The Festival of Lights (French: Fête des Lumières) expresses gratitude towards Mary, mother of Jesus on December 8 of each year. With over 4 million tourists coming to Lyon, La Fête des Lumières is probably one of the 3 biggest festivals in the world in terms of attendance (after the Rio Carnival and Oktoberfest in Munich). It broadcasts Lyon’s heritage and creates an immense buzz throughout the city.
For 4 nights, artists of all kind of inspiration will enlighten buildings with more than 70 light installations, creating a magic atmosphere in the streets, places and parks of the city.
Millions of french and foreign visitors will enjoy the friendly and joyful spirit of this unique event. The Festival is spread over 4 days of pure magic. The city definitely lives up to its title as the city of lights and will not disappoint.
Opening hours for 2014:
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the disappearance of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, don’t miss lightning installations in Bellecour where you can follow the adventures of little Tonio. On Friday 5th December at 19:30 you can see Fireworks alongside the Saône and specially on Île Barbe.
Inflexyon recommends you to enjoy the festival on Friday and Monday, because during the weekend the city will be too crowded and it will be difficult to move around the city.
The Lyon Presqu’île will be closed to traffic from December 6 to 9 starting at 5 p.m., and the Palais de Justice and Collège walkways will be close to pedestrian. The roadway under Perrache Station which links Place Carnot to Place des Archives will open to pedestrians only starting at 5 p.m. from December 6 to 9. Visitors are invited to leave their vehicles in the relay parking garages and to use public transportation.
For more information please visit:
http://www.en.lyon-france.com/Agenda/Unmissable/Fete-des-Lumieres-Lyon-Festival-of-Lights
http://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en
