Located along the Rhône and Saône Rivers in southeastern France, Lyon is a city where rich historical heritage meets forward-thinking urban planning. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon is known not only for its Renaissance architecture, gastronomy, and vibrant cultural life, but also for its strong commitment to universal accessibility. With a population of over 500,000, the city is one of Europe's leading destinations for inclusive and accessible tourism.
In recent years, Lyon has reinforced its commitment to integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of city life, through public policies and cultural initiatives that ensure access to its attractions, infrastructure, and experiences without physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers.
Cultural Heritage and Accessible Historic Sites
The heart of the city, known as Vieux Lyon (Old Town), has been carefully restored with accessibility in mind. While cobblestone streets can pose challenges in some areas, many routes have been adapted with level paving, accessible signage, and gently sloped ramps. Iconic sites such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Roman Theaters, and the Musée des Confluences offer adapted entrances, elevators, accessible restrooms, and trained staff to assist visitors with limited mobility or sensory disabilities.
Museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon and the Musée Gadagne provide inclusive experiences including guided tours with tactile materials, braille, audio guides, induction loops for hearing-impaired visitors, and accessible exhibit platforms.
Urban Design and Public Spaces for Everyone
Lyon has been a pioneer in France in implementing a comprehensive urban accessibility plan, from sidewalk redesign to accessible transportation. Public squares like Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux feature flat walkways, ergonomic seating, proper lighting, and tactile signage. Parks such as the Parc de la Tête d'Or—one of Europe’s largest urban parks—offer wide paths, accessible restrooms, rental wheelchairs, and barrier-free access to gardens, the zoo, and the lake.
Additionally, the city has installed tactile maps at major tourist locations, and many public signs use pictograms and easy-to-read formats to support visitors with cognitive disabilities.
Transport and Inclusive Mobility
Lyon’s public transport system (TCL) has undergone major upgrades to ensure barrier-free mobility. All trams, funiculars, and most buses are equipped with level boarding platforms, wheelchair spaces, visual information displays, and audio announcements. Many metro stations include elevators and adapted signage.
For those arriving by air, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport provides full PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) services, with trained personnel, accessible restrooms, wheelchair rentals, and a priority boarding system. Adapted taxis and accessible private transport services are also available upon request.
Culture, Education, and Gastronomy for All
Lyon is considered the gastronomic capital of France, and many of its restaurants—from traditional bouchons to Michelin-starred establishments—are equipped with step-free entrances, braille menus, digital menus with screen reader compatibility, and staff trained to assist guests with specific needs.
Culturally, venues like the Lyon Auditorium, Lyon Opera House, and the Théâtre des Célestins offer sign language interpretation, live subtitles, and audio description for various performances. Numerous festivals in film, music, and contemporary art also include accessible programming and services.
Inclusive Tourism: A Real Commitment
The Lyon Tourist Office has developed accessible itineraries specifically designed for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible walking tours through the Old Town, guided museum visits, and priority access to cultural landmarks. Visitors can request specialized guides, French Sign Language (LSF) interpreters, tactile maps, and assistive equipment such as mobility scooters or smart canes.
The city works closely with hotels, tour operators, transportation providers, and community organizations to ensure a barrier-free experience for all travelers.
Lyon: A City That Embraces Diversity
Lyon celebrates not only its rich cultural history and creative energy but also its commitment to equity and inclusion. It is a city that recognizes accessibility as a human right and ensures that everyone can enjoy its heritage, culture, and public life.
With modern infrastructure, inclusive policies, and a welcoming spirit, Lyon has become a European leader in inclusive tourism, offering an enriching, respectful, and memorable experience for all visitors—regardless of ability.
The city of Lyon has multiple Tourist Information Points, open year-round and strategically located in key spots such as train stations, the airport, the historic center, and the most visited neighborhoods. These are essential reference points for both domestic and international visitors arriving in the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
All centers are staffed by multilingual professionals trained to provide assistance, recommendations, and practical guidance. In addition to offering free maps, brochures, and city guides, many of them also provide tour bookings, ticket sales for museums and shows, transportation passes, and advice on accessible attractions. All locations accept credit and debit card payments.
Tourist Information Point – Central Office at Place Bellecour
Located in Lyon’s most iconic square, Place Bellecour, this is the largest and most comprehensive tourist office in the city. It features step-free access, adapted counters, and accessible restrooms. It’s the ideal starting point for your visit if you're staying in the city center or seeking detailed guidance.
