10 Best Places to See Live Music in Lyon

The Halle Tony Garnier is a massive performance theatre with a capacity of 17,000, making it the 3rd-largest venue in all of France. Although it hosts some of the world’s biggest live music acts, its origins couldn’t be more different. The building was opened as a cattle market and slaughterhouse.

Following 12 years of closure, this impressive building was reopened in 1988 after an extensive renovation that transformed the space into a world-class performance venue. The Halle Tony Garnier is now renowned for its enormous sell-out shows, with the stage having hosted artists like Ariana Grande, Coldplay, and U2.

The Auditorium-Orchestre National de Lyon, also known as the Auditorium Maurice-Ravel, is a breathtaking concert hall in La Part-Dieu's central business district. Home to the beloved Orchestre National de Lyon, the venue's ambitious renovation in the 1990s expanded its capacity to 2,100 seats and delivered an even more impressive soundscape that resonates from a concrete shell.

Perhaps one of the concert hall’s most impressive features is its towering organ, which was originally built for the 1878 World Fair. Made from 6,500 pipes, it was the work of prominent organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. With the surrounding building offering a comfortable atrium, high-end bars and spaces for smaller events, this Lyon landmark offers a superior concert-going experience.

Le Transbordeur has stood at the centre of Lyon’s live music scene since 1989, with this once dilapidated water treatment plant repurposed as a sprawling performance venue. With the much-loved British rock band New Order being the first group to perform at the venue, this 1,800-seat concert hall has continued to host iconic acts ever since.

Alongside a smaller club space with a capacity of 600 for more intimate art events and musical performances, Le Transbordeur has become one of the city’s go-to destinations for cultural happenings. Throughout summer, the venue’s outdoor areas come to life with open-air concerts, food festivals and even drive-in movies.

The Bourse du Travail has been a leading concert venue in Lyon since the 1920s. However, before this transition occurred, this spot served as a central location for the revolutionary workers' movement that spread across France in the early 20th century. This history is captured through a stunning mosaic that stretches 26 metres along the facade.

Today, the theatre sees up to 1,950 people watching famous local and international acts take to the stage, ranging from Iggy Pop to Metallica. Considering its storied past, the venue has been designated a Monument Historique since 1989 – a title given to officially recognised national heritage sites throughout France.

Le Petit Salon is a thriving destination for electronic music in Lyon. Situated in the city’s 7th arrondissement, the area’s large student population crams into the club throughout the week to catch an array of DJs and producers spinning house, techno, trance, and disco.

With 2 distinct rooms, Le Petit Salon isn’t just about creating the loudest atmosphere possible. A section was designed with a far lower sound level in mind, so having a casual conversation with friends between sessions on the dancefloor is made possible.

La Clef de Voûte has been a well-known jazz club since 2004, having taken over a striking 18th-century vaulted cellar. With the club setting the benchmark for jazz in Lyon, it’s easy to reach from its location in the historic 1st arrondissement close to the Rhône’s riverbanks.

Featuring incredible sound quality that resonates off the stone walls, the venue hosts around 240 performances per season, meaning there’s almost always something happening at La Clef de Voûte. While soaking up the music, you can order a delicious pizza from a next-door restaurant.

Le Sirius is a much-loved live music bar on a barge overlooking the Rhône. Established in 2002, it opens every day with different musical themes spread across its 3 spaces, allowing patrons to discover their ideal vibe.

From its picturesque riverfront location, Le Sirius presents around 135 live concerts and 300 DJ sets annually. Across a mix of resident acts and guest performers, there's always an eclectic soundtrack emanating from this wonderfully laidback venue.

Eden Rock Café is a great option if you’re looking for a classic American-style rock bar that comes with the hearty diner food to match. It’s in Lyon’s bustling 2nd arrondissement, surrounded by many notable pubs and restaurants. Inside, you’ll find a soundtrack spanning heavy original tunes to classic covers from history’s top rock bands.

Eden Rock Café’s downstairs section is dedicated to food and drinks, with people sitting down to feast on greasy burgers and fajitas, while the upper level is where the gigs take place. Come early to score tasty cuisine, then make your way up to catch local bands jamming until late.

Péniche Loupika has attracted countless late-night revellers since opening in 2005, with the barge’s upper deck and underground club delivering a striking soundscape. With the venue not defining itself by a single genre, you’ll find Lyon’s top electronic, hip hop and alternative artists gracing the stage most nights.

Open until 4 am on weekends, Péniche Loupika is an excellent spot for those looking to party until the early hours. From its scenic position overlooking the Saône, you’ll discover some of the region’s most forward-thinking performers exploring the boundaries of creative expression.

Trokson’s position along a pedestrian street in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon makes it a stellar spot to experience diverse musical acts. Expect punk, rock, soul and everything in between. The bar spills out into the street, making it great for people-watching in the early evenings.

Launched in 2005, Trokson’s bookers are widely known for organising some of the most fascinating events in Lyon. While the underground band room consistently bursting with energy, its expansive outdoor terrace is excellent for catching your breath with a cocktail in hand.