Event Dates
From: Thursday, December 5, 2024
To: Sunday, December 8, 2024
For four nights a variety of different artists light up buildings, streets, squares and parks all over the city.
For three nights a variety of different artists light up buildings, streets, squares and parks all over the city.
- Are you visiting Lyon for Fête des Lumières? Stay in La Presqu’île, home to the city’s bustling gay neighbourhood. Stay at the Maison Nô – Hôtel et Rooftop rated “Fabulous” by guests with spacious rooms and a well-equipped gym and sauna.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Thursday December 5th – Sunday December 8th 2024.
- Festival of Lights Lyon brightens up December’s streets with dazzling displays and creates a huge buzz right across Lyon’s delightfully different districts.
- The event features over 70 light installations, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a long weekend of pure magic – and all of it free!
- Millions of visitors both French and from abroad enjoy the friendly and joyful spirit of this unique event.
- The Festival of Lights extends the traditional festival of the 8th December, when the residents of Lyon celebrate the Virgin Mary, whose statue stands on the Fourvière hill, overlooking the city.
- Residents put candle lamps on their window sills and balconies and wander the streets of the city.
- Upgrade your Lyon experience at the Villa Florentine, one of our favourite hotels in the city, featuring 5 star service and sweeping city views. Located in the old town, just a short walk from the Basilica.
The Tradition & The Light Shows
- In 1643, the municipal councillors known as échevins in Lyon sought protection from the Virgin Mary. They made a vow to present offerings to her in an annual procession on the 8th of September, the Nativity of Mary, if she shielded the town from the plague that was devastating France at the time.
- Lyon was spared, and to this day, the tradition continues with the commemoration of the Vow of the Echevins every 8th of September.
- In 1852, a local sculptor named Joseph-Hugues Fabisch was commissioned to create a five-meter tall gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue was intended to be placed on the chapel of Fourvière Basilica on the 8th of September. However, due to a flood caused by the Saône river overflowing, the inauguration was delayed until the following year’s commemoration on the 8th of December. On that night, a storm forced the cancellation of festivities, but locals displayed lumignons (small lanterns) on their windowsills as a spontaneous act of devotion.
- Since then, the 8th of December has been celebrated as the day of illuminations, evolving into the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) in 1999. This festival now spans a four-day period.
- The light shows remain consistent across all four evenings and are on a continuous loop throughout the duration of the event. Each performance lasts approximately ten minutes.
- Enjoy a unique stay in Lyon at The Bayard Bellcour, a historical house in the heart of town featuring vintage decor, delicious breakfasts and perfect location for exploring the light shows. Rated “Fabulous” by guests.
The Light Parade
- Don’t Miss the Light Parade featuring a parade of spectacular floats lighting up the city’s streets with amazing effects.
- December 8th holds a particular significance as it marks the traditional and historical origin of the event.
- On this day, spectators can witness the montée aux flambeaux, a procession where individuals carry small lanterns up to the Fourvière Basilica. As night descends, residents adorn their window sills with lumignons.
Gay Lyon, Where to stay during the Festival of Light Lyon?
Lyon is the foodie capital of France, complete with a Unesco Listed old town and a lively gay scene. It is a university town with an international flair.
- Lyon’s gay bars and clubs are in the northern party of the Presqu’île, in the heart of the city. During the festival of lights, the party spills out onto the terraces of the gay bars and the streets for a unique festive atmosphere.
- While known for its Renaissance architecture and historical importance, Vieux Lyon also offers a cozy and welcoming vibe with several gay-friendly spots. It’s more laid-back than other areas but worth exploring for its charm.
- Enjoy a Vin Chaud (Hot or Mulled Wine) with friends at popular bars including La Chapelle Café with a busy terrace and a friendly atmosphere.
Popular Gay Bars in Lyon
- XS Bar – A small and personable gay bar known for its bear nights and friendly atmosphere. Located at 19 rue Claudia, Lyon.
- L’Étoile Opéra – A mixed restobar famous for burgers, themed nights, and large queer events.