Here, you can get the Lyon City Card, book guided tours, purchase tickets for museums, shows, or the Fourvière funicular, and find information about accommodation, public transportation, and accessibility at cultural sites and monuments.
Tourist Information Point – Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu
This center is located inside Lyon’s main railway station, making it ideal for visitors arriving by train from other cities in France or Europe. It offers trained staff, step-free access, tactile signage, and counters adapted for wheelchair users.
Services include hotel information, ticket purchases, tourist maps, accessibility guidance, and help with connecting to local public transport (metro, tram, and bus).
- Address & Contact
Gare Part-Dieu, Central Hall, Lyon 3rd
Phone: +33 (0)4 72 77 69 69
Tourist Information Point – Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Situated in the arrivals terminal of Lyon’s International Airport, this information point provides immediate guidance to travelers arriving on domestic or international flights. It features barrier-free access, accessible counters, clear visual signage, and personalized assistance for people with reduced mobility.
In addition to maps, guides, and first-visit suggestions, you can purchase the Lyon City Card, check hotel availability, or book accessible transportation services.
- Address & Contact
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport – Terminal 1 – Arrivals Area
Phone: +33 (0)4 72 22 74 90
Tourist Pass – Lyon City Card
The Lyon City Card is a practical and cost-effective option if you plan to visit several cultural attractions and use public transport. It is available year-round in 1, 2, 3, or 4-day versions.
This pass grants access to the main tourist sites, saves time, and lets you explore Lyon with ease—especially useful for visitors with reduced mobility.
What’s Included in the Lyon City Card?
- Free admission to over 20 museums, including the Musée des Confluences, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Gadagne Museum
- Unlimited access to public transportation (metro, tram, bus, and funiculars)
- A river cruise on the Saône or a sightseeing bus tour (seasonal)
- Guided tours offered by the Tourist Office
- Discounts on shows, shops, and cultural activities
Accessibility
Many of the attractions included in the Lyon City Card are fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms, tactile signage, and trained staff. You can request advice on accessible routes at any of the tourist information centers.
Where to Buy It
- At Lyon’s official Tourist Information Centers
- At the Central Office in Place Bellecour
- Online at the official website: www.lyoncitycard.com
Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS)
Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS), the primary air gateway to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and one of France’s major aviation hubs, is fully committed to providing a safe, accessible, and dignified experience for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility (PRM) and individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. The airport complies with French and European Union accessibility standards and adheres to international best practices in inclusive airport infrastructure and passenger services.
Entrances and Circulation
All terminal entrances at Lyon-Saint Exupéry are step-free and equipped with automatic sliding doors, smooth, level surfaces, and integrated ramps. The terminal corridors are wide and unobstructed, with tactile paving, Braille signage, and elevators featuring audible floor announcements and tactile buttons to support independent wayfinding and safe circulation.
Accessible Parking
Designated PRM parking spaces are available in all parking areas (P0 to P5), both short- and long-term. These spaces are located near terminal entrances and are connected via accessible paths and ramps. Vehicles displaying a valid European Disability Parking Permit may benefit from extended time allowances and reduced rates, in accordance with airport policies.
Passenger Assistance Services (PRM)
Lyon Airport offers 24/7 assistance through the “Accès Plus” service, available in partnership with airlines and Groupe ADP. Trained personnel assist passengers with reduced mobility from the moment of arrival—by car, taxi, or train—through check-in, security, customs, and boarding. PRM service requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance via the airline or the airport’s official website.
Adapted Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are available throughout the airport, including public zones, lounges, and departure areas. These facilities feature:
- Wide, automatic doors
- Turning space for manual and electric wheelchairs
- Grab bars
- Lowered sinks and dryers
- Emergency call systems
Family restrooms and adult changing tables are also available in select locations.
Information and Help Desks
Information counters throughout the terminals feature accessible-height surfaces and are staffed by personnel trained to assist passengers with visible and invisible disabilities. Lyon Airport participates in initiatives such as the Sunflower Lanyard program, which offers discreet support for individuals with non-visible disabilities.
Waiting Areas and VIP Lounges
Waiting areas across the terminals offer inclusive seating with reserved spaces for wheelchair users and companions. Charging stations for personal devices and mobility aids are accessible. All VIP lounges are wheelchair accessible and provide adapted restrooms and personal assistance on request.
