Business trip to Lyon: where to stay and what to do between meetings
Lyon is two hours from Paris by high-speed train and has one of France's biggest business districts. Pick your hotel by where your meetings are, not by the city centre: you will save a taxi every morning.
In short: Stay in Part-Dieu for trains and the business district, in Brotteaux for a congress at the Cité Internationale, and near Eurexpo or along tram T5 for a trade fair.
Updated on October 31, 2026
Where to stay
Three bases cover almost every business trip:
Part-Dieu
Main train station and business district. Business travellers, early or late trains, one or two nights.
Brotteaux & Tête d'Or
Elegant, calm, next to Lyon's great park. Families, congresses at the Cité Internationale, calm stays.
Eurexpo
The trade fair centre, east of the city. Exhibitors and trade fair visitors.
Airport Saint-Exupéry
Hotels at the airport for early flights. Early flights, late arrivals, transit.
Coming up in Lyon
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Piscine Global Europe
Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
The international trade show for the swimming pool and spa industry. Professionals only.
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Fête des Lumières 2026
City centre, Presqu'île
Four free evenings of light installations across the city centre. Lyon's busiest dates of the year.
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Sirha Lyon 2027
Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
The world's leading food service and hospitality trade show, home of the Bocuse d'Or. Lyon's hotels are full: book now.
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Global Industrie 2027
Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
France's flagship industry trade show, filling the whole of Eurexpo.
Things to do
One free evening or a spare hour? These are worth it:
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Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Lyon's famous covered food market: cheese, charcuterie, oysters, pastries, and counters where you can eat on the spot.
Five minutes from Part-Dieu station: perfect for lunch between two trains.
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Dinner in a bouchon
The traditional Lyon restaurant: checked tablecloths, local wine and hearty dishes like quenelles and saucisson brioché.
Look for the official "Les Bouchons Lyonnais" label and book in the evening.
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Fourvière Basilica
The white basilica that watches over the city. Its esplanade has the best view of Lyon, the Alps on a clear day.
Take the funicular from Vieux-Lyon and walk back down through the Rosary gardens.
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Grand Hôtel-Dieu
A monumental former hospital on the Rhône, restored with courtyards, shops, restaurants and bars.
A good spot for a drink after work, on the Presqu'île.
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The Rhône riverbanks
Kilometres of car-free promenades along the Rhône, with gardens, playgrounds, barges and terraces.
Bike sharing (Vélo'v) stations are all along the river.
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Parc de la Tête d'Or & zoo
One of the largest city parks in France: a lake with boats, a botanical garden, greenhouses and a free zoo.
Ideal for a morning run along the lake.
Questions
Which area is best for a business trip to Lyon?
Part-Dieu, next to the main train station and the business district. For a congress at the Cité Internationale, choose Brotteaux. For a trade fair at Eurexpo, stay along tram line T5 or near the venue.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
The Rhônexpress tram links Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport to Part-Dieu in about 30 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing are available at the terminals.
Should I book early for a trade fair?
Yes. During the big fairs and congresses, hotels near Part-Dieu and Eurexpo fill up weeks ahead and prices rise. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed.