Lyon, France-3-day-itinerary
Lyon, France: A 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Heart of Lyon
Morning
- Start at Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest pedestrian squares
- Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a beautiful white church perched on a hill
- Take a stroll along the Saône River and admire the city’s medieval architecture
Lunch
- Head to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a bustling marketplace with various food stalls
- Try some traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, such as salade lyonnaise or quenelles (pike fish dumplings)
Afternoon
- Visit the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon), which features an impressive collection of art and artifacts
- Wander through the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Daniel et Denise, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern French cuisine
- Explore the lively Presqu’île neighborhood, known for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife
Day 2: Discover Lyon’s History and Culture
Morning
- Visit the Lyon Historical Museum (Musée d’Histoire de Lyon), which tells the story of Lyon’s rich history
- Explore the Roman Amphitheaters, a well-preserved ancient theater
Lunch
- Grab a bite to eat at Café Comptoir Abel, a cozy spot serving French classics and delicious pastries
Afternoon
- Visit the Museum of Textiles and Decorative Arts (Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs), which showcases Lyon’s famous silk production
- Take a stroll through the beautiful Parc de la Tête d’Or, a 19th-century urban park with a lake, gardens, and walking trails
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Lyonnaise dinner at La Mère Poularde, a historic restaurant serving local specialties
- Catch a show or concert at the Opéra National de Lyon
Day 3: Explore Beyond the City Center
Morning
- Take a funicular ride to the top of the hill and visit the Roman Theaters and Odeon of Lyon (Théâtres Romains et Odéon de Lyon)
- Explore the charming Croix-Rousse neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe and street art
Lunch
- Head to L’Argot, a cozy bistro serving French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
Afternoon
- Visit the Confluence Museum (Musée des Confluences), which explores the intersection of science, technology, and society
- Take a walk along the Rhône River and enjoy the city views
Evening
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, a rustic restaurant serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
- End your trip with a scenic River Rhône Cruise, which offers stunning views of the city’s landmarks and bridges
Where to Stay
- Hotel Carlton Lyon: A luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Hotel Le Royal Lyon MGallery: A stylish boutique hotel with elegant rooms and a prime location near Place Bellecour.
Transportation
- Lyon Airport (LYS): Located 25 km from the city center, with bus and tram connections to the city.
- Metro and Tramway: An efficient public transportation system with easy-to-use tickets and maps.
- Velov: A bike-sharing system for short trips around the city.
Tips and Essentials
- Language: French, but many locals speak some English. Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook to help you navigate.
- Currency: Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but have some cash on hand for small purchases.
- Weather: Lyon’s climate is mild, with warm summers and cool winters. Pack accordingly, and don’t forget an umbrella!
- Safety: Lyon is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Other Things of Interest
- Fête des Lumières: A magical winter festival featuring stunning light installations and performances.
- Lyon’s Street Art: Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene, with many murals and graffiti adorning building walls.
- Wine Tasting: The Rhône-Alpes region is famous for its wine production. Visit a local vineyard or take a wine-tasting tour to sample some of the best varieties.
Enjoy your trip to Lyon!