Lyon: 1-Year City Card with 4 Free Activities and Discounts

Travelers looking to experience Lyon’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and lively neighborhoods will find the Lyon City Card an appealing option. With a validity of 365 days from your first use, this pass offers a flexible way to enjoy Lyon’s most iconic attractions without the stress of last-minute ticket purchases or rushing through your itinerary.

What really stands out are the four free entries you can choose from a list of over 40 activities. Plus, the card grants unlimited discounts on various shows, guided tours, and special experiences, making it a potentially great value if you plan to explore extensively. The convenience of having everything on your mobile device also adds a modern twist to sightseeing.

However, the card does not include public transportation (TCL), which is worth considering if you plan to travel around the city efficiently. The absence of transport coverage means you might need to purchase separate tickets if you want to move quickly between sites. This is a small consideration, but important if you prefer a fully comprehensive sightseeing solution.

This pass is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sites, guided experiences, and self-directed exploration. It’s particularly suited for those who want flexibility, are planning to stay in Lyon for a year, or who prefer to tailor their sightseeing to their interests rather than sticking to fixed tours.

Key Points

• Flexible 1-year validity from first activation allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Choose 4 free activities from a selection of over 40 attractions, including museums and guided tours.
• Includes unique experiences like boat trips, puppet shows, and rooftop visits.
• Unlimited discounts on shows, tours, and cultural events enhance value.
• Mobile app access simplifies planning and keeps you updated on new offers.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, so check accessibility if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Lyon with the 1-Year City Card

The Lyon City Card is more than just a ticket; it’s a passport to the city’s cultural heartbeat. Over the course of a year, you can hop between stunning museums, engaging guided tours, and charming boat cruises, all tailored to your schedule. Let’s unpack what makes this card a practical choice for many travelers.

How the Card Works: Activation and Access

Upon purchase, you’ll receive a QR code for your mobile device, which you activate on your first visit. The 365-day validity means you don’t have to cram everything into one trip but can spread out your visits, making it perfect for those planning a longer stay or multiple visits over different seasons.

Once activated, you’ll select 4 attractions or experiences from a curated list of over 40 options, including museums like the Musée des Confluences, the Gadagne Museums, and the Lumière Museum, or more interactive options like guided walking tours and boat trips on the Rhône and Saône rivers. Many reviewers mention how seamless the process is, praising the app’s user-friendliness and the straightforward way to access your passes.

What’s Included?

The main draw is the ability to explore four attractions for free, which can significantly cut costs, especially when visiting popular sites like the Museum of Fine Arts or the Old Town tour with guided visits. You also get priority access to some places, reducing waiting times, something travelers deeply appreciate.

Along With museum entries, the card offers unique experiences such as puppet shows at Little Guignol, planetarium visits, and roof-top tours of the Basilica of Fourvière (available April-November). Reviewers have shared how these experiences add a special local flavor that typical guidebooks might overlook.

Guided Tours and Activities

If you’re into guided experiences, the card includes free guided walking tours by the Greater Tourism Office, covering the Old Town, traboules, and Croix Rousse neighborhoods. These tours are highly recommended, with many reviewers praising guides like “Alex,” who is “knowledgeable and engaging,” making the history and architecture of Lyon come alive.

You can also opt for boat trips on the Rhône and Saône, which most find relaxing and scenic—perfect for a sunny day. A reviewer noted, “The boat ride was a highlight, giving us a different view of Lyon’s riverbanks and bridges, and it was surprisingly affordable with the card.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Unique Experiences

Beyond museums and tours, the card offers access to puppet shows, a silk workshop demonstration, and access to the planetarium. One reviewer mentioned how the Guignol puppet show in Croix Rousse was charming and authentic, giving insight into Lyon’s puppet-making traditions.

Discounts and Special Offers

Many visitors appreciate the unlimited discounts on shows and activities like the Opera of Lyon or theatre performances, which can add up to significant savings if you’re planning multiple nights out. The card also features discounts on restaurant boat cruises, which reviewers say are good value for a special night experience.

Who Should Consider This Card?

The best fit is travelers who want a flexible, cost-effective way to experience Lyon over an extended period. If you’re planning to visit multiple museums or take several guided tours, the savings can be substantial. However, if your main goal is to use public transportation extensively, keep in mind that this card doesn’t include TCL tickets.

