CISL Lyon – the perfect place to stay for groups or solo travelers
Every year, Lyon lights up in a thousand colors during the famous Festival of Lights, an iconic artistic event that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. In 2025, get ready to experience four magical evenings from December 5th to 8th, featuring dazzling light installations, interactive shows, and a enchanting atmosphere that fills the streets of the city.
With such large crowds, one question often comes up: where to stay in Lyon during the Festival of Lights without breaking the bank?
The Lyon International Youth Hostel (CISL) stands out by offering comfortable, friendly, and affordable group accommodations.
As a key player in the social and solidarity economy (SSE), CISL maintains consistent pricing throughout the year, even during the Festival of Lights ✨.
🌟 Festival of Lights 2025: An event not to miss
Every year around December 8th, Lyon is transformed in tribute to the Virgin Mary. Over four evenings, historic buildings, squares, and streets in the city center become luminous works of art.
Must-see places:
- Place Bellecour: featuring dazzling light installations and projections.
- Place des Terreaux : Every year, a magnificent visual show captivates visitors.
- Basilique de Fourvière : A festival landmark with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Vieux-Lyon : Illuminated traboules and medieval streets, perfect for evening strolls.
The 2025 edition also features the charitable initiative Lumignons du Cœur. For €2 each, every candle purchased helps support Singa Lyon, an organization that promotes the inclusion of refugees.
More information about the program and the artworks will be available from November 5th, 2025.
🏠 CISL, éthic étapes Lyon: the perfect accommodation for groups and individual travelers
The perfect place to stay, whether in a group, with family, or with friends.
Located in the 8th arrondissement, just a 12-minute tram ride from Part-Dieu station, CISL is the perfect place to accommodate both individual travelers and groups ranging from 10 to 180 people. Our concept is built on three pillars: accommodation, dining, and conviviality, all while being eco-friendly.
🔹 Rooms for All
- Clean and comfortable rooms with 1 to 4 beds
- Each room includes a private bathroom and complimentary Wi-Fi
- Beds prepared before your arrival
- Breakfast is included and served at the restaurant
Unique advantage: rates remain consistent throughout the year, even during the Festival of Lights, unlike most hotels in Lyon.
🔹 Friendly common areas and group-friendly facilities
After a day wandering through the illuminated streets:
- Relaxation lounge, terrace, and garden area
- TV lounges
- Recreation room featuring a ping-pong table and foosball table
- On-site bar offering a selection of local beverages
This arrangement makes CISL perfect for hiking groups, community centers, sports clubs, and school groups seeking a mix of culture, friendly atmosphere, and practicality.
🔹 Convenient access to Lyon city center
During the Festival of Lights, getting around the city can be challenging. One of CISL’s main advantages is its proximity to public transportation.
Pour une version légèrement plus fluide et engageante :
From the CISL:
- Trams T4 and T6 stop directly outside the building
- Just 20 minutes and you’re in the heart of the event, with no parking worries.
You can fully enjoy the Festival and conveniently return to CISL to relax afterward.
🍽️ Dining available on-site
At the CISL restaurant, you can enjoy:
- Breakfast is included
- Balanced and varied lunches and dinners available by reservation
Pro tip: Make sure to reserve your meals in advance during the Festival of Lights, as downtown restaurants tend to get fully booked.
🌿 An environmentally responsible and sustainable place to stay
CISL Lyon holds the European Ecolabel and implements tangible eco-friendly practices:
- Measures to reduce water and energy usage
- Selective waste sorting and composting
- Collaborations with responsible local partners
- Educating guests on sustainable practices
💫 Explore cultural and gastronomic experiences around Lyon
Make the most of your visit by exploring the city beyond the illuminations:
- Explore Vieux-Lyon and its traboules, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- The Musée des Confluences, just a 20-minute trip from CISL
- The Rhône and Saône quays, ideal for leisurely strolls
- Christmas market featuring local and handmade products
📩 Reserve your stay today
Each year, the Festival of Lights draws thousands of visitors, so rooms book up fast!
To ensure your stay at CISL Lyon:
- Reserve your rooms
- Arrange your meals
- Benefit from logistics tailored for groups
Contact : info@cis-lyon.com
Web site : www.cis-lyon.com
✨ In summary
CIS Lyon is the must-visit place to experience the Festival of Lights with family, friends, or groups, in complete comfort.
