See one of the largest wall frescoes in Europe in Lyon. The Wall of Canuts in the Croix-Rousse district spans nearly 4,000 square feet and depicts the lives of silk workers in the neighborhood in the 19th century. The wall was completed in 1987 by a team of artists. © Frederic Hodiesne | Dreamstime.com

The Institute Lumière promotes and preserves all elements of French filmmaking and honors the contributions of Auguste and Louis Lumière, inventors of the cinématographe. One of the earliest motion pictures produced was actually filmed very close to the Institute. © Steven Hatton | Dreamstime.com

These secret and covered passageways, more commonly known as traboules, date as far back as the fourth century and served as quick walkways between the river Saône and Lyon. These tunnels took on a new function for Canut silk workers in the 19th century as passageways for workers carrying heavy loads from workshops. About 40 are open to the public today and can be visited during guided tours. © Pierre Jean Durieu | Dreamstime.com

Explore the extensive collections of natural sciences, anthropology, Earth sciences and natural history at the Musée des Confluences. The museum features four main exhibitions: Origins – Stories of the World, Species – The Web of Life, Societies – Human Theatre and Eternities: Visions of the Beyond. © Beatrice Preve | Dreamstime.com

The 19th-century Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is hard to miss with its light stones and dominating towers. The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, credited with saving Lyon from the bubonic plague in the 17th century. Within the church find Romanesque and Byzantine architectural features. © Frantic00 | Dreamstime.com

Honoring Lyon’s rich history with silk and the silk merchants living there, the annual Silk Festival is held Nov. 16–19 this year. Hosted in the Palais de la Bourse, visitors can learn about silk production and more from over 120 professionals. © Pierre Jean Durieu | Dreamstime.com

For a day at the market, be sure to stop by Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse. This indoor market has garnered an international reputation for providing the finest gourmet food across 48 vendors, from fine wines to cheeses and bakeries to chocolate shops. © Engin Korkmaz | Dreamstime.com