Lyon in video: the essential spots to film

Capital of Gaul, city of light and land of gastronomy, Lyon is also one of the most photogenic cities in France. Between its hills, its two rivers and its UNESCO-listed heritage, it offers videographers an exceptionally rich playground. Whether you are preparing a travel vlog, a souvenir film or content for your networks, here is our selection of the most spectacular Lyon spots to film — and the techniques to enhance them.

Old Lyon and its secret traboules

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Lyon is a labyrinth of Renaissance architecture. Its traboules – these covered passages which discreetly connect the streets together – are perfect for immersive sequences. A 360° camera reveals all its magic: film while walking slowly through the interior courtyards and spiral staircases for a “guided tour” rendering that your spectators will love.

Our advice: come early in the morning, around 7 or 8 a.m., when the passages are deserted and a soft light slips between the facades. The cobbled streets and narrow perspectives then create plans of great elegance.

The banks of the Saône at sunset

At dusk, the golden reflections on the Saône offer images of rare softness. This is the perfect time to take a stabilized timelapse along the quays: a time-lapse action camera compresses a thirty-minute walk into a few seconds of fluid, hypnotic video. The colorful facades of the right bank and the footbridges add depth to your plans.

Consider varying the shooting heights: at water level to capture the reflections, then high up on a bridge to embrace the entire curve of the river.

The Fourvière terrace, 180° view

Perched on its hill, the Fourvière basilica offers one of the most beautiful urban panoramas in France: the Presqu’île, the Rhône, and on a clear day, the silhouette of the Alps and Mont-Blanc on the horizon. It is the wide angle spot par excellence, both for still shots and for spectacular 360° sequences. The climb by the string (the funicular) itself makes a great video opening.

Choose early morning or late afternoon to benefit from the grazing light that sculpts the city's roofs.

The Confluence and its contemporary architecture

At the southern tip of the Presqu'île, where the Rhône and the Saône meet, the Confluence district displays resolutely modern architecture. The Musée des Confluences, the dock and the boldly shaped buildings create a striking contrast with historic Lyon. It is a perfect setting for graphic and geometric shots, and an excellent subject for aerial photography – subject, of course, to respecting regulations and checking flight authorizations.

The illuminated peninsula, after dark

Lyon owes its reputation in part to its lighting plan, which highlights monuments and facades every evening. Place Bellecour, rue de la République and place des Terreaux, magnificently lit, then become movie scenes. To capture them, activate your camera's night mode and stabilize your shots on a mini-tripod to limit digital noise and shake. The play of reflections on the wet paving stones adds an additional cinematic touch.

Our advice for filming Lyon like a pro

Some transversal principles to make your Lyon film a success:

• Vary the formats: alternate wide shots, architectural details and moving sequences.
• Focus on light: the golden hours of morning and evening transform any decor.
• Stabilize your movements: walk slowly, knees flexible, and favor the integrated stabilization of your equipment.
• Think about the sound: the atmosphere of the quays, markets and squares considerably enriches your montage.
• Respect places and people: certain sites and the privacy of passers-by require discretion and common sense.

The right equipment, without investing

Action camera for moving sequences, 360° camera for traboules and panoramas, drone for aerial views: each Lyon spot calls for a different tool. Rather than purchasing expensive equipment that you will only use occasionally, renting gives you access to the ideal equipment for the duration of your stay.

At Fox Rider, we deliver checked and ready-to-use equipment throughout France, insured against breakage and theft, with technical support at your service. Enough to explore Lyon with a free mind, camera in hand.

Discover our rental offers on fox-rider.com and choose the perfect equipment to capture Lyon like never before.