Shopping in Lyon, France : best places to shop and get your VAT refund
You're visiting Lyon, city of lights, silk and gastronomy, and wondering where to shop and what to bring home ?
Lyon is not only famous for its gastronomy and UNESCO-listed old town. It is also a fabulous city to indulge in shopping, whether you're after high-end fashion, independent concept stores, or local treasures.
And as a non-EU visitor, you can get a VAT refund on your purchases.
Here is your complete, tax-free friendly guide to the best shopping areas in Lyon.
And also, don’t miss our guide to the best places to shop tax-free in Chamonix, perfect for combining alpine charm with smart savings.
Key points
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Lyon offers diverse shopping : from luxury boutiques in the Carré d’Or to local crafts in Croix-Rousse, and major malls like Westfield La Part-Dieu.
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Best souvenirs to bring home : silk scarves, pralines, wine, and handmade art, all deeply rooted in Lyon’s heritage.
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Non-EU visitors can shop tax-free : with Zapptax, get a VAT refund on purchases you bring back with you.
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Zapptax makes it easy : shop anywhere, upload your invoices in the app, and claim your VAT digitally when you leave France.
12 best shopping areas and malls
1. Carré d’Or : for luxury shopping and fine goods
Located between Place Bellecour and Place des Jacobins, the Carré d’Or (Golden Square) is the beating heart of high-end shopping in Lyon.
Stroll down Rue du Président Édouard Herriot and discover iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, Cartier, and Dior.
📌 Zapptax’s tax-free tip : All major brands in this district are eligible for VAT refunds. Ask for an invoice made out to Zapptax and let the app handle the rest.
2. Rue de la République : the city’s commercial boulevard
One of Lyon’s busiest shopping streets, Rue de la République connects Place Bellecour with Hôtel de Ville. Here, you’ll find popular international stores like Zara, Uniqlo, H&M, Sephora, and FNAC.
It is the ideal place for everyday fashion, tech, and cosmetics, all in a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly setting.
3. Croix-Rousse : for artisan goods and concept stores
Up on the hill, the Croix-Rousse district is known for its bohemian spirit and artistic flair.
Once home to Lyon’s silk weavers, it is now filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and concept stores that offer local design, eco-conscious fashion and handmade accessories.
4. Vieux Lyon : for charming, old-world shopping
Wander through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, a Renaissance district lined with quirky shops and artisan boutiques. From handmade chocolates to gourmet food items and medieval-themed gifts, this area is perfect for souvenir hunting.
5. La Part-Dieu : Lyon’s largest shopping mall
Westfield La Part-Dieu is one of Europe’s largest urban malls. Recently renovated, it now offers more than 250 shops including Galeries Lafayette, Apple Store, Mango, Levi's, and more. You will also find restaurants, cinemas and a panoramic terrace.
It is easily accessible by metro or tram, and a good idea for a rainy day shopping spree.
6. Confluence Shopping Center : riverside retail & leisure
Located at the southern tip of the Presqu’île, the Westfield Confluence Mall combines fashion, dining, and entertainment with a modern, eco-friendly design.
It is less crowded than La Part-Dieu and includes big names like H&M, Darty, and Superdry, alongside stylish cafes.
We recommend you to enjoy a riverside walk after shopping or visit the nearby Musée des Confluences. You will love it.
7. Village des Créateurs (Passage Thiaffait)
Tucked inside a hidden passage in Croix-Rousse, the Village des Créateurs supports emerging fashion and lifestyle designers.
Here, you will find made-in-France clothing, jewelry, leather goods and accessories, most of them handmade or small-batch.
Perfect for fashion-forward travelers looking for authentic, creative gifts.
8. Hôtel-Dieu boutiques : for French elegance & lifestyle
The historic Grand Hôtel-Dieu, now transformed into a luxury complex, offers high-end shopping in a unique setting.
Think artisanal perfumeries, French skincare, interior design boutiques, wine shops and gourmet food stores.
For photography lovers, the architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
9. Rue Auguste Comte : antiques & design shopping
Lyon is also famous for its antiques scene. Stroll along Rue Auguste Comte near Place Bellecour and browse over 100 antique dealers and vintage shops. From 19th-century furniture to rare collectibles, it is a real paradise for design lovers.
