Superb museums, UNESCO-listed neighborhoods, and the county’s best gastronomy scene are just a few reasons why France’s third-largest city is worth a visit. For a solid itinerary in Lyon, we recommend at least three days to explore the city’s hills, rivers, bridges, and parks. Alternatively, you could squeeze in the top draws in a day or two or take your time and soak in the culture over a week or more. Let this local guide help you decide which trip length is right for you.
## Your Extended Guide to Exploring Lyon
Lyon, a captivating city in France, beckons travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Easily accessible from Paris via a swift, direct train journey of under two hours, Lyon presents a diverse array of activities suitable for every season. Unlike some cities where the main attractions are concentrated in a single, easily walkable area, Lyon’s treasures are scattered throughout its expansive landscape. However, for those with limited time, a leisurely stroll through the enchanting, narrow, cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon is an absolute must, offering a glimpse into the city’s historical heart. Should your visit extend beyond a day or two, you’ll have the opportunity to venture further afield, exploring the outer reaches of this sprawling metropolis. Lyon’s efficient public transportation system, readily available bicycles, and convenient electric scooters make navigating the city a breeze, allowing you to reach destinations that lie beyond the central tourist areas.
The more time you dedicate to Lyon, the more deeply you can immerse yourself in its wealth of cultural and historical landmarks. Furthermore, a longer stay opens up possibilities for engaging activities and delightful day trips, such as exploring the picturesque Beaujolais wine region, renowned for its exceptional wines and stunning scenery, or embarking on thrilling outdoor excursions in the majestic French Alps, where breathtaking landscapes and exhilarating adventures await. And let’s not forget Lyon’s culinary scene! Boasting more restaurants per capita than any other city in France, Lyon is a true gastronomic paradise. To fully appreciate the city’s culinary offerings, it’s advisable to plan your meals in advance, considering the upwards of 20 Michelin-starred establishments that vie for your attention. Wining, dining, and sourcing high-quality ingredients are integral to the Lyonaisse culture, and are experiences you simply cannot afford to miss.
## Lyon in 1 to 2 Days: A Whirlwind Adventure
If your visit to Lyon is limited to a quick stopover, your first priority should be to head towards the UNESCO-listed Presque’Île. This unique piece of land, gracefully embraced by the Saône and Rhône rivers, is a testament to 18th-century urban engineering. Today, Presqu’île serves as the cultural and commercial epicenter of the city, showcasing stunning architecture, a plethora of inviting restaurants, charming cafés, lively bars, and vibrant nightclubs. In addition to its commercial appeal, Presqu’île boasts a range of cultural attractions, including Lyon’s magnificent opera house and impressive city hall. For those with a penchant for shopping, the pedestrian-friendly Rue de la République offers a delightful retail experience.
Just a short distance across the river lies the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon, a captivating district recognized as one of Europe’s oldest and most extensive Renaissance areas, radiating an undeniable charm. Its well-preserved fifteenth and sixteenth-century buildings once housed wealthy families of Italian, German, and Flemish merchants and bankers, who contributed to the area’s rich history. To delve into this history, venture through doorways into the traboules, hidden passageways that wind through buildings, connecting streets and inner courtyards. These iconic passageways, many of which are open to the public, once provided the city’s silk workers with direct access to the Saône River, while also offering shelter from the elements. A complimentary map of these fascinating passageways can be obtained at the Tourist Office located on Place Bellecour. While exploring Vieux Lyon, be sure to keep an eye out for notable churches, such as Saint Georges and Saint Jean, the latter of which houses an impressive astronomical clock.
Another highly recommended experience is a walk up to the Fourviere Basilica, which rewards visitors with a breathtaking panorama of the entire city. This magnificent church stands as a prime example of the hilltop churches that were constructed in major French cities during the late-19th century. Make sure to step inside to admire the extravagant interiors, and if you’re feeling energetic, consider climbing to the top of the tower for one of Lyon’s most spectacular views.
Of course, Lyon is renowned for its cuisine, and for food enthusiasts, indulging in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at what are locally called bouchons is an absolute must. Seek out the best ones awarded the prestigious label Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais, particularly around Presqu’île. In addition to bouchons, you’ll also find informal brasseries and Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the iconic Auberge de Collonges, founded by the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, one of France’s most celebrated culinary figures. If securing a reservation at his renowned restaurant proves challenging, consider visiting Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a vibrant food market offering the region’s finest food merchants selling a wide array of delectable products. Several restaurants are also available for lunch, providing the perfect opportunity to savor a delicious Lyonnaise meal while also acquiring regional specialties to take home as cherished souvenirs. Please note that it’s best to visit the market in the morning before the stalls close for lunch.
## Lyon in 3 to 4 Days: Slowing Down to Savor
With a few more days to spend in Lyon, you can afford to slow down and fully appreciate the historic right bank of the Saône. Here, wealthy merchants of yesteryear erected magnificent homes, showcasing a variety of architectural styles, particularly in the districts of Saint-Jean, Saint Georges, and Saint Paules. The timeless charm of Lyon’s squares and streets will likely transport you back to the end of the Middle Ages.
A visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, France’s largest fine art museum after Le Louvre in Paris, could easily occupy a half-day of your time. Housed in a former abbey dating back to the 17th century, the museum boasts an impressive collection of works by renowned French and European artists, including Degas, van Gogh, Renoir, Cézanne, El Greco, and Picasso. Be sure to explore the ancient Egyptian collection within the antiquities department, as well as the peaceful garden adorned with original bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin.
Another appealing option is to visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or, France’s largest urban park, featuring winding lanes perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The park also encompasses a zoo, home to zebras, lions, and giraffes, as well as an expansive lake where rowboats can be rented during the summer months. The park also boasts a spectacular year-round botanical garden, showcasing over 20,000 plant varieties and a charming 19th-century greenhouse. If your visit coincides with the spring months, be sure to keep an eye out for the international rose garden, a sight to behold.
Film enthusiasts will also want to pay a visit to the Institut Lumière, a museum dedicated to commemorating brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière, the inventors of the cinematograph. Keep an eye out for screenings and special events held at the museum, some of which may include silent films accompanied by live music, creating a truly unique and immersive experience.
## Lyon in 5 to 6 Days: Living Like a Local
A longer timeframe allows you to explore the city like a true Lyonnais, embracing the local culture and discovering hidden gems. Lyon is celebrated for its vibrant street art and impressive murals. In fact, the city boasts around 100 large paintings adorning walls throughout various neighborhoods, often in lesser-known areas. Discovering these artistic treasures can lead you to parts of the city you might not have otherwise encountered. Consider a visit to Lyon’s original Canuts Mural, which offers insights into the history of the La Croix-Rousse neighborhood, while also providing stunning views of buildings cascading down the hillside. This industrious district played a pivotal role in establishing Lyon as a major center for textiles in Europe.
Speaking of textiles, L’Atelier de Soierie is a hidden gem – a family-owned silk workshop and the last of its kind in France to practice silk-screen printing by hand. Take a moment to observe the silk-making process and perhaps even acquire a beautiful scarf or two as a treasured keepsake.
You’ll also have ample time to visit the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourviere, now located partially underground near the city’s Roman theater on the edge of the archaeological site. In addition to showcasing its permanent collections of Roman, Celtic, and pre-Roman artifacts, the museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Be sure to admire the Circus Games Mosaic, dating back to the second century, which depicts a thrilling chariot race, and the Lyon Tablet, which transcribes a speech delivered by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the first century.
If your visit falls during the early summer months, don’t miss the opportunity to attend a live performance at the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière. Constructed thousands of years ago, this remarkable monument stands proudly on the left bank of the Saône River. Today, it continues to serve as a performance venue during the Nuits de Fourvière drama festival, held annually in June and July. The theater was rediscovered in the late-19th century and meticulously restored over the subsequent 40 years.
## Lyon in 1 Week or More: Immersing Yourself in Culture and Beyond
With a week or more at your disposal, you have the luxury of delving even deeper into Lyon’s rich cultural landscape. A visit to the beautiful 16th-century palace, built in the Italian style, known as Musee Gadagne, which functions as Lyon’s city museum, is highly recommended. Take your time to wander through dozens of rooms spanning multiple floors, covering the period from medieval times to the mid-19th century. Here, you can discover an array of fascinating exhibits, from information on the lucrative silk trade to historical maps and drawings of the city’s landmarks. Another notable aspect of this attraction is the Musée des Marionnettes, featuring thousands of antique puppets.
La Confluence, a young and vibrant neighborhood, is well worth exploring, boasting upscale apartments and inviting parks like the Jardin Aquatique Jean Couty. This area, formerly comprised of docklands, has been revitalized through an ongoing urban development project focused on creating a sustainable, walkable, and diverse neighborhood, incorporating green infrastructure and self-driven shuttles. While in La Confluence, be sure to visit the futuristic Confluence Museum, which displays dinosaur skeletons, as well as art exhibitions at La Sucrière center. La Confluence also boasts some of the city’s best nightlife, thanks to performance spaces housed in former warehouses that attract international artists and musicians.
Escape the city for a day trip to Beaujolais, a historic province and renowned wine-growing region located just north of Lyon. Often compared to Tuscany for its picturesque landscapes, Beaujolais offers a tranquil pace of life. Numerous guided tours are available, providing an introduction to the region’s distinctive wines and allowing you to meet with passionate winemakers who will invite you to indulge in a delightful tasting experience.
Another appealing option for a day trip is a train journey to Annecy, one of the most popular towns in the French Alps, characterized by its lush forests, rugged mountains, and the pristine freshwater lake known as Lake d’Annecy. This picturesque town also boasts a number of significant historical sites and monuments. Spend the day exploring the city’s Vieille Ville (Old Town), with its charming 16th- and 17th-century buildings painted in shades of peach and rose, where you’ll find an abundance of inviting restaurants, tempting bakeries, and unique boutiques. In the afternoon, take the train back to Lyon, carrying with you memories of a truly enchanting day.
B-848