traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2025 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
France/Things to Do in Lyon, with kids

Grand Hotel Dieu (with kids)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Kids-Friendly is Grand Hotel Dieu?

81%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can see Guignol puppet shows, tackle illusion rooms, follow a child audio trail and run in car-free courtyards, but there is no playground or hands-on science zone.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 6,738 reviews)

Positives:

  • Stroller-friendly paths: All courtyards have gentle slopes and wide walkways for strollers.
  • Ample seating: Benches in each courtyard let kids rest between activities.
  • Family restrooms: Free toilets are available in the Cour du Midi lower level.

Challenges:

  • Weekend crowds: The courtyards and main attractions can get busy on weekends.
  • Ticket availability: Puppet shows and the illusion museum have limited daily slots; book ahead to avoid sold-out shows.
Grand Hotel Dieu image 1
Grand Hotel Dieu image 2
Grand Hotel Dieu image 3
Grand Hotel Dieu image 4
Grand Hotel Dieu image 5
🏖️ Explore Grand Hotel Dieu with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Grand Hotel Dieu. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Grand Hotel Dieu?

  • A historic riverside complex that served as Lyon’s principal hospital for over eight centuries
  • An architectural ensemble featuring classical facades, a soaring Soufflot-designed dome and a sequence of ornate courtyards
  • A mixed-use development hosting a five-star hotel, retail galleries, restaurants and cultural spaces

What is so special about Grand Hotel Dieu for with kids?

  1. Historic courtyards with safe play areas for children
  2. Véritable Théâtre Guignol puppet shows designed for young audiences
  3. Musée de l’Illusion’s interactive optical puzzles
  4. Free children’s audio-guide with fun historical stories
  5. Seasonal DIY workshops during school holidays

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for a puppet show, illusion museum, audio-guide tour and a snack break without rushing.

(View Grand Hotel Dieu on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Grand Hotel Dieu

Véritable Théâtre Guignol puppet show:

Catch a classic Guignol performance in the open-air courtyard theatre

Tip: Buy tickets online or at the info desk in advance to secure seats

Musée de l’Illusion:

Explore mirror rooms and hands-on optical puzzles

Tip: Head there first when it opens to avoid waiting in lines

Children’s audio-guide “Portraits”:

Scan courtyard medallions for fun stories about Rabelais and Soufflot

Tip: Download the app and bring headphones for each child before arrival

Summer DIY workshops:

Join free mask-making and painting sessions during school holidays

Tip: Check the workshop schedule at the info desk on arrival

Explore the courtyards and gardens:

Let kids run safely among historic cloisters and shaded benches

Tip: Pack a small picnic or snacks to enjoy on the benches

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Grand Hotel Dieu

  1. Reserve tickets online: Book puppet show and museum tickets before you arrive to skip lines.
  2. Download the audio-guide app: Install the children’s guide and prepare headphones at home to save time.
  3. Start with outdoor shows: Begin your visit with the puppet show while kids are fresh, then explore indoors.
🏖️ Tour Grand Hotel Dieu like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Grand Hotel Dieu. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Grand Hotel Dieu

Powered by Google
J T G Nielsen

J T G Nielsen

Aug 2025

A must see when visiting Lyon. The amazing and stunning renovations are credit to the visionary approach and architecture that now plays a central role in the city. Stay at the Intercontinental Hotel or just go for lunch or dinner, it’s a must for everyone to visit.

Goldy Wong

Goldy Wong

Aug 2025

By IHG group intercontinental management! New hotel! 6 years old. It was a children hospital before remodeling! Over 100 years old building! Modernized to a new hotel! service can be improved! Not detailed enough!

Susan Sutherland (Susie)

Susan Sutherland (Susie)

Jun 2025

Beautiful! Want to stay here next time we come as location is ideal. Staff were lovely and the old court yards are so nice too. Had a drink outside in the hotel bar/courtyard and they brought us out champagne as we just got engaged, we loved the fuss and how special they made us feel! Will be back!

Wisanu Tuntawiroon

Wisanu Tuntawiroon

Jun 2025

The Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon is more than just a beautiful building—it’s a masterpiece of Lyon’s architectural and cultural heritage, elegantly reborn for the modern age. Once one of the oldest hospitals in France, this grand structure along the Rhône River has been meticulously transformed into a luxurious complex housing a five-star hotel, gourmet restaurants, boutique shops, and a museum. The buildi...

Matthew Hughes

Matthew Hughes

Apr 2025

We visited the hotel's famous Le Dome bar for heavy hors d'oeuvres on Easter Sunday. We started with a few hand-crafted cocktails, including the signature Le Dome, an homage to the city's pink pralines, and a classic spicy bloody mary. We chose the Trilogy of Savory Delight to accompany the cocktails and were impressed with a three-tiered presentation of the snacks, reminiscent of our high tea t...

When is the best time to visit Grand Hotel Dieu (Lyon, France)?

In summer, look for free kids’ workshops and outdoor puppet show performances in the courtyards. In cooler months, dress in layers as the open spaces can feel chilly and start with indoor activities like the illusion museum.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Lyon on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Véritable Théâtre Guignol puppet show (2 adults + 2 kids)EUR 26
Musée de l’Illusion family ticketEUR 49
Snacks & drinks at Café MokxaEUR 15
DIY workshop materialsEUR 0
Total EstimatedEUR 90

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Grand Hotel Dieu

Address: 1 Pl. de l'Hôpital, 69002 Lyon, France

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Grand Hotel Dieu (Lyon)?

← See other Things to Do in Lyon (with kids)

About Grand Hotel Dieu

Opening Hours

Monday:7:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Tuesday:7:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday:7:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Thursday:7:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Friday:7:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday:7:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday:7:30 AM – 1:00 AM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇫🇷 France, with kids

Things to Do in Paris, with kids
Paris
Things to Do in Nice, with kids
Nice
Things to Do in Lyon, with kids
Lyon

🇺🇸 United States, with kids

Things to Do in Hawaii, with kids
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, with kids
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, with kids

Things to Do in Vancouver, with kids
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, with kids
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, with kids
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, with kids

Things to Do in Dublin, with kids
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, with kids
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, with kids
Galway

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids

Things to Do in London, with kids
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, with kids
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, with kids
Manchester

🇮🇹 Italy, with kids

Things to Do in Rome, with kids
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, with kids
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, with kids
Milan

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Lyon, France

searching for