Service Animal Relief Areas
Designated outdoor relief areas for service animals are located near terminal entrances. These areas are clearly marked, accessible to wheelchair users, and regularly maintained. Staff are available to assist travelers in locating and accessing these zones if needed.
Internal Transport and Mobility Support
Although the airport does not feature internal tram or train systems, accessible electric carts and shuttle buses are available for PRM transport between terminals and parking areas. Elevators, escalators, and ramps provide step-free movement throughout the airport. Manual wheelchairs can be arranged in advance through the assistance service.
Dining and Retail Services
All dining and retail establishments within the airport are wheelchair accessible. Aisles are wide and barrier-free, and furniture is spaced to accommodate mobility devices. Staff are trained to support passengers with special needs, and some venues offer Braille menus, large-print options, or allergy-conscious meal accommodations upon request.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport Contact Information
- Address: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, 69125 Colombier-Saugnieu, France
- Phone: +33 (0)4 72 22 70 00
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.lyonaeroports.com
Transportation from Lyon Airport to the City Center
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is approximately 25 km from downtown Lyon and is connected to the city via several accessible transportation options.
Public Transport – Rhônexpress Tram
The Rhônexpress is the official express tram service connecting the airport to Lyon Part-Dieu train station in approximately 30 minutes.
Accessibility features:
- Low-floor vehicles
- Reserved spaces for wheelchairs
- Level boarding at stations
- Visual and audio announcements
- Assistance from staff on request
- Fare: ~€16.30 (one-way)
Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes
Website: www.rhonexpress.fr
Accessible Taxis
Lyon has a fleet of taxis adapted for wheelchairs, equipped with ramps or lifts and trained drivers.
Recommended providers:
- Taxi PMR Lyon: +33 (0)6 08 58 87 41
- Taxi Aéroport Lyon: +33 (0)6 50 83 36 71
- G7 Access (via app): Select accessible vehicles through the G7 taxi app
Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for electric wheelchair users.
Mobility in the City of Lyon
The city of Lyon has made major investments in urban accessibility, improving infrastructure and public transport for residents and visitors alike.
Urban accessibility features:
- Renovated sidewalks with curb cuts and tactile paving
- Audible pedestrian signals at intersections
- 100% of TCL buses are accessible, featuring ramps and designated PRM seating
- Select metro stations on Lines A, B, and D are fully accessible
- Signage throughout tourist zones and public spaces follows universal design principles
Additional Support Services
- Several tour operators offer accessible excursions in adapted vehicles
- Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other mobility aids are available for rent with delivery to hotels
- Many hotels, museums, and cultural institutions in Lyon are Tourisme & Handicap certified and offer adapted services, Braille materials, and trained staff
Plage des Eaux Bleues – Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
Located just 20 minutes from Lyon, Plage des Eaux Bleues is one of the region’s most inclusive lake beaches. It offers calm waters, spacious surroundings, and accessible facilities, making it ideal for families and individuals with reduced mobility.
- Accessibility:
The beach features wooden ramps and walkways that lead from the parking lot to the water’s edge. Amphibious wheelchairs (tiralo-type floating chairs) are available to allow users with mobility impairments to safely enjoy the water. - Assistance Services:
Lifeguards and park personnel are trained to assist PRM users with transfers, equipment, and water access when requested. - Accessible Restrooms:
Accessible toilets and changing cabins are located nearby, equipped with grab bars and wide maneuvering space. - Special Equipment:
Floating beach chairs are available free of charge. Advance booking is recommended, especially during summer weekends. - How to Get There by Public Transport:
Take bus line 83 from Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie (Metro Line A) to “Miribel Les Echets.” A short, paved walking path leads to the beach. The bus is accessible for wheelchairs.
Plage du Lac d’Aiguebelette
A tranquil and scenic lake located about an hour from Lyon, Lac d’Aiguebelette offers several inclusive beach spots, notably in the areas of Lépin-le-Lac and Saint-Alban-de-Montbel.
- Accessibility:
Designated areas are equipped with ramps and flat paths leading to the shoreline. Some beaches have rubber mats laid out on the sand and grassy areas. - Assistance Services:
During peak summer months, staff is available at certain access points to assist PRM visitors. - Accessible Restrooms:
Toilets adapted for wheelchair use are present near the main beach entrances. - Special Equipment:
Some beaches (especially in Lépin-le-Lac) offer amphibious chairs upon request. Use is typically coordinated through the local tourist office or town hall. - How to Get There by Public Transport:
Take a TER train from Lyon to Chambéry, then a bus to Aiguebelette-le-Lac. Final access to the beach may require a taxi or private adapted transfer.
