Lyon’s Festival of Lights 2024: Highlights, History, and Must-See Displays

The Lyon’s festival of lights 2024 is one of the most anticipated events that is going to happen in France. This is known as the best light festival in Europe. The local name for the festival of lights is also known as Fete des Lumieres. When this celebration starts, it will last for four days and is absolutely stunning, due to which it attracts millions of visitors in December. Hence, today in this blog, we will talk about a few aspects of the festival, what to expect in 2024, and the kind of displays you simply cannot miss.

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Behold the spectacular Lyon’s festival of lights 2024

The history

The origin of Lyon’s Festival of Lights goes back to 1643. If you are a history enthusiast, you will know that during this time, there was a devastating plague that almost eradicated the entire city. This is why the city officials decided to honor the Virgin Mary so that she would spare the city from the outbreak. Then suddenly, the plague stopped, and citizens promised that every year, they would pay tribute to the Virgin Mary.

Then, in the modern era, the festival started. At this time, a giant statue of the Virgin Mary was inaugurated on Fourviere Hill. During the inauguration, it started raining heavily. Everybody thought that the event would be ruined. But slowly, the skies cleared, and the people of Lyon lit candles from their windows to show their gratitude. In this way, it ended with the most significant event, which we are waiting for, Lyon’s Festival of Lights 2024.

Did you know?

• The Lyon’s festival of lights attracts around 4 million visitors from all over the country which in a way makes it the most famous light festival in the world.

What to Expect in 2024

It is expected that the Lyon’s festival of lights in 2024 will be a lot bigger and more interesting than the previous years. It will happen from the dates of December 5th to December 8th. During this time there will be a huge combination of traditional light displays along with installations displaying the modern art and exhibitions that are every interactive to the entire part of the city.

Some of the main highlights for 2024

• New Installations: There will be a lot of renowned artists who showcase their works in a mix manner with also for the upcoming talents the information will be displayed.

• Sustainable Focus: As we are getting modern, people are going more for eco eco-friendly approaches. Hence this time the energy efficient LED lights and solar powered displays will be taken.

• Interactive Exhibits: There will be certain installations where the public will be allowed to participate. This way the visitors will be allowed to become part of the show. For additional effects there will be interactive light and sound elements.

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How to Plan Your Trip for Lyon Festival of Lights 2024

If you are first time going for Lyon’s festival of lights 2024, then finding the right locations can be very overwhelming as there will be lots of installations. Hence we have curated some must see displays with location for 2024.

1. Place des Terreaux

The Place des Terreaux is the center of the main location. You will find a lot of major installations in this location. Previously at the Museum of Fine Arts and its surrounding building we used a canvas for the projection that actually blent light with various colors with lots of movement.

In 2024 there will be a show which is titled as Echoes of the past . It will use a mixture of the historical and futuristic themes. It is quite symbolic and it showcases Lyon’s journey from being a Roman city to a modern metropolis.

2. Fourviere Basilica and Hill

Right from the beginning of this festival started the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere and the surrounding hill is considered as the symbolic heart of the festival. From the hill you get astounding views o f the city that is beautifully lit up with lights.

In 2024, there will be a light show called the Divine Radiance. The main purpose is to illuminate the basilica using 3D mapping technology to create an awesome experience.

3. Parc de la Tête d’Or

The Parc de la Tête d’Or has a place where there is a large urban bank. It is transformed into a wonderland during that festival. The paths will be illuminated and displayed on the lake, making it very serene.

In 2024, there will be a great display of Garden of Stars in which an installation will be involved which will showcase thousands of small LED lights which will mimic the constellations. We recommend that this is a must visit for people who are stargazer enthusiasts.

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4. Presqu’ile District

The Saone and Rhone rivers are connected by the Presquile area. The entire area will be full of great displays and loads of street performances.

In 2024 a “River Symphony” will be organized. In this the lights will be synchronized with lots of water fountains and music. It will truly create a magical riverside experience.

Few tips to visit the Festival

1. Best Time

To make the most of Lyon’s festival of lights in 2024, visit early in the Evening when the display will start up. There will be a lot of crowds which increases tenfold on weekends. So it’s best to attend during Thursday or Sunday to get a comfortable experience.

2. Dress Warmly

During December, Lyon can be very cold and chilly. There are certain times when the temperature goes below 5 degree celsius. So it’s essential to wear warm clothes and shoes. As most of the time you will be walking around and standing to see the displays.

3. Plan Your Route

There will be around 100 installations around the city. So it is best to make a plan for which one of them you will visit. Though there will be an interactive map available, from there, you can take some guides and visit the most popular and unique sites.

4. Use Public Transport

There are lots of public transport systems available such as buses, trams and the metro. Sometimes they are allowed to give extra services. Better to use the public transport to go around as the traffic will be there and parking spots will be very minimal.

Food and Activities

The Lyon’s festival of lights 2024 is not only about visual arts but it is also a great time to experience the food culture.

Local treats

There will be a lot of food stalls where you can get hot mulled wine to a sausage baked into bread which is called saucisson brioche. If you are looking for something sweet, eat the bugnes. It is a local pastry which is very similar to doughnuts.

Cultural Performances

There will be a lot of street performers, acrobats and musicians available who will perform along with the light installations. This way the festive atmosphere will be absolutely magical.

We have a tip for you. If you want to get the real traditional taste of Lyon’s cuisine, find a bouchon. It means a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant. Have dishes like coq au vin or quenelles.

Sustainability Efforts in 2024

The Lyon’s festival of lights in 2024 has no exception to make the festival more sustainable. This is why the city has decided to use more low energy lighting. This way they will be able to encourage visitors to reduce the environmental footprint.

Some of the examples are the use of reusable cups which are eco friendly as well. There will be certain Special festive passes and it will be affordable to use public transport.

Final Thoughts

Hence we can conclude that the Lyon’s festival of lights 2024 will be absolutely an extraordinary experience that is going to happen in France. Whether you are interested by the beautiful projections on the historical buildings or just cozy candle lit windows that will show the reminisce of the origin. There is always something for everyone.

Prepare to be amazed and create some of the unforgettable memories in the winter festivals.

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