Things To Do
in Feyzin
Feyzin is a small suburban commune just south of Lyon in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, known for its mix of residential neighborhoods, light industry and green pockets. The town sits close to the Rhône river and serves as a quiet base for exploring Lyon’s museums, dining and nightlife while offering more affordable lodging. Feyzin has an industrial heritage—most notably energy and petrochemical facilities—balanced by local parks, community sports facilities and a weekly market feel in the town center.
Its proximity to major road and rail links makes it convenient for day trips to the Pilat hills, Lyon city center and the wider Rhône valley.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll to the Place Jean-Jaurès, where pastel-hued facades and the morning market’s chatter set a vibrant scene. Sample freshly baked pastries at a nearby boulangerie while locals greet each other by name under the awning. The soft glow of dawn on the Église Sainte-Ursule invites peaceful reflection before the town fully awakens.
Wander through the historic lanes flanking the Mairie, discovering hidden murals and tasting regional cheeses at an artisan boutique. Pause for a picnic in Parc de Feyzin, watching children play as the Rhône breeze rustles the trees. Later, join a guided walking tour to learn about Feyzin’s industrial heritage and its transformation into a greener community.
Dine at a cozy bistrot serving Lyonnais classic dishes like tablier de sapeur while locals share stories of the town’s past. Sip a glass of Côte du Rhône on a terrace overlooking the River Gier as lanterns flicker to life. Finish the night with a stroll along the promenade, breathing in the fragrant night air.
Catch an early train or drive into Lyon and head straight to Vieux Lyon’s cobblestone alleys, where Renaissance architecture transports you back centuries. Step inside the ancient Saint-Jean Cathedral to admire its astronomical clock and stained glass windows. Marvel at hidden traboules, secret passageways once used by silk merchants to transport goods.
Cross the Saône River to Fourvière hill, ascending via the funicular amid lush vegetation. Explore the ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and enjoy panoramic views over the city’s red-tiled rooftops. Descend to the Roman Theatres, imagining lively performances in the amphitheater’s curved rows.
Wander through the Presqu’île district, where elegant storefronts glow under gas lamps and live jazz drifts from nearby bars. Pause for a traditional Lyonnaise bouchon dinner, indulging in quenelles and saucisson chaud. Conclude with a riverside stroll under the reflections of the Pont Bonaparte.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (restaurant) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Taxi start + 1–3 km | $4-8 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries (basic for one) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Lyon with easier, quieter accommodation options.
- Access to both urban attractions and nearby natural areas like Pilat Regional Park.
- Local markets and authentic suburban French life away from major tourist crowds.
- Limited standalone attractions within the commune—most highlights require trips into Lyon or nearby countryside.
- Industrial facilities nearby may detract from scenic views in some areas.
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare / le bus ?" - Where is the train station / the bus?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Feyzin
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm stretches of river provide reflections, sunrise/sunset scenes and shots of local riverine activity—great for tranquil landscape photos.
From higher ground on the edge of the commune and nearby hills you can capture panoramas that include Lyon’s distant skyline and the Rhône valley.
Parks and tree-lined streets offer intimate urban nature photography, seasonal floral displays and candid shots of daily life.
The industrial sites and energy facilities form distinctive structural subjects—photograph them from public viewpoints only and respect restricted zones.
Day-trip landscapes, ridgelines and woodland scenes are ideal for wide-angle and aerial-style photography when visiting the nearby natural parks.
Food in Feyzin
Feyzin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A light pike fish dumpling often served with a creamy sauce—find it at local bistros in Feyzin and traditional restaurants in nearby Lyon.
Must-Try!
A classic salad with frisée, lardons and a poached egg—common in cafés and brasseries across Feyzin and Lyon.
A sweet regional tart (red pralines) found in patisseries around the Lyon region and at Feyzin market stalls when in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local weekly market in the town center with stalls selling bread, cheese, seasonal fruits and vegetables—an ideal place to sample local produce and grab a takeaway snack.
If you venture into Lyon, try the food stalls and casual vendors near the Presqu’île for sandwiches, local sweets and crêpes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers and service staff with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after dark) when entering establishments—this is considered polite and sets a friendly tone.
Use formal 'vous' with people you don't know; handshakes are common in formal settings, while acquaintances may exchange light cheek-kisses ('la bise') depending on familiarity.
Keep hands visible on the table (not elbows) and avoid being overly loud in restaurants. It’s polite to say 'Bon appétit' before eating.
Do not trespass on industrial sites or fenced areas; these are often restricted and potentially hazardous. Observe posted signage and local rules.
Safety
Tipping in Feyzin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in France: rounding up the bill, leaving small change or adding 5–10% for exceptional service is common in cafés and restaurants. Taxi drivers and hotel porters may expect a small tip for help with luggage or long journeys.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for small markets, very small cafés or instances where card terminals may be unavailable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming parks and active markets make spring a pleasant time for walks and outdoor photography; occasional rain showers are possible so pack a light waterproof layer.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours—great for outdoor dining and nearby hikes. Expect more traffic toward Lyon on weekends and higher demand at popular parks; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Crisp days and colorful foliage in surrounding hills; harvest season brings local wine and food events in the Rhône valley. Temperatures cool quickly in the evenings.
Chillier weather with occasional frost; snowfall is possible in higher nearby hills though rare in the town itself. Indoor cultural activities and Lyon’s winter festivals are good options.
Feyzin at Night
Hiking in Feyzin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known natural area south-east of Lyon with trails for all levels, forested slopes, ridgelines and panoramic viewpoints—perfect for day hikes and nature photography.
Rolling hills and village paths to the west and south of Lyon offering shorter hikes, rural scenery and opportunities to visit small local hamlets.
Flat, scenic walking and cycling routes along the Rhône for relaxed strolls, birdwatching and easy access to riverside cafés and picnic spots.
Airports
How to reach Feyzin by plane.
The main international airport serving Lyon and the region, about 20–30 minutes by car from Feyzin; direct trains and shuttle services connect the airport to Lyon city, with onward local transport options.
A smaller general-aviation and business airport close to Lyon, used for private flights and some training activities—limited commercial service.
International airport in Geneva (Switzerland), roughly 1.5–2 hours by car, an option for some international travelers seeking alternative routes or lower fares.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families and professionals who commute to Lyon for work, valuing the quieter suburban environment and local schools.
Due to the nearby industrial and energy facilities, a portion of the population works in technical, manufacturing and energy sectors.
As with many suburbs of Lyon, Feyzin has a mix of cultural backgrounds contributing to a diverse community and local culinary variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played at amateur and youth levels across the commune—local clubs and pitches host regular matches and community activities.
Road cycling and recreational cycling along river paths and into nearby hills are popular, benefiting from varied terrain across the Rhône valley and Monts du Lyonnais.
Rugby is followed in the wider region and pétanque is a very popular casual pastime observed in parks and squares.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Feyzin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common: many bistros offer salads, cheese plates and vegetable mains. Ask for 'sans viande' and expect simple, seasonal vegetable preparations; larger nearby Lyon restaurants will have more varied vegetarian menus.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are more limited in small local eateries but available in larger Lyon establishments and specialty bakeries; supermarkets in Feyzin stock some vegan and gluten-free staples—communicate restrictions clearly in French when possible ('Je suis végétalien(ne)' / 'Je suis intolérant(e) au gluten').
Staff are generally used to hearing about allergies; say 'J’ai une allergie à...' and specify ingredients. For serious allergies, carry translated allergy cards and necessary medication.