Plage de l’Atol’ – Parc de Miribel (Lyon Metropole)
This municipal beach within the Parc de Miribel-Jonage is part of a fully accessible leisure complex called l’Atol’, managed by the Lyon Metropolitan Authority.
- Accessibility:
The entire Atol' complex is built for universal access: flat ground, tactile indicators, adapted signs, and barrier-free entry points to the beach and water. - Assistance Services:
Specialist teams are on-site during opening hours to assist guests with special needs. Life jackets and floating chairs are available. - Accessible Restrooms:
Numerous adapted restrooms and changing rooms are located across the park, including near the main beach. - Special Equipment:
Amphibious wheelchairs and floating loungers are provided at no cost. Early reservation is recommended via the l’Atol’ reception desk. - How to Get There by Public Transport:
Accessible via Bus 83 or Bus 95, both departing from Metro Line A (Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie). Stops are equipped with ramps, and the path from the stop to the complex is paved and accessible.
Partially Accessible Beaches: Plage de Condrieu & Plage de Trévoux
These river beaches near Lyon offer basic accessible infrastructure but lack specialized floating equipment.
- Accessibility:
Both beaches feature parking spots for PRM and ramps to access picnic and resting areas. Paths may include gravel, which can be challenging for some mobility devices. - Assistance Services:
Limited. Lifeguards may assist with umbrellas or accessing rest zones. - Accessible Restrooms:
Accessible toilets are available near the main entrance to both beaches. - Special Equipment:
No amphibious chairs available. These locations are more suitable for relaxing by the river than entering the water for swimming. - How to Get There by Public Transport:
Trévoux and Condrieu can be reached via regional buses from Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache stations. Accessibility may vary by bus line, and some walking or private transfer may be required for the final approach.
Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city where Roman ruins, medieval streets, and Renaissance architecture coexist with modern urban planning. With ongoing investments in accessibility, it’s increasingly friendly for wheelchair users. Below is a thoughtfully designed itinerary for exploring Lyon’s historic heart without barriers.
Start of the Tour: Place Bellecour
Begin your visit at Place Bellecour, one of the largest open squares in Europe and the geographical heart of Lyon.
- Accessibility:
The square is fully flat, with wide open areas, smooth surfaces, and curb-free access points. Nearby streets include lowered curbs and accessible pedestrian crossings. - What to do:
Admire the statue of Louis XIV, visit the Lyon tourist office (fully accessible), and enjoy views of Fourvière Hill. You can also shop or enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby terraces along Rue de la République.
Walk Toward Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
From Bellecour, head west toward the Vieux Lyon district, crossing the Saône River via the Pont Bonaparte, which has accessible sidewalks and scenic views.
- Accessibility:
Although Old Lyon has cobblestone streets, many have been flattened or lined with smoother paths for easier navigation. Most of the main alleys (like Rue Saint-Jean) are accessible. - What to do:
Explore the Renaissance facades, souvenir shops, and traditional bouchons lyonnais. Be sure to stop at the Maison Thomassin or discover one of the many traboules (hidden passageways)—some of which are step-free and signed.
Visit the Musée Gadagne (Lyon History Museum)
Located in a beautiful Renaissance building in Vieux Lyon, the Gadagne Museum tells the story of the city’s urban and cultural evolution.
- Accessibility:
The museum is equipped with an elevator, ramps, and adapted restrooms. Staff can provide extra assistance upon request. - What to see:
Historical exhibitions about Lyon’s past, temporary exhibits, and the internationally known Puppet Museum.
Stop at Cathédrale Saint-Jean
Just a few steps from the museum lies the Saint-Jean Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
- Accessibility:
The main entrance includes a step-free side access (ask the staff if needed), and the interior is mostly flat and spacious. - What to do:
Admire the astronomical clock, stained glass windows, and the peaceful ambiance inside this historic monument.
Cross Over to Presqu'île and Explore Rue de la République
Return across the Saône River and stroll down Rue de la République, Lyon’s main shopping artery.
