Lyon France 2 Day Itinerary

Lyon, France: A 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Start your day at the iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning white church perched on a hill overlooking the city. Take in breathtaking views of Lyon from the top.
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with narrow streets, charming squares, and medieval architecture.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café Commerciant, a cozy bistro serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Try their famous Salade Lyonnaise (Lyon salad).
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, one of France’s largest and most impressive art museums.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Daniel et Denise, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined, seasonal cuisine.
  • 10:00 PM: End your night with a scenic Rhône River Cruise (optional) or explore the lively Presqu’île district for bars and nightlife.

Day 2:

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Visit the Marché de Les Halles, a bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, cheeses, and local specialties.
  • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the Parc de la Tête d’Or, a beautiful urban park featuring a lake, botanical garden, and scenic walking paths.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Musée Lumière, dedicated to the history of cinema and photography.
  • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Rhône River and admire the city’s picturesque skyline.

Evening

  • 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at L’Art et la Manière, a restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • 11:00 PM: Return to your accommodation or explore the city’s nightlife.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Carlton Lyon: A 4-star hotel in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and a charming atmosphere.
  • Airbnb options: Choose from a range of apartments and studios in central Lyon, many with stunning views of the city.

Transportation:

  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): Connected to the city center by tram (30 minutes) or taxi (20-30 minutes).
  • Public transportation: Lyon has an efficient network of buses, trams, and metro lines. Buy a TCL ticket for convenient travel.
  • Walking and cycling: Lyon is a pedestrian-friendly city; consider renting a bike to explore its many bike paths.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Language: While many Lyonnais speak English, it’s always helpful to learn basic French phrases.
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Lyon’s climate is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters. 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, including the famous Fête des Lumières (December) and Les Nuits de Fourvière (June).
  • Local specialties: Don’t miss trying Salade Lyonnaise, Quenelles (pike fish dumplings), and Tarte aux Pralines (praline tart).
  • Day trips: Consider visiting nearby Beaujolais wine country or the scenic town of Pérouges.

With this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Lyon’s history, culture, food, and scenery. Bon voyage et à bientôt à Lyon!