Third largest city in France, Lyon is growing in many areas. Events are becoming increasingly numerous in the Gaulish capital, and we can no longer rely solely on the famous Festival of Lights held every December, which attracts millions of visitors.
WHAT TO DO IN LYON
To start, I had no trouble getting to Lyon: a car, some gas, and an enjoyable one-hour drive. To reach Lyon, ideally located in France, you can take a car, a plane, or even a train. For the latter option, don’t forget about SNCF’s low-cost service, Ouigo, which offers tickets between Paris and Lyon for just 20 euros when booked in advance. An affordable option!
Getting around Lyon is even simpler, as the metro will take you just about anywhere, and the Vélo’v bicycle rental system available throughout the city is also very convenient for commuting.
So let’s return to the main topic: What to do in Lyon?
Parc de la Tête d’Or
What I appreciate most in a city? Its parks, green spaces. Luckily for Lyon, there’s a park known to be a must-see: Parc de la Tête d’Or. I consider it one of the most beautiful parks in France (and that’s saying something) where you can stroll peacefully while discovering a free zoo with healthy animals from all over the world: giraffes, zebras, flamingos… there’s something for everyone, so you might want to set aside a good half-day to explore this park, which spans over 100 hectares.
Head to 1 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918 in the 6th arrondissement to discover this famous park.
Fourvière
Perched above Vieux Lyon, the hill of Fourvière exudes authenticity and history. You can either walk or take the funicular to the top, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city (especially in the early evening) and visit the Basilica, which is the symbol of Lyon.
On your way down, I recommend stopping by the splendidly preserved Roman ruins, and if you have time, check out its museum, which is highly regarded.
The Traboules of Old Lyon
You’re now back in my favorite area of Lyon, Vieux Lyon. This neighborhood is full of hundreds of hidden treasures, and the traboules are part of that. These true jewels of the Renaissance will surprise you every time you open a door. I suggest taking this tour with a guide to uncover all the secrets hidden within these remarkable places. The Saint-Jean district is also a must-see, without a doubt. Just like the Saint-Jean Baptiste Cathedral!
The Presqu’île
With its Place des Terreaux and its magnificent fountain (I learned from my guide during a nice tour on the Cyclopolitain that this fountain was originally intended for Bordeaux, but Lyon purchased it at the last minute due to Bordeaux lacking funds) as well as its impressive opera house, this area is a must-visit during your stay in Lyon. Luxury shops, small local artisans—there’s something for everyone, and don’t forget to visit the authentic Croix Rousse to experience silk and its trade. In fact, this area is considered the hipster neighborhood of Lyon—just a tip for enthusiasts…
Where to Eat in Lyon?
Now this is an interesting part… It’s all well and good to wander around all day, but where can you sit down to enjoy typical cuisine? We’re talking about gastronomy since Lyon is known as the capital of French gastronomy—nothing less!
You’ll be able to enjoy numerous traditional Lyonnais bouchons. I’m not referring to those miles of waiting in the summer to head south, but rather the name given to the typical bistros of the capital of fine French food. So, it’s needless to say that you’ll find many bouchons scattered throughout the city, particularly in Vieux Lyon. In that neighborhood, I recommend the bouchon Les Fines Gueule, located at 16 Rue Lainerie in the 5th arrondissement. This quaint bouchon will introduce you to many Lyonnais specialties, such as Lyonnaise andouillettes. All this comes at a very reasonable price in a lovely setting.
Where to Stay in Lyon?
Lyon is a large city offering various accommodation options for all budgets. Here are three different options catering to three types of budgets.
Cour des Loges: Luxury in the Heart of Vieux Lyon
With its 5 stars and extraordinary service, this true luxury hotel is a benchmark in the genre due to its facilities and location. A magical setting (the hotel even has traboules!) accompanied by stunning Renaissance décor. The staff is professional and attentive. Are you a fan of fine dining? Perfect, because the hotel boasts two restaurants (one Michelin-starred) run by young star chef Anthony Bonnet.
Prices can vary based on your choice of suite, so don’t hesitate to check for special offers to enjoy exceptional luxury!
Address: 6, Rue du Boeuf, 69005 LYON – Website
Warwick Reine Astrid: A Stone’s Throw from Parc de la Tête d’Or
Ideally located, especially for nature lovers, the Warwick Reine Astrid is a high-quality hotel that will meet your expectations just steps from the Parc de la Tête d’Or, which we discussed earlier. The hotel is also close to the city center, as the metro is accessible in less than a 10-minute walk!
Composed of various types of rooms, which are more spacious than the rest (ranging from 35 to 90m², and the lounge is separate from the bedroom!), this hotel with its lovely staff will allow you to unwind in the best way possible after a day of walking, either in your bath or in the hotel’s private garden where you can savor a delightful meal crafted by the hotel’s chef (the salmon is excellent, I stand by my words). In short, a very good option for everyone, especially families!
Address: 24, Boulevard des Belges, 69006 LYON
For Smaller Budgets
There aren’t yet many youth hostels in Lyon, so I recommend using an apartment rental site if your budget doesn’t allow for a stay in one of the quality hotels mentioned earlier. For that, Airbnb is a great option that will provide you with many accommodation suggestions.