- La Chapelle Café – A trendy bar with romantic views, young crowd, and themed nights.
- It Bar – Specializes in 80s hits with a dancing area, open late on weekends.
- Le Broc Bar – A favorite cafe with a large outdoor terrace, popular for people-watching.
- Garçon Sauvage – A monthly queer event known for its colorful and gender-bending parties. Takes place at Le Sucre, 50 quai Rambaud, Lyon.
- United Café (L’UC) – The oldest gay club in Lyon with themed nights and a student vibe.
Recommended Hotels in Lyon
The following Lyon hotels are all close to the gay bars:
Hôtel Des Artistes, Hotel Carlton Lyon, Hôtel Silky, Mercure Lyon
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Villa Florentine located in the heart of
Old Lyon with panoramic views of the city.
For further information and advice on
The Festival of Light, Website
75 Rue du Président Edouard Herriot 69002 Lyon, France
Located in central Lyon, in a 19th century building, this Mercure hotel is a 8-minute walk from Lyon old town and a 5-minute walk from Bellecour Square. The hotel offers air-conditioned, art deco style rooms with free WiFi.
Guest rooms at the Mercure Lyon Beaux-Arts are equipped with a satellite flat-screen TV and a minibar. Each room has an en suite bathroom with a bathtub or walk-in shower, and all rooms are serviced by a lift.
2 Place Francisque Régaud 69002 Lyon, France
Set in a historical building, with original features, Hôtel Silky by HappyCulture offers accommodation with free WiFi in the heart of Lyon. It is located a 7-minute walk away from Place des Terreaux and Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge
Guest rooms are decorated in a classic style. & equipped with a private bathroom & flat-screen TV. A safe and ironing facilities are available for free if you request them in advance. A Pocket WiFi is available for an extra charge to enable guests to have WiFi access outside of the hotel, in the city.
4 Rue Jussieu 69002 Lyon, France
Set in a building dating from 1894, Hotel
- MGallery by Sofitel is located on ’s Presqu’île, a 5-minute walk from Cordeliers Metro Station. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.All guestrooms at the property are soundproofed and have air conditioning. There is a TV with cable and satellite channels, while tea and coffee making facilities are provided. The private bathroom offers bathrobes, a hairdryer, slippers and free toiletries.
8 Rue Gaspard André 69002 Lyon, France
Hôtel Des Artistes is located in
, opposite the Place des Célestins and just 2 minutes' walk from Place Bellecour. Free WiFi access is available.The air-conditioned guest rooms each have a private bathroom, a safety deposit box and a TV with Canal +, Canal Sport and CNN channels. 1 free bottle of water is provided in each room.
12 Rue Jean de Tournes, 69002 Lyon, France
The apartment has 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi
3 Rue Jacques Stella, 69002 Lyon, France
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi
10 Rue Palais Grillet, 69002 Lyon, France
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher & a microwave, a washing machine, 2 bathrooms with bath. Towels & bed linen are provided. Free WiFi
50 Rue Mercière, 69002 Lyon, France
This accommodation offers a seating and dining area, a bathroom with a walk-in shower. Bed & bath linen is included, & the loft offers high ceilings. The kitchens have a dishwasher & a fridge.
6 Rue de Cuire 69004 Lyon, France
In the heart of the Croix Rousse, a very nice little gay café bar
20 Bis Mnt Saint-Sébastien, 69001 Lyon, France
Gay night bar with musical atmosphere. Choose your music....from electro to the 80s and so on
19 Rue Claudia, 69002 Lyon, France
Small gay bar that is always busy
26 Rue de l'Arbre Sec 69001 Lyon, France
Friendly bar staff and good music! this gay bar is a must in Lyon
6 Rue Romarin, 69001 Lyon, France
Gay cruising bar with rgular nude night
Impasse de la Pêcherie 69001 Lyon, France
Very popular gay bar always busy with a nice crowd
19 Rue Claudia 69002 Lyon, France
Excellent gay bar, great atmosphere and great team! It's always full inside and out so get there early if you want a seat
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Fête des Lumières 2017