Lyon 7 Day Itinerary

Lyon Travel Itinerary: 7 Days of French Delight

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) and take the Rhône Express tramway to the city center (30 minutes, €15).
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning white church with panoramic views of the city.
    • Explore the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque squares.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at Daniel et Denise, a cozy bistro serving local specialties like salade lyonnaise and quenelles.
    • Stay at Hôtel Le Royal, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Lyon.

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts, which features an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
    • Explore the Roman Amphitheaters, ancient ruins that host cultural events during the summer.
  • Afternoon:
    • Discover the Lumière Institute, a museum showcasing the history of cinema and the Lumière brothers’ inventions.
    • Wander through the Parc de la Tête d’Or, a beautiful urban park with a lake, botanical garden, and plenty of green spaces.
  • Evening:
    • Savor contemporary French cuisine at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
    • Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Day 3: Gastronomy and Shopping

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a bustling market hall named after the famous Lyonnais chef, offering a wide range of food stalls and restaurants.
    • Explore the Rue Édouard Herriot, a pedestrian shopping street lined with high-end boutiques and artisan shops.
  • Afternoon:
    • Indulge in a chocolate-making workshop at Bernachon, a renowned Lyon-based chocolatier.
    • Relax at Les Jardins des Curés, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Evening:
    • Treat yourself to a traditional Lyonnais dinner at La Mère Brazier, a historic restaurant serving local specialties since 1926.

Day 4: Surroundings and Wine

  • Morning:
    • Take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region (30 minutes by car or train), known for its vibrant red wines.
    • Visit the Château de Pizay, a stunning castle with beautiful gardens and wine tastings.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the charming village of Oingt, with its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque views.
    • Enjoy a wine tasting at Domaine des Hauts de Beynost, a family-owned winery producing high-quality Beaujolais wines.
  • Evening:
    • Return to Lyon and enjoy dinner at L’Ébauchoir, a cozy restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 5: Street Art and Alternative Culture

  • Morning:
    • Explore the Croix-Rousse district, known for its vibrant street art scene, trendy bars, and alternative culture.
    • Visit the Musée des Confluences, a museum showcasing innovative exhibitions on science, society, and technology.
  • Afternoon:
    • Discover the Traboules, a network of hidden passageways and staircases connecting buildings in the Vieux Lyon district.
    • Relax at Les Brotteaux, a peaceful park along the Rhône River with beautiful views of the city.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy live music or a cocktail at La Sucrière, a popular bar and cultural venue.

Day 6: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning:
    • Take a scenic hike in the Parc naturel régional du Pilat, a beautiful regional park with stunning views of the surrounding countryside (1 hour by car).
    • Rent a bike and explore the Rhône River banks, offering picturesque views of the city.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Lyon Aquarium, home to over 5,000 fish from around the world.
    • Enjoy a picnic in the Parc de la Tête d’Or, a beautiful urban park with plenty of green spaces.
  • Evening:
    • Savor international cuisine at Le Kitchen Café, a trendy restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) or continue your journey to other destinations in France.

Things to Know

  • Lyon is a walkable city, but you can also use the TCL public transportation network (buses, trams, and métro).
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Lyonnaise specialties like salade lyonnaise, quenelles, and tarte aux pralines.
  • The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Fête des Lumières (December) and the Nuits de Fourvière (June-July).

Tips

  • Book your accommodations and restaurants in advance to avoid high prices and availability issues.
  • Consider purchasing a Lyon City Card, which grants access to public transportation, museums, and attractions.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations or directions – Lyonnais are known for their warm hospitality!