Ultimate Lyon Soccer Travel Guide

At Soccer Trippers, we’ve explored the world’s greatest stadiums, matchday cultures, and fan experiences. This soccer travel guide combines expert knowledge and local insights to help you plan the perfect football trip to Lyon.

Why Lyon is a top destination for football fans

Olympique Lyonnais is a powerhouse of French football, with a reputation for developing top talent and competing on both domestic and European stages. But what makes Lyon truly special is the combination of passionate local support and a sleek, world-class matchday environment.

Lyon also boasts one of the best women’s football teams in the world, OL Féminin, making it a pioneering city for the global game. Combine this with a rich urban culture and scenic Rhône riverbanks, and you’ve got a football city that ticks every box.

Insider tip: Lyon fans are deeply connected to their club’s academy—watch for ovations when local youth products are subbed on.

Must-visit football stadiums in Lyon

Groupama Stadium → Stadium Guide: Groupama Stadium

Opened in 2016, this 59,000-seat arena in Décines-Charpieu is among Europe’s most advanced stadiums. Home to both OL men and women, it’s equipped with cutting-edge facilities, excellent acoustics, and modern fan zones.

Insider tip: Check out the OL Museum and megastore attached to the stadium before kick-off.

Stade de Gerland (Historical Gem)

OL’s former home and a site of many iconic matches, Stade de Gerland is now used by lower-division rugby and football teams—but still worth visiting for nostalgic fans.

Where to stay in Lyon as a football fan

Whether you’re here for the football, the food, or both, Lyon has plenty of convenient accommodation options:

• Hotels near Groupama Stadium → Best Hotels Near Groupama Stadium
• Luxury Hotels → Luxury Hotels in Lyon
• Budget Hotels → Budget Hotels in Lyon
• Airport Hotels → Hotels Near Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
• Best neighborhoods to stay → Where to Stay in Lyon for Football Fans

Pro-tip: Stay in Part-Dieu for easy public transport access to the stadium and city highlights.

Best sports bars & places to watch the game

Lyon’s bar scene is vibrant and football-focused, especially when OL is playing:

• Ninkasi Gerland → Iconic local chain with live football, burgers, and craft beer.
• Wallace Bar → A British-style pub popular with locals for Premier League and Ligue 1 matches.
• Boston Tavern → Screens all the top games with a loud, energetic crowd.

Recommended bar for a club: Ninkasi is the unofficial gathering place for OL fans on away days.

How to get around in Lyon

Lyon’s public transport is fast, clean, and covers all major football hotspots:

• Tram to the stadium: Line T3 connects Part-Dieu with Groupama Stadium on matchdays via a dedicated shuttle.
• Metro system: Covers most of the city, with lines A to D.
• Cycling: Velo’v bike-share system is ideal for exploring the riverside and inner city.

→ Lyon Public Transport Guide

Matchday tip: Get to the stadium early—there are fan zones, food trucks, and music before the match begins.

Other must-visit landmarks for football fans

Beyond the 90 minutes, Lyon offers football-themed and cultural highlights:

• OL Museum → Located inside Groupama Stadium, it traces the history of both men’s and women’s teams.
• Place Bellecour → Central square often decorated in OL colors on big matchdays.
• Rue de Marseille → Home to several OL-friendly cafés and mural art.

→ Best Football Landmarks in Lyon
→ Football Restaurants in Lyon

Lyon: Where football meets finesse

With its proud club history, world-class stadium, and culinary excellence, Lyon is a must-visit city for football travelers. Whether you’re chanting with the Kop Virage Nord or watching the next generation of talent debut for OL, this city serves football with French elegance.

Have you experienced matchday in Lyon? Share your tips and stories—or tag us in your OL photos!

→ Discover more French football cities like Nice or Paris.