Enjoy the Festival of Lights and return to rest in an idyllic natural setting. Camping des Barolles welcomes you with pitches for caravans and motorhomes, as well as mobile homes. All just a few minutes from the city centre.
It’s the perfect alternative, but like all accommodation options around December 8th, don’t wait too long to book. We’ll explain why and how to find the best spots for the festivities.
What is the Festival of Lights?
In Lyon, the Festival of Lights brings together around 2 million visitors each year. Its success lies in the quality of the artistic installations. Set up outdoors, they light up the most beautiful monuments of the capital of Gaul.
These light displays offer a fresh perspective to locals who know their city by heart. Visitors from all over France and abroad come to admire this unique show, projected onto facades listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Each year, the Festival of Lights introduces us to artists from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether they are students, established artists, young creators, part of an association or a company, they all share the same passion for stone and light.
Dates and routes for the 2022 Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights takes place over 4 days around December 8th. This is the date in 1852 when the statue of the Virgin Mary was inaugurated on the Fourvière hill. As the story goes, after several delays caused by bad weather, the people of 19th-century Lyon showed their gratitude by lighting candles in their windows. This act of unity is the origin of the traditional December 8th “lumignons”.
In 2022, the Festival of Lights will take place from Thursday, December 8 to Sunday, December 11. To make the most of the experience, plan for several hours of walking and admiring the lights. The route takes you through several districts of Lyon. The Old Town and the Presqu’île are among the best areas for the light projections. These neighborhoods include many of the city’s historic buildings.
Why choose a campsite?
During the Festival, all hotels in the city are fully booked. Demand skyrockets — and so do the prices. Camping offers a very attractive and affordable alternative, but that’s not the only reason to consider it.
Even in normal times, driving and parking in central Lyon can be tricky. During the Festival of Lights, it gets even more complicated. Over the four days of festivities, the best option is to use public transport. If you’re driving in, it’s often easier to park on the outskirts.
By choosing a campsite for the Festival of Lights, you can safely park your vehicle on-site and easily hop on public transport to reach the event.
Camping in Lyon VS Camping near Lyon
Next, you’ll need to decide between staying at a campsite in Lyon or one just outside the city.
Campsites closest to the attractions are snapped up quickly. And even if you manage to book in time, be prepared for crowds and potential noise.
Opting for a campsite a bit further out gives you a perfect balance between the excitement of the festival and the calm of the outdoors. That’s exactly what Camping des Barolles offers: a unique spot for a peaceful camping weekend just minutes from Lyon.
Camping des Barolles: a strategic location for visiting Lyon
Set in the heart of nature, Camping des Barolles is still well connected to the city centre of Lyon. During your short camping stay, you can reach the city in just 20 minutes using public transport.
When you return, you’ll enjoy a peaceful setting to eat and relax, whether you’re alone, with family or friends. To make your stay easier, the reception offers bus and metro tickets for sale and shares tips and local advice to help you explore Lyon.
On-site, we offer several types of accommodation. Our 6 mobile homes provide all the comfort you need as winter approaches: bedroom, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, terrace, and of course a parking space. Camping des Barolles also offers pitches for caravans and motorhomes, open all year round. Our tent area is closed during the winter season.
Why should you book early?
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to book as early as possible for the Festival of Lights. If you’re planning to stay in the city centre, reservations should be made by autumn. For a more affordable and comfortable alternative close to Lyon, it’s also best to book in advance. That way, you can choose your mobile home or reserve your caravan/motorhome pitch for the dates that suit you.