Fête des Lumières – a unique festival of light

The streets, squares, and building facades become a giant screen for spectacular light installations. The entire city looks like a living stage set. Amid the festive decorations, the multilingual buzz, and the aroma of mulled wine served at every turn, it tastes even better than usual.

The festival has its roots in a tradition dating back to December 8, when the residents of Lyon lit candles in their windows to thank the Virgin Mary for saving the city from plague and war. Today, this tradition, which has not faded away, has evolved into one of the most famous light festivals in the world.