What You Should Know Before You Go

• The card is non-refundable once purchased.
• You’ll need to download the app to access your mobile QR code and stay updated on offers.
• Meals and beverages are not included, so plan accordingly.
• While the card covers many cultural experiences, accessibility for wheelchair users is limited, so verify in advance if necessary.
• Reservation is required for some guided tours and shows; check availability early to secure your preferred times.

Breakdown of Top Attractions and Activities

Museums and Cultural Sites

Lyon’s museums are a treasure trove of art, history, and local craftsmanship. The Musée des Confluences offers fascinating exhibits about natural sciences and anthropology, while the Gadagne Museums are perfect for history buffs, exploring Lyon’s past and puppet traditions.

Many reviews highlight the priority access at these sites, which is invaluable during busy periods. The Museum of Textile is currently under renovation until 2026, so it’s worth double-checking if it’s open during your visit.

Guided Walking Tours

The Old Town tour is a must-do, walking through narrow, winding streets filled with Renaissance buildings, secret passages (traboules), and lively cafés. Guides are praised for their depth of knowledge and storytelling skills. One reviewer mentioned that “the guide made history feel alive, sharing little anecdotes that stuck with us.”

Boat Trips on the Rhône and Saône

Expect scenic views and a relaxing cruise, ideal for afternoon exploration. Many find it a peaceful way to see Lyon from a different perspective, especially when paired with a city walk later.

Unique Experiences

Watching a puppet show at Little Guignol is charming and offers a glimpse into Lyon’s traditional puppet theater. The roof visits of Basilica of Fourvière provide panoramic city vistas—these are seasonal but highly recommended.

Shows and Performances

The card offers discounts for major venues like the National Opera of Lyon and other theaters. It’s a good way to catch a performance if your schedule aligns, as many reviews suggest these add a cultural layer often missed by casual travelers.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer noted, “The guides are very knowledgeable—they make the history of Lyon come alive without overwhelming you,” highlighting the quality of guided tours. Another mentioned, “The boat trip was surprisingly affordable and offered a beautiful view of the city’s bridges and riverbanks,” emphasizing the value.

Many appreciate the convenience: “The app made it so easy to plan my visits and stay updated on new offers, which kept my trip fresh even after months,” reflecting the ongoing value of the card.

The Sum Up: Is the Lyon City Card Worth It?

In short, this card offers significant value for travelers who want a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore Lyon’s cultural and historical highlights. It’s especially beneficial for those planning to visit multiple attractions or enjoy guided tours, as the discounts and priority access save both time and money.

The ability to spread out visits over a full year makes it ideal for longer stays or multiple short trips. The inclusion of unique experiences like puppet shows and boat cruises adds a personal touch that makes exploring Lyon memorable.

However, if your focus is solely on public transport or casual sightseeing without many paid attractions, this card might not be the best fit. Similarly, accessibility considerations are worth noting, so plan accordingly.

The Lyon City Card is a versatile, practical option that balances cost, convenience, and authentic local experiences—perfect for travelers eager to uncover Lyon at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Lyon City Card include public transportation?
No, the card does not cover TCL public transport. You’ll need to buy separate tickets if you plan to travel around the city using buses or metro.

How long is the card valid?
The card is valid for 365 days from your first activation, so you can use it anytime within that period.

Can I visit multiple attractions in one day?
Yes, but you’ll need to plan your visits to make the most of your four free entries and any discounts, especially since some sites might require reservations.

Is the card available on paper or only via a mobile app?
The card is delivered as a QR code via the mobile app, making it convenient to carry and use during your visits.

Are guided tours included?
Yes, you can enjoy guided walking tours of Lyon’s Old Town, traboules, and Croix Rousse neighborhoods, with knowledgeable guides.

What experiences are part of the four free attractions?
They include museums, guided tours, boat trips, puppet shows, planetarium visits, rooftop basilica tours, silk workshops, and more.

Can I choose the attractions I want to visit?
Yes, after purchase, you select 4 attractions or experiences from the list of over 40 options.

Is the card suitable for families or solo travelers?
It’s flexible for both; families can choose experiences suitable for children, and solo travelers benefit from the extensive cultural options and discounts.

This Lyon City Card offers a promising way to enjoy the city’s most-loved sights while maintaining flexibility over a year. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or someone who enjoys scenic boat rides, this pass provides a well-rounded experience to uncover Lyon’s many charms.

You can check availability for your dates here: