Experience Lyon’s Festival of Lights by van: the ultimate 2026 guide
Discover how to soak up the magic of Lyon’s Festival of Lights from your van, with practical tips and top picks for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Picture Lyon lit up like a fairy tale, its facades alive with movement, its cobbled lanes twinkling and a warm buzz in every corner. The Festival of Lights, on 8 December 2026, turns the city into a free, enchanting spectacle. For van travellers, it’s the perfect chance to mix freedom with wonder, enjoying the displays until midnight. Be sure to pack warm clothes, a flask of hot chocolate and check the traffic restrictions for vehicles in the city centre.
Fête des Lumières de Lyon
© Wikimedia CommonsDive into the magical world of light and art installations that dress Lyon’s iconic landmarks. Don’t miss the projections on Fourvière Basilica or the interactive displays in Vieux Lyon.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
© Wikimedia CommonsA symbol of Lyon, this basilica offers breathtaking views over the city, especially at night when it’s illuminated. Its neo-Byzantine architecture and interior mosaics are well worth a visit.
Vieux Lyon
© Wikimedia CommonsLose yourself in the traboules and medieval alleyways of this UNESCO-listed district. Renaissance facades and artisan shops add an authentic touch to your visit.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
© Wikimedia CommonsTake a nature break in the heart of Lyon with this 105-hectare urban park. Its lake, rose garden and free zoo make it a must-visit spot.
Where to sleep for La Fête des Lumières
Our clever picks near the site, from closest to quietest.