Most sellers speak English and are used to international buyers.
10. Galeries Lafayette Lyon Part-Dieu : fashion, beauty and French classics
Located inside Westfield La Part-Dieu, Galeries Lafayette is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore a wide range of French and international brands under one roof.
From luxury fashion and accessories to beauty, homeware and gourmet products, it is the perfect one-stop shop.
Tip : Ask for an invoice made out to Zapptax at checkout to make your entire shopping experience tax-free.
11. Soieries Saint-Georges : Lyon's silk heritage
We assure you, no visit to Lyon is complete without experiencing its silk legacy.
Soieries Saint-Georges, in the Vieux Lyon, sells exquisite silk scarves, ties and fabrics, made using traditional techniques.
Think about it, a 100% silk scarf, elegant and lightweight, with Lyon’s historical patterns, is definitely a great gift idea.
12. Marché de la Création : arts & crafts market
Every Sunday morning on the banks of the Saône, the Marché de la Création gathers dozens of local artists and craftspeople.
You can browse original paintings, jewelry, illustrations, photography and ceramics, all handmade.
A wonderful place to meet Lyon’s creative community and bring home a souvenir with a soul.
How to shop tax-free in Lyon ?
If you're a non-EU resident, you can claim a VAT refund on many purchases made in France, including clothing, electronics, beauty products, souvenirs, and even wine.
Instead of requesting a tax-free form from each shop, the Zapptax app lets you centralize everything digitally, making the process much simpler and faster.
What do you need to qualify ?
- Be over 16 years old
- Live outside the European Union
- Spend over €100 (VAT included) in total (can be across different shops)
- Take the goods back with you in your personal luggage
How does Zapptax work ?
- Shop at any store in Lyon and ask for an invoice made out to “Zapptax”
- Upload your invoices in the app
- Once you reach the minimum total, Zapptax prepares your digital tax-free form
- At the airport or border, scan the form at Customs (PABLO kiosk or Custom officer) before leaving the EU
- Receive your refund via bank transfer or PayPal within a few weeks.
You can even combine several small purchases to reach the threshold, something not possible with traditional in-store tax-free systems.
What souvenirs to bring back from Lyon ?
Lyon is a city of refined taste and there is no shortage of memorable items to take home. Some of our favorites include :
- Silk scarves or ties, a nod to Lyon’s textile heritage
- Praline brioche or coussins de Lyon (small travel-safe confections)
- Handmade ceramics or illustrations from local artists
- A bottle (or two) of good French wine, such as Côte-Rôtie or Beaujolais
Flying with wine ? You can absolutely detax wine purchases in France, just make sure to pack bottles properly in checked luggage, keep your invoices, and declare them according to your home country’s customs rules.
For detailed info on wine limits, taxes and how to save on French wine, check out our complete guide.
Conclusion
Lyon is a city full of culture, charm, and character, a place worth taking your time to explore. And once you've seen the sights, shopping is the perfect way to bring a piece of it home.
Bringing home luxury pieces, artisan gifts or a bottle of fine wine ? Make it count with Zapptax, the easy way to reclaim your VAT and save on every purchase.
FAQ
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Where can I go shopping in Lyon ?
The best areas include the Carré d’Or for luxury fashion, Rue de la République for popular brands, Croix-Rousse for artisan goods and concept stores, and Vieux Lyon for unique souvenirs and crafts. You will also find major shopping malls like Westfield La Part-Dieu and Confluence.
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Is Lyon a good shopping destination ?
Absolutely, yes ! Lyon offers a rich variety of shopping experiences, from historical boutiques to trendy concept stores, and everything in between.
It is also less crowded (and much cheaper) than Paris and ideal for discovering French brands in a more relaxed setting.
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What is Lyon’s main shopping street ?
Lyon’s main shopping street is Rue de la République. It is located in the Presqu’île, it connects Place Bellecour to Hôtel de Ville and is lined with flagship stores, fashion retailers, bookstores and cafes. All in a pedestrian-only zone.
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Can tourists get a VAT refund in Lyon?
Yes, of course. If you are a non-EU resident and spend over €100 during your stay, you’re eligible for a VAT refund on almost all your goods you bring back with you. Use Zapptax to simplify the process and claim your refund digitally and securely.
