Lyon for kids

What to do with your children during the Fete des Lumières?

Here are 4 ideas for outings with little ones in Lyon in December.

Miniworld celebrates the lights

The new Miniworld Park which opened in June 2016 has become an essential visit for families in Lyon. Take the Metro line “A” towards Vaulx- en-Velin La Soie and discover the largest park of animated miniatures in France with more than 30,000 characters, 4000 animals and 300 animations.

The 3 universes (city, countryside and mountains) are reproduced to the scale of electric trains and beginning the 8th of December they will also include illuminations on the mini facades showing some of the best highlights of the Festival des Lumieres from recent years. Think about reserving your tickets in advance because the park is often very busy on weekends.

Miniworld Lyon, 3 Avenue de Bohlen, Vaulx-en-Velin. Open every day (Monday to Friday from 11h to 18h, Saturday and Sunday from 10h to 19h) www.miniworldlyon.com

Illuminated visit of the Gadagne Museum

For the Fete des Lumières, the Gadagne Museum which specialises in the history of Lyon is offering a rotation of guided tours for parents and children on the theme of “December 8th” (Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 11th December). It’s the perfect way to find out everything about the origins of this Lyon event which dates back to the 19th century and discover the collections of this super museum which is located in a 16th century building in the Saint-Jean district. The interior courtyard is also home to a mysterious and illuminated work christened “Crystallized” on display until the end of December.

Gadagne Museum, 1 Place du Petit Collège, Lyon 5eme. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11h to 18h30

Behind the scenes of cinema

A visit with children to the Gagagne Museum can be completed by hopping over to the Musuem of Cinema and Miniatures which can be found in another Renaissance building of the Saint-Jean district. Children in Lyon love this place. They can see more than 300 real objects from the world of cinema such as Harry Potter’s magic wand or the impressive Alien Queen, all collected by the museums’s founder Dan Ohlmann. The museum also currently hosts an exposition dedicated to an animation film called “Ma vie de Courgette” or “My life as a courgette” which was made in Lyon. Information regarding the museum’s exhibits is presented in English.

Musée Miniature et Cinéma, 60 rue Saint-Jean Lyon 5eme . Open everyday from 10h to 18h30, open until 19h Saturday and Sunday.

By Frederic Crouzet (translated by Simon Widdowson)