1. Festival of Lights - Known to locals as Fete des Lumieres, this festival is still thanking the Virgin Mary for saving it from the deadly plague that swept France in the Middle Ages. Like the name states, most residences put candles in all of their windows and the city puts on light shows on many of the medieval sites around Lyon. The Fest of Lights takes place annually on December 8. There is no admission to see the light shows.
2. Vineyards - Lyon is the premier place to visit a French vineyard. It is very close to Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone wine growing regions, both of which produce some of the most favored wines in the country.
3. Lyon Marathon - A great way to see many of the UNESCO sites of ancient Lyon is to be one of the 10,000 that run the annual marathon in April. Don't think your stamina is up to par? Than at least join the crowd of 100,000 to watch and enjoy the sights and sounds of Lyon. The marathon begins on Avenue Jean Jaures and ends at the Palais des Sports de Gerland, where most of the marathon's activities take place. Please see the Lyon Marathon's official website for more details if you are interested in the race. Spectators are free of charge.
4. Lyon Pride - Like many French cities, Lyon holds a spectacular gay and lesbian pride celebration each June. The streets fill with spectators and marchers alike during the parade that kicks off at 2:00pm. Afterwards, a party that celebrates acceptance, starts at 10:00pm and goes until the wee hours of the morning. The Lyon Pride fête is one of the best in France and better yet, is free of admission.
5. Parc Archeologique - Smack dab in the center of old city lies the archeological park that contains an ancient Roman theatre, aqueduct, mosaic ruins and the Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization. The theatre dates back to 15BC and the museum holds many artifacts that were unearthed here. Its collection contains prehistoric eras through the 7th century. The park is free of cost and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00am - 7:00pm. The museum has a fee of approximately 3.80EUR and is open the same days from 10:00am - 6:00pm.
6. Food Contests - If you love food, January in Lyon is for you. The international World Cuisine Contest - Bocuse d'Or - brings out fresh talents as well as renowned chefs for the cook off of a lifetime. At the same time the Euroexpo also introduces the World Pastry Cup. The best comfort food makers and bakers from around the world compete for the Pastry Cup and prize money. Although the contents themselves are only open to industry pros, the entire town of Lyon turns out and becomes involved in foodie fun of their own.
7. International New Generation Film Festival - In our digitally advanced world, it is odd to see that Lyon's New Gen Film Fest is the only one in France dedicated strictly to digital cinematic technologies. Seasoned filmmakers, newbies and buffs alike come to see the latest and greatest each September in Lyon. The best digital flicks will be honored with a prize. The fest is held at L'Embarcadere. Admission and hours vary to program.
8. Tasting Week - Lyon is known for its delicious cuisine, which it is often said, is the best in France. Therefore, not one belly will be left unfilled during Tasting Week when many restaurants partake in specialty events that allow spectators to taste test and enjoy. Many regions from France add their own specialties to the mix to make it a well rounded event full of recipe swaps, demos, workshops and celebrations. Most events are free unless you are ordering a full restaurant meal.
9. Guignol and Christmas - One of Lyon's favorite characters, Guignol was the founding father of many marionette figures, including the Victorian Punch puppet. Each year, the Christmas Market puts on fantastic marionette events, among yummy foodies and arts and crafts stalls, to celebrate Lyon's unique holiday heritage. Lyon's Christmas Market is set up from November through December annually.
10. Fabrics Museum - Lyon's Fabrics Museum holds one of the most extensive collections in the world. But really, what better place than Lyon, the king of the ancient silk trade, to hold such precious materials? The Fabrics Museum also shares its building with the Decorative Arts Museum that houses many pieces of fine furniture, silverware and other household items. Admission is roughly 5EUR and both are open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am - 5:30pm.