Debating whether or not to go to this.

Has anyone been in past years? Is it worth the time? My girlfriend's parents will be here for that weekend, and we have heard that it is good although the website doesn't give me the same impression...

Hi,
we've been there for this in 2008. As far as festivals go its not fantastic but it is nice. Its also a short drive from Geneva/Lausanne and Lyon is a nice town with very good restaurants and some decent shopping so if you've never been I would say you should give it a try.

cheers

Went last year, but honestly it was not anything special. Christmas markets on most towns are more interesting. Good restaurants there though so I would go just to meet up with her parents.

We went in 2009 and again in 2010. I would recommend a visit, be sure to book the hotel and restaurant table!

I enjoyed the artistic displays using electric lights and lasers. It is very unusual and the 20 or more displays are free of charge, and difficult to cover in one evening. Lyon is a lovely city, their wealth is based on silk weaving and trading via the two rivers.

I've never been to the Fete but Lyon is worth a visit. So no reason not to do it at the same time. I really liked Lyon even if it is a bit quirky. And as was said above the restaurants were very good.

I lived in Lyon for 5 years, and I went to the Fete des Lumières twice. You have to know that it is really crowded, especially around place des Terreaux, Bellecour and Hotel de ville. Last time I went, we couldn't even walk, we were stuck in the crowd and force to go wherever the crowd would go. Never again.

Initially, the Fete des Lumieres was december the 8th. It is now 4 days long, but most of the Lyonnais still light up their candle on the 8th. That is really beautiful. Every windows has lot of small candles, it is magic.

Last year, I went to see the Parc de la tete d'or installations, and it was really nice. There was fire everywhere, and don't how they manage not to burn the parc down !

Anyway, if you don't like crowded places, don't go, it will ruin the magical. But if you don't mind, then go ! And Lyon is indeed a nice city !

But remember, Lyon isn't switzerland ! Watch your belongings !