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São Paulo
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Brazil’s most populous sprawling metropolis, São Paulo is synonymous with excess. Extremely vibrant, this is where you find the most gourmet restaurants and bistros, trendy bars and cafes, craft markets, museums, and designer boutiques. Composed of lively community neighborhoods, São Paulo seduces by its enthusiasm and its electrifying rhythm.
Lyon (LYS) - São Paulo (GRU) flight
Book a Lyon São Paulo flight from Lyon-Saint Exupéry
Book your plane ticket from Lyon to São Paulo and discover the most populous and dynamic city in Brazil. Throughout the year, flights with stopovers to São Paulo are offered regularly from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport by several airlines. Expect on average 14 hours of flight with a stopover before you plunge into the fervour of this cosmopolitan city.
Prepare your trip to São Paulo
Formalities for travelling
To go to São Paulo, a biometric passport is sufficient and allows you to stay 3 months. It must be valid 6 months past your date of entry or departure from the territory. You also need your return ticket.
If you are French, Belgian or Swiss, the tourist visa is automatically obtained when you enter the territory (for a maximum of 90 days). On the other hand, it is mandatory for Canadians.
As for the immigration card, it must be filled in the plane or at a customs house. Handed out upon your arrival at the airport, it indicates the length of your stay and will be asked for upon departure.
Services at São Paulo Airport
- Services on Arrival
In Brazil, the real (or reais, the plural form) is used to pay. By going to terminals 2 and 3, 6 foreign exchange offices allow you to exchange your currency (some open 24 hours a day). In Terminal 2 you will find ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines), for any withdrawals by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
For your car rental needs, head to terminal 1 or 2. 8 carriers are present at the São Paulo airport: Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, National, Budget, Alamo and Europcar.
- Services on Departure
Many restaurants, coffee shops and fast-food restaurants are located in terminals 1, 2 and 3 for your dining needs (24 hours a day for some).
Mostly located in terminals 2 and 3, a wide range of shops is available for your last-minute shopping (fashion, book shop, souvenir shops, duty-free, etc.).
You will find several left-luggage offices for your luggage, as well as a lost and found service, open 24 hours a day in terminal 3.
Transfer from airport to Shanghai
By public transit, the easiest way to reach downtown São Paulo from the airport is to take either the Airport Bus Service (50 minutes away) or the Shuttle (minibuses at terminals 1 and 2). Departure is every 30 minutes in both cases.
- The nearest metro station to the city centre is “Tietê” (located on line 1). To get there, you will have to take a bus (30 minutes journey).
- You will find the Taxi station in front of the arrivals terminal. São Paulo city centre is a 30 to 60-minute journey away.
Useful information about São Paulo
Weather
Essentials
Distance
9300 km
Local time
02:30
Jet lag
-5 h
Currency
Real
Language
Portuguese
Localisation
- São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport
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Latitude : -23.4244745
Longitude : -46.4756645
5 Reasons to go to São Paulo
1. The Gentleness of the Paulistas
The inhabitants of São Paulo, the Paulistas, are warm and welcoming hosts who will be delighted to introduce you to their city. They are very approachable, and friendship comes easily to them. They will take as much pleasure in sharing with you their fervour for their favourite soccer team, as they would sharing with you their favourite local businesses. Their good mood will illuminate your trip to Brazil.
2. São Paulo’s rich cultural life
São Paulo has more than 110 museums! Lovers of paintings and sculptures, head to the Pinacotheca, a magnificent brick building where some of the biggest names are on exhibit. The Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, are also well worth a visit. Exhibits, concerts, theatres, carnival, football matches, and colourful markets make the heart of the city beat all year round.
3. The Vila Madalena Neighborhood
Vila Madalena is an unmissable area of São Paulo. Life there is sweet, bohemian and artistic! If during the day the boutiques of designers or artists, nestled in historic houses, animate the neighborhood, in the evening it is the bars and good restaurants that ensure the effervescence of Vila Madalena.
4. The Mortadella Sandwich
Not to be missed, the mortadella sandwich is a classic of the São Paulo markets! Just like the famous cod pastel with its various toppings, which you can taste in all the street markets scattered across São Paulo. This urban and cosmopolitan city is full of small traditional venues where you can enjoy food, whether it be local or from around the world.
5. Things to Do: The Surroundings of São Paulo
The natural parks and the mountain villages around São Paulo are must-sees! The falls of Iguaçu are particularly remarkable and are only a 1 hour 30-minute flight from São Paulo. Discover the beautiful beaches of the North Coast, going to Maresias, Ubatuba, or Ilhabela. As beautiful as the beaches of Rio, but less touristy!