Lyon - Event

Every building in Lyon is illuminated during the magical Fêtes des Lumières as locals parade through the night, lantern in hand. The tradition dates from 1852, when a statue of the Virgin was unveiled on the hillside during a storm.

The hillside unveiling was originally planned for 8 September 1852, but had to be postponed due to bad weather. Rescheduled for 8 December, it was threatened again by an incipient storm. However, the clouds lifted and the population came out en masse to celebrate the occasion, armed with lights and lanterns in their thousands.

Today, a host of activities are planned around the procession, which has now been extended to become an action-packed four-day festival.