Lyon summer travel essentials list: Don’t let the heat affect your mood
In the summer, Lyon, a city that blends history and modernity, is particularly charming in the sun. The Rhone and Saône rivers meet, and the city’s green spaces, terrace cafes and monuments shine in the hot sun. However, the high temperatures in summer can also be inconvenient. To ensure that you stay comfortable and energetic during your summer trip to Lyon, it is particularly important to prepare a reasonable essentials list.
1. Breathable clothing and sun protection equipment
Light fabrics, comfortable and breathable
In hot weather, it is crucial to choose light fabrics. Cotton and linen T-shirts, loose shirts or dresses can help the body dissipate heat faster and reduce stickiness. Avoid synthetic fiber fabrics, which have poor breathability and are prone to causing stuffiness and discomfort.
Avoid dark colors and choose light colors
Dark clothes will absorb heat faster when traveling in the summer, which can easily cause the body temperature to rise. Choose white, beige or light blue tones, which are not only more suitable for taking pictures, but also effectively reflect sunlight and reduce the feeling of stuffiness.
Hats and sunglasses to block direct sunlight
Wide-brimmed straw hats or sports hats can effectively cover the face and neck to prevent sunburn and heatstroke. Sunglasses protect the eyes from strong light stimulation. It is recommended to choose lenses with UV400 protection function.
2. High-efficiency sunscreen and skin care products
High-multiple sunscreen, long-lasting protection
The ultraviolet rays in midsummer are strong. It is recommended to carry SPF30 or above sunscreen with you and remember to reapply it every 2 hours. Sunscreen texture is preferably refreshing or spray type to avoid heavy and greasy feeling.
Moisturizing spray and aloe vera gel
When you are outdoors for a long time, the skin is susceptible to high temperature and dryness. Moisturizing spray can replenish water at any time, and aloe vera gel can soothe the skin after sun exposure to prevent dryness and pain after sunburn.
Lip protection should not be ignored either
Strong light and dry air may cause chapped lips. Lip balm containing sunscreen ingredients is a good helper. Moisturize well before applying to avoid the embarrassment of chapped lips when going out.
3. Healthy diet and hydration strategies
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
In hot environments, the body loses water faster. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to ensure that you are always hydrated. Whether you are strolling in the scenic spots or taking a break on the terrace in the city center, it is important to stay hydrated.
Proper intake of electrolyte drinks
Long-term outdoor activities can easily cause imbalance of human electrolytes. Proper drinking of electrolyte-containing beverages, such as sports drinks or mineral-containing soda, helps maintain body balance.
Summer seasonal fruits: double supply of vitamins and water
Lyon’s summer fruit market is colorful, and fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, watermelons and other fruits are rich in water and vitamins, which can quench thirst and replenish nutrients for the body. It is recommended to buy portable fruits at the market or supermarket and enjoy them at any time during the trip.
4. Comfortable accessories for summer travel
Portable fans or small handheld electric fans
In an environment without air conditioning or poor ventilation, portable fans are a good companion for cooling down. When walking in the city center or scenic spots, you can turn them on at any time to bring a cool breeze.
Wet wipes and disinfectants
It is easy to sweat in hot weather, and wet wipes can wipe sweat and hands at any time. There is a large flow of people in public places in Lyon, so alcohol disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer are also necessary to ensure hygiene and comfort.
5. Lightweight backpacks and storage tips
Lightweight backpacks to reduce burden
When traveling in summer, it is advisable to choose a lightweight and breathable backpack to evenly share the weight and reduce shoulder and neck fatigue. The capacity is moderate and can store water bottles, sunscreen products, light meals and other necessary items.
Classification and storage, orderly
Use storage bags or small storage boxes to classify sunscreen, skin care products, wet wipes and other items. In this way, even if you need them temporarily outdoors, you can quickly find the items you need and avoid confusion in the bag.