- Accessibility:
The entire street features wide, flat sidewalks with ramps at every crossing. Most stores and cafes have accessible entries or portable ramps. - What to do:
Take a shopping break, enjoy street musicians, or stop at a café for lunch or coffee. The nearby Opéra de Lyon and Hôtel de Ville are also accessible for a photo stop.
Rest at Parc de la Tête d'Or
After exploring the historic center, head north to Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon’s most famous urban park, ideal for resting and nature.
- Accessibility:
The park has smooth, flat paths, adapted restrooms, and accessible entrances. Wheelchair users can enjoy all main attractions, including the lake, botanical gardens, and the free-access zoo. - What to do:
Relax by the lake, watch swans and ducks, or visit the greenhouse and rose garden—all barrier-free.
Optional Stop: Musée des Confluences
If you still have energy, take the accessible tram or bus to the Musée des Confluences, a stunning contemporary museum located where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
- Accessibility:
The museum was built with universal accessibility in mind—automatic doors, elevators, ramps, wide corridors, and tactile signage throughout. - What to see:
Fascinating exhibitions on science, anthropology, and civilizations. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
Dinner at an Accessible Restaurant by the Rhône River
End your tour with dinner at a riverside restaurant near Parc des Berges du Rhône, many of which offer terrace seating and adapted facilities.
- Accessibility:
Restaurants in this area typically offer step-free access, space between tables for wheelchairs, and adapted restrooms. Some even have Braille menus. - What to try:
Delight in classic Lyonnaise cuisine such as quenelles, salade lyonnaise, or opt for a modern bistro with local wine and dessert.
Le Potager des Halles
Located near the Presqu'île, Le Potager des Halles is a bistronomic restaurant offering contemporary French cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. With an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, it is ideal for a refined dining experience in the heart of Lyon.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with a step-free entrance and wide spacing between tables.
Accessible Restrooms: Equipped with grab bars and sufficient space for wheelchair maneuvering.
Signature Dish: Confit duck with celery root purée and red wine reduction.
Contact Information:
Address: 3 Rue de la Martinière, 69001 Lyon, France
Phone: +33 4 72 00 24 84
Website: https://www.lepotagerdeshalles.com/
Café Arsène
Café Arsène is a modern, peaceful café located near Parc de la Tête d’Or. It specializes in specialty coffee and artisanal pastries in a cozy, welcoming space—perfect for a mid-day break.
Accessibility: Street-level entrance with comfortable space for wheelchair users.
Accessible Restrooms: Spacious restroom equipped with support bars.
Signature Item: Locally roasted single-origin coffee and a buttery croissant.
Contact Information:
Address: 17 Rue Tronchet, 69006 Lyon, France
Phone: +33 4 72 83 39 28
Website: https://www.instagram.com/cafe.arsene/
Le Bouchon des Filles
This traditional Lyonnais bouchon offers a modern, female-led take on classic regional cuisine. It’s known for lighter, creative reinterpretations of traditional dishes in an intimate setting.
Accessibility: Step-free entrance and a main dining room accessible to wheelchair users.
Accessible Restrooms: Adapted restroom available (calling ahead is recommended to confirm).
Signature Dish: Pike quenelle with Nantua sauce and fresh seasonal salad.
Contact Information:
Address: 20 Rue Sergent Blandan, 69001 Lyon, France
Phone: +33 4 78 30 40 44
Website: https://lebouchondesfilles.fr/
Against the Grain
A vegan and gluten-free restaurant known for its creative cuisine and organic ingredients. It offers a modern and health-conscious dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
Accessibility: Flat entrance from the street and wide interior layout.
Accessible Restrooms: Fully accessible, with grab bars and turning space.
Signature Dish: Vegan burger on a rice flour bun with roasted sweet potatoes.
Contact Information:
Address: 100 Rue Bossuet, 69006 Lyon, France
Phone: +33 4 78 89 64 19
Website: https://againstthegrain.fr/
Le Kitchen Café
This award-winning café and restaurant features a daily changing menu with Nordic and French influences. Ideal for a casual gourmet brunch or lunch.
Accessibility: Barrier-free entrance and an interior layout suitable for reduced mobility.
Accessible Restrooms: Spacious and fully adapted with support fixtures.
Signature Dish: Seasonal tart with freshly brewed single-origin filter coffee.
Contact Information:
Address: 34 Rue Chevreul, 69007 Lyon, France
Phone: +33 9 53 85 83 94
Website: https://lekitchencafe.com/
