and invites artists from around the world to present their creations. These artists, whether they specialize in light installations or video projections, or even sound effects, compete in creativity to offer an immersive experience to visitors. The installations sometimes address ecological, historical or cultural themes, relying on the interaction between light, urban space and spectators.

Take full advantage of the festival of lights In order to fully enjoy this celebration, here are some practical tips:

Plan your visit: The Festival of Lights attracts large crowds, and certain locations can sometimes be very popular. It is therefore recommended to plan your route in advance, and arrive early to avoid the crowds, and to favor visits during the week for a more pleasant experience.

Use public transportation: It is best to use the special transport device to facilitate movement during the event. Choose transport to avoid traffic jams and take advantage of reinforced shuttles and metros. Lyon offers park and ride facilities to facilitate access.

An unforgettable experience in Lyon The Festival of Lights is much more than just a light event. It is a celebration of creativity, artistic innovation and the soul of Lyon. Walking through the city, you discover not only dazzling works of art but also a festive and friendly atmosphere where visitors and residents share a moment of collective wonder.

Let yourself be seduced by the magic of Lyon in December and make the Festival of Lights a timeless event to immerse yourself in the spirit of this fascinating city.