6. Technology assistance, flexible grasp of information
Offline maps and navigation tools
It is easy to encounter unstable signals when traveling in summer. Download offline maps such as Google Maps offline package or local APP in advance to ensure that you can always grasp the travel route and the location of nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
Real-time weather and UV index query
Before going out on hot days, check the weather forecast and UV intensity, and adjust the time to go out reasonably. It is recommended to avoid the hottest period from 12 noon to 3 pm, and try to go out in the morning or evening.
7. Lyon’s unique summer experience
Riverside walks and outdoor cafes
The breeze on summer nights is particularly charming on both sides of the Saône and Rhone rivers. The trails along the river are suitable for leisurely walks, and the outdoor cafes provide a good place to cool off. Sit on the bench by the river, overlook the sparkling water, and enjoy the poetic time of midsummer.
Markets and street performances: enthusiastic summer markets
Lyon’s summer markets are very popular, with fresh fruit stalls and local specialty food stalls. Street performers add a cheerful atmosphere. It is suitable to go in the afternoon or evening, where you can shop and immerse yourself in the authentic French rhythm of life.
8. Recommended attractions and activities
Overlooking the night view of Fourvière Hill
After nightfall in summer, Fourvière Hill overlooks the night view of the whole city, with a cool breeze. You can take the cable car up the mountain, or slowly climb to the top along the trail to enjoy the brightly lit night view of Lyon.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
In summer, Parc de la Tête d’Or becomes a natural summer resort. The lakeside paths, large green areas and the island in the middle of the lake are ideal places for walking or picnics. The rose garden and zoo in the park also add vitality and fun to the journey.
Modern architecture and riverside style in the Confluence district
Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the Confluence district is especially suitable for evening walks in summer. Here, modern buildings and riverside green areas complement each other, and there are many shopping centers and restaurants. It is a good place to cool off, shop and enjoy delicious food.
9. Flexible transportation and itinerary arrangements
TCL’s diverse ticket options
During the summer, the itinerary is dense. You can flexibly choose Lyon TCL public transportation multi-day tickets or City Cards to save money and take the subway, tram or bus at any time to avoid long-term exposure to the sun.
Shared bicycles and electric scooters: a good helper for short-distance travel
Lyon city is full of shared bicycles and electric scooters, which are suitable for short-distance travel. Especially in the hot summer, reducing the physical exertion caused by long-term walking makes travel more efficient and cool.
10. Festivals and special events
Lyon Summer Outdoor Film Festival
In the evenings of midsummer, many parks and open-air squares in Lyon will hold free outdoor movie screenings. Bring a small blanket or folding chair and enjoy a movie night under the stars with local residents, which is unique.
Summer Music Festivals and Night Events
Lyon’s summer music festivals are frequent, and lively music performances can often be seen on the streets or squares. Convenient public transportation at night also makes it easier to participate in nightlife.
11. Safety and health tips
Prevent heat stroke and sunburn
When going out, try to avoid the strongest sunlight at noon, make sure to carry water with you, and find a cool place or take a short rest indoors. If you have symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue, replenish water and cool down in time to avoid the risk of heat stroke.
Food safety and balanced diet
In hot weather, street snacks are prone to breeding bacteria. It is recommended to buy them in regular stores with refrigeration conditions. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid eating too much greasy food at one time to maintain gastrointestinal comfort.
Before leaving Lyon, you may want to enjoy a leisurely iced coffee in a street cafe or reminisce about the moments of your journey on a riverside bench. Although there are heat waves in midsummer, they also bring countless vitality and enthusiasm. Through reasonable preparation and thoughtful details, the beautiful memories of summer journeys will be clearer and deeper.
Traveling in Lyon in midsummer, whether it is visiting ancient monuments under the scorching sun or enjoying the breeze by the river in the evening, is worth cherishing. I hope every traveler can enjoy the colorful summer of this city with the most relaxed mood and the most comfortable state. I wish every departure is full of vitality and every arrival is full of surprises!
