- Eat in a 'Bouchon'—a traditional Lyonnais restaurant serving hearty, meaty dishes.
- Explore the 'Traboules' in Vieux Lyon—secret covered passageways used by silk weavers.
- The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooks the city—take the funicular up.
- The Fête des Lumières (December) is a world-famous light festival.
- Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is a legendary indoor food market.
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When to go: Spring or December
Spring and Autumn are perfect for eating and walking. The weather is mild.
December 8th is the Festival of Lights—the city is magical but packed. Summer is nice but can be hot.
- December: Light Festival.
- Spring: Food and walks.
- Summer: River banks.
Getting there: Rhônexpress
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is connected by the Rhônexpress tram. It takes 30 minutes to Part-Dieu station. It's expensive but fast.
Trains (TGV) from Paris take only 2 hours.
- Rhônexpress: Fast airport tram.
- TGV: High-speed from Paris.
- Taxi: Expensive.
Where to stay: Presqu'île or Vieux Lyon
Presqu'île (the peninsula between rivers) is central, elegant, and full of shops. Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is historic, cobbled, and charming but busy.
Part-Dieu is the business district (good for transport, less charm).
- Presqu'île: Central, chic.
- Vieux Lyon: Renaissance charm.
- Croix-Rousse: Hipster, local.
What to see: Traboules and Views
Take the funicular to Fourvière for the view and the Basilica. Walk down through the Roman Theatres.
Get lost in the Traboules of Vieux Lyon (push the doors, many are open to the public in the morning). Walk the banks of the Rhône.
- Fourvière: The hill of prayer.
- Vieux Lyon: Renaissance district.
- Traboules: Secret passages.
- Confluence: Modern architecture.
Food: Bouchons and Pralines
A Bouchon meal is mandatory. Try Quenelles (fish dumplings), Saucisson Brioché (sausage in brioche), or Andouillette (tripe sausage—acquired taste!).
Tarte aux Pralines (red sugar almond tart) is the local sweet. Visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse for cheese and wine.
- Bouchon: Traditional eatery.
- Quenelle: Pike dumpling.
- Praline: Red sugar treat.
- Paul Bocuse Market: Foodie temple.
Getting around: Metro and Walk
Lyon has excellent Metro, Tram, and Bus systems. The city is walkable, though Fourvière and Croix-Rousse are hilly (use the funicular or metro).
Vélo'v is the bike share system.
- Metro/Tram: Efficient.
- Funicular: To the hills.
- Walk: Best for Presqu'île.
Budget: Moderate
Lyon is cheaper than Paris. You can eat very well for a reasonable price, especially at lunch (menu du jour).
Museums and transport are standard European prices.
- Food: Great value lunch.
- Hotels: Reasonable.
- Lyon City Card: Good deal.
2 Days in Lyon
Day 1: Old and High. Funicular to Fourvière. Roman Theatres. Walk down to Vieux Lyon. Explore Traboules. Lunch in a Bouchon. Miniature and Cinema Museum.
Day 2: Rivers and Silk. Walk the Presqu'île. Visit the Silk Workers district in Croix-Rousse (Maison des Canuts). Les Halles Paul Bocuse for food souvenirs.
- Day 1: History and views.
- Day 2: Silk and market.
- Evening: Wine bar.
FAQ
Is it better than Paris?
It's more relaxed and manageable. The food is arguably better (and cheaper). It lacks the Eiffel Tower, but has its own charm.
What is a Traboule?
A covered passageway through a building, linking two streets. Originally for silk workers to transport goods dry.
Is the sausage smelly?
Andouillette is... pungent. It's made of intestines. If you aren't adventurous, stick to the Saucisson.