Lyon-5-day-itinerary

Lyon 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

• Morning: Arrive in Lyon and check-in to your accommodation. Consider staying in the heart of Vieux Lyon, such as Hotel Elysée or Lyon Airbnb.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the narrow streets and traboules (hidden passageways) of Vieux Lyon.
  • Stop by the Lyon History Museum to learn about the city’s rich history.
• Evening: Enjoy traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at Les Trois Dômes, a cozy restaurant in the heart of Vieux Lyon.

Day 2: Museums and Parks

• Morning:
  • Visit the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts, one of France’s largest art museums.
  • Stroll through the beautiful Parc de la Tête d’Or, a 117-hectare urban park with a rose garden, lake, and walking trails.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Musée Lumière, dedicated to the history of cinema and photography.
  • Relax at the Parc des Hauteurs, a scenic park with panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Savor modern French cuisine at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, located just outside Lyon.

Day 3: Les Halles and Presqu’île

• Morning:
  • Visit the famous Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a bustling marketplace with food stalls, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Explore the trendy Presqu’île district, known for its boutiques, art galleries, and street performers.
• Afternoon:
  • Take a scenic river cruise on the Saône River to admire the city’s landmarks from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Musée des Confluences, a science and society museum with interactive exhibits.
• Evening: Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars in the Presqu’île district, such as Le Sucre or La Bourse.

Day 4: Croix-Rousse and Theatres Romaines

• Morning:
  • Explore the historic Croix-Rousse district, known for its narrow streets, traboules, and traditional Lyonnaise architecture.
  • Visit the Theatres Romaines de Lyon, a well-preserved ancient Roman theater complex.
• Afternoon:
  • Wander through the charming Quartier Saint-Jean, with its picturesque streets, cafes, and boutiques.
  • Discover street art in the Croix-Rousse tunnel, a former railway tunnel turned into an urban art space.
• Evening: Treat yourself to a traditional Lyonnaise dinner at Le Garet.

Day 5: Monts d’Or and Departure

• Morning:
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Monts d’Or hills, offering stunning views of Lyon and the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit the charming town of Oullins, with its historic center, castle, and vineyards.
• Afternoon: Return to Lyon and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market, such as the Marché de la Croix-Rousse.
• Evening: Depart from Lyon with unforgettable memories of your trip.

Transportation

• Lyon has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro.
• Consider purchasing a Lyon City Card, which grants access to public transport, museums, and attractions.

Tips and Essentials

• Language: While many Lyonnais speak some English, it’s always helpful to learn basic French phrases.
• Currency: The Euro is the official currency in France.
• Weather: Lyon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Pack accordingly.
• Safety: As with any city, be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.

Other Things to Know

• Festivals and Events: Lyon hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Lyon Festival of Lights and the Nuits de Fourvière.
• Cuisine: Lyon is famous for its traditional cuisine, including dishes like salade lyonnaise, quenelles, and tarte aux pralines.
• Wine: The surrounding Rhône-Alpes region is renowned for its wine production, particularly Beaujolais and Côte du Rhône.

Enjoy your trip to Lyon!