Lyon v Arsenal: Away Guide For Arsenal Fans

Sophie Hurst
21 hours ago
4 min read

Olympique Lyonnais are the ultimate champions of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, lifting the trophy a record eight times during what was a defining era of dominance in European football. Now they go head-to-head with the team that knocked them out of the competition last season: Arsenal, the reigning champions.

This is the second leg of the tie, with everything still to play for after the first meeting on Sunday 26th April at Arsenal’s home ground. The stakes are simple: Arsenal have a title to defend, while Lyon have history to protect.

It’s experience versus momentum, and it’s all still open heading into France.

Getting There & Around

One of the biggest positives about Lyon is how close everything feels once you arrive. The Airport is well connected and only around 30-40 minutes from both the city and stadium area, making it ideal for short away trips or quick turnarounds.

From the airport, the Rhonexpress tram runs directly into the city, where you can connect onto the T3 tram line towards Décines Grand Large, the stop for the stadium. The full journey is around 35 minutes by public transport, or roughly 15 minutes by car or Uber depending on traffic.

For a Champions League night, it’s one of the easier away days in Europe with clear routes, reliable transport, and a great city to explore in between the football.

Where to Stay

Your choice of stay depends on whether you prioritise convenience or experience.

Stadium/Airport Area

If you want minimal stress and quick travel to the ground, staying near the stadium or airport makes sense.

Hotels typically range from €60–€150 per night, with solid options including:

This is the most practical option if you’re flying in just for the game and want a smooth in-and-out trip.

City Centre

If you want more from Lyon itself, staying in the city centre is the way to go.

Prices are similar depending on demand, and you’ll get access to restaurants, nightlife, and culture. Good options on both ends of the price range include:

From here, it’s around 20 minutes on the T3 tram from Lyon Part-Dieu to the Stadium, though expect a short walk either side of the route.

Exploring Lyon

Lyon is France’s food capital, but it’s also a city layered with Roman history and Renaissance architecture.

If you have time before kick-off, the Old Town (Vieux Lyon) is a must. The city has a different feel here, with cobbled streets, hidden traboules (secret passageways), and riverside views make it one of my favourite parts of the city.

If you’re a keen runner, it’s also one of the best ways to see it. An early morning run down towards Vieux Lyon to a bakery is ideal, because you can't miss a fresh pastry when you're in France...

Other key spots include:

Fourvière Basilica, for wide views over Lyon
Croix-Rousse district, known for its history and murals
Parc de la Tête d’Or, a huge green space perfect for a slower afternoon
The riverside markets and bridges

And if you’re into food, Lyon is unmatched. The city is full of traditional bouchons (restaurants in Lyon) serving classic dishes like salade lyonnaise, quenelles, and praline-based pastries that show up everywhere in bakeries.

Stadium Experience

The match takes place at the Groupama Stadium, home of Olympique Lyonnais, and it is a modern arena designed for big European nights.

Built slightly outside the city, it’s surrounded by open space and matchday infrastructure, making arrivals straightforward. We recommend soaking in the Champions League atmosphere by arriving at the stadium early to make the most out of your trip.

If you want a closer look at the club, the stadium tour and museum is available from around €23, including access to:

Pitchside views
VIP and media areas
Players’ tunnel
Changing rooms
OL Museum
Stadium store discount

There’s even a matchday tour option for around €45, if you want the full experience and to sprinkle a bit of last minute luck for your team.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Spaces

Lyon is widely considered a welcoming and inclusive city. While it’s not as internationally known as Paris for nightlife, it has a strong queer scene.