Car Hire Lyon

Driving within Lyon’s city centre is fairly straightforward, with clear signs and logical routes to take. Of course, during peak times and summer months the roads can become busy. However, if you plan ahead, driving in the city will be just another part of the Lyon experience.

The city is part of a Low Emissions Zone scheme and you’ll need to make sure your vehicle has a Crit'Air sticker which shows the emissions your hire car produces. If you have any questions, our pick-up location team can help make sure you have everything you need before you head out on the open road.

If you’re planning to head beyond Lyon, you’ll find France is well connected via autoroutes - free-flowing motorways that connect the major cities. The roads are in good condition and signs are easy to follow, making travelling in these parts an enjoyable experience. You’re required to pay a toll if you travel on an autoroute in France, however costs can be calculated before you begin your journey. You can avoid the tolls by travelling on the smaller country roads where you can also enjoy incredibly scenic views.

Seat belts are compulsory in France, and mobile phone use while driving is illegal. Speed limits will be clearly signposted and vary from 130 km/h on autoroutes down to 50 km/h in cities, towns and built-up areas.

Lyon and the surrounding area has so much to entice visitors, but you’ll also find the city is only one hour 30 minutes away from the stunning city of Geneva. Home to many incredible sights - including the Jet d'Eau, which blasts a shoot of water 140 meters into the air – the Swiss city with its huge, tranquil lake is easily reached from France.

Lyon looks forward to welcoming you – a thrilling city with world-class food, stunning churches, cathedrals and museums. Wander the streets and you’ll chance upon surprise after surprise in this proud city. Whether you lose hours in the galleries or you just want to enjoy a coffee in the historic old quarter, this is a place you’ll want to visit time and time again.

An art lover’s paradise

One of the most iconic sights in the city is the Musée des Beaux Arts de Lyon. Home to incredible sculptures and paintings, as well as Roman and Egyptian antiquities, you can spend hours taking in everything this noted museum has to offer. The history of art is brought to life by impressive pieces from Rodin, Guimard, Monet and van Gogh. There’s also a great modern art section based on a private collection, with work from Picasso and Bacon.

For 2000 years of sculpture and architecture, visit Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, which displays a phenomenal selection of artefacts that tell the history of the area. The museum also includes a real archaeological site which is home to two Roman theatres, the oldest ancient ruins in France.

Lyon’s labyrinth

Secret tunnels, stairways and courtyards are hidden all around the city of Lyon. Originally created for silk workers to pass through with their goods for the local market, many passages are open to the public and provide a unique way to get a true taste of the city’s past.

Navigate your way through this network, which was expanded over the years - you’ll find some tunnels which date back as far as the 4^th century. You can find out even more about the city’s storied past here.

A truly French experience

Lyon is also a gateway to the south of the country. Head west along the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand, a hidden gem. Surrounded by around 80 volcanoes and boasting its own Notre Dame cathedral – an iconic Gothic structure with two imposing towers that looms proudly over the area – it’s perfect for a day trip.

From Clermont-Ferrand, you’ll be within an arm’s length of Limoges. Here, you’ll be able to explore the Cathédrale St-Étienne. Another remarkable Gothic masterpiece, this cathedral is home to a stunning rose window and a Renaissance choir screen.

Head to the Rue de la Boucherie and be transported back in time. Medieval half-timbered houses line the streets, and the area, which was once the butcher’s quarter, is filled with cosy cafes as well as an enticing museum.

With the benefit of car rental in Lyon, you can see all that this handsome city has to offer, and explore even more of France’s charming cities and countryside.