Lyon Shopping and Districts

(Lyon, Rhône Alpes, France)



Photo of shops on the Place des TerreauxLyon offers an exceptional variety of shopping facilities. As well as being home to a huge shopping centre at Part Dieu with all the usual chain stores, the city of Lyon also provides visitors a chance to explore its many small, independently-owned stores.

These include everything from chic boutiques to antique shops. In particular, it is worth heading off on foot to browse the rows of shops in the maze of narrow streets in the Vieux Lyon and Croix Rousse districts.


Photo showing the Place Bellecour

When to Shop and Opening Hours

As in most French towns and cities, small shops and businesses tend to close for two hours at lunch. However, they do stay open until later in the evening. Shopping malls and supermarkets tend to remain open all day. Be prepared for many shops, large and small, to close all day on Sunday.

Where to Shop

Many of Lyon's independent boutiques can be found in Vieux Lyon and in the Croix- Rousse district. If you're in search of designer clothing, then a number of chic boutiques can also be found along Rue Emile Zola Rue Gasparin and Rue Président Herriot. Antique-lovers won't fail to be disappointed by a shopping trip to the Rue Auguste Comte, just north of Place Bellecour.

Image of the Esplanade de la Grand CoteFor a good choice of high-street shops in Lyon, both the Rue de la République and Rue Victor Hugo are popular hunting grounds. Chief among these is the popular French store, Printemps. A visit to Galeries Lafayette, in the glass-roofed Part Dieu, is also a must for any serious shopper. This huge indoor shopping centre boasts a number of large supermarkets, as well as cafes and other shops.

Lyon's covered market at Les Halles is worth a visit, even if you go only to look rather than for serious shopping. It's a real feast for the eyes. Fresh produce can also be found in numerous smaller markets around Lyon, including those held between Tuesday and Saturday at the Quai Saint-Antoine by the River Saône. The largest organic fruit and vegetable market in the region is held on the Boulevard de la Croix Rousse on Saturday mornings. A craft market is held every Sunday at Quai Fulchiron, offering a particularly enjoyable shopping experience.