Lyon, France, celebrates Cinematic History and Illuminating Festivals This Autumn
As Europe transitions into autumn, Lyon, France, emerges as a compelling destination for culture and gastronomy, coinciding with the 130th anniversary of the Lumière brothers’ groundbreaking film, Workers leaving the lumière Factory. The city is hosting a series of events honoring this pivotal moment in cinematic history alongside its renowned Festival of Lights, offering visitors a unique blend of artistic heritage and seasonal spectacle.
The Institut Lumière, established at the family’s art nouveau villa in the Monplaisir district, serves as the epicenter of these celebrations. From October 11-19, the annual Festival Lumière will showcase almost 450 film showings across the city, including remastered silent films by Victor Sjöström - le Vent (The Wind) and La Charrette fantôme (The Phantom Carriage) – accompanied by the National Orchestra of Lyon. This builds on the legacy of Auguste and Louis Lumière, whose 1895 film is considered one of the earliest examples of motion picture.
Beyond cinema, Lyon’s Fête des Lumières, running from December 5-8, transforms the city’s architecture and riverbanks with dazzling light installations. Locals traditionally place lanterns in their windows, symbolizing solidarity as winter approaches.
For accommodation, the Fourvière Hôtel (doubles from €139 room-only) offers a unique stay in a former convent near the city’s Roman ruins, complete with a heated indoor pool and panoramic city views.
