Learn French in Lyon, France!
From silk weavers to fine dining
Unique to Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse are covered passageways known as traboules: secret conduits originally used by silk-weavers to bring their goods quickly from workshops on the Croix-Rousse hill to the textile merchants below. During World War II, when Lyon was a stronghold of resistance, local people escaped Gestapo raids through the traboules.
Built in the early 19th century, the Passage Thiaffait is a restored traboule that houses a hub of workshops and studios creating fashion, design and jewellery, perfectly complementing the fine stores of the Presqu’île.
Check out Les Halles Paul Bocuse, Lyon’s famed indoor food market, selling gourmet produce. Lyon’s reputation as the gastronomic capital of France stems from the presence of some of France’s finest chefs in the city and local area, and the nearby famous wine-growing regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhone.
Immerse yourself in Lyon’s history
One place to visit is the cathedral dedicated to St John in the old town. Built between the late 11th and early 16th centuries this medieval cathedral boasts a 14th century astronomical clock and stained glass.
Among a wide choice of museums and galleries, the Musée Lumière tells the story of how the Lumière brothers pioneered cinema in Lyon in 1895. The famous puppet, Guignol, originated in Lyon, and there are regular performances that appeal to adults as well as children. Lyon is also the French capital of “trompe l’œil” walls, many of which can be seen around the city. A more recent addition is the architecturally striking Musee des Confluences, a science centre and anthropology museum.
As a university city, Lyon has a lively nightlife
Its famous light festival, the Fête des Lumieres, starts on 8 December and lasts four days. Sports lovers will know the internationally successful local football team, Olympique Lyonnais, and find plenty of outdoor and indoor activities for themselves.
Economically, Lyon is a major centre for banking and the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Its thriving software industry has a focus on video games, and it is home to the international headquarters of Interpol among others.
Students learning French in Lyon will find plenty to do and enjoy!
Discover Schools in Lyon
Les ateliers FL – IH Lyon
We are a small, family-friendly school with attentive staff, where each member of our administrative and educational team serves as a dedicated and qualified interlocutor, providing support for every aspect of the program before, during, and after your stay.
- Adults 16+/Max Class size 12
- Year-round
- French
