Lyon, France-4-day-itinerary

Lyon, France: A 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History and Culture

Morning

  • Start at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning white church perched on a hill overlooking the city.
  • Take the funicular to the top for breathtaking views of Lyon.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts), which features an impressive collection of art and artifacts from ancient to modern times.
  • Explore the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with narrow streets, charming squares, and medieval architecture.

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at Daniel et Denise, a cozy restaurant serving local specialties like salade lyonnaise and quenelles.
  • Stay at Hotel Carlton Lyon, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Gastronomy and Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a bustling marketplace named after the famous French chef, where you can sample local produce and cheeses.
  • Take a guided food tour to discover Lyon’s culinary secrets.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Croix-Rousse district, known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and traboules (hidden passageways).
  • Visit the Lyon Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate-making and sample some delicious treats.

Evening

  • Dine at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative French cuisine.
  • Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Day 3: Outskirts and Wine

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region, where you can visit vineyards, taste wine, and enjoy the picturesque countryside.
  • Visit the Château de Pizay, a beautiful castle surrounded by vineyards.

Afternoon

  • Return to Lyon and explore the Parc de la Tête d’Or, a large urban park with a lake, botanical gardens, and plenty of green space.
  • Rent a bike and ride along the Rhône riverbank promenade.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Le Kitchen Café, a trendy restaurant serving international cuisine.
  • Stay at Hotel Le Royal, a stylish hotel located near the park.

Day 4: Modern Lyon

Morning

  • Visit the Musée des Confluences, a modern museum showcasing science, technology, and society exhibits.
  • Explore the Confluence district, a former industrial area turned trendy neighborhood with street art, boutiques, and restaurants.

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll along the Rhône riverbank, which offers beautiful views of the city.
  • Visit the Lyon Opera House, a stunning building with impressive architecture.

Evening

  • Dine at Le Garet, a restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Enjoy a farewell drink at Soda Bar, a trendy spot with a lively atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • Lyon is known for its traboules, hidden passageways that connect buildings. Be sure to explore some of these unique features.
  • The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Lyon’s famous salade lyonnaise, a salad made with lettuce, bacon, and a poached egg.

Tips

  • Consider purchasing a Lyon City Card, which grants access to many museums, public transportation, and other attractions.
  • Be prepared for variable weather, as Lyon can experience sudden rain showers.
  • Don’t skip the views from the top of the Fourvière hill – they’re breathtaking!

Transportation

  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is located about 25 km east of the city center. Take a taxi or tram to reach the city.
  • The city has a bike-sharing system called Lyon’s Vélo’v.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Lyon!