Lyon 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Center

• Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café des Fédérations, located in the Bellecour Square.

• Mid-Morning: Visit the Fourvière Hill and its beautiful basilica, offering a panoramic view of Lyon.

• Lunch: Have lunch at Bouchons du Quai, a traditional Lyonnais bistro serving local specialties.

• Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Vieux Lyon) and discover its beautiful Renaissance architecture, including the St Jean Cathedral and Traboules.

• Dinner: Dine at Le Comptoir de L’Abeille for a modern take on Lyonnais cuisine.

• Evening: Stroll along the Presqu’île, enjoy a drink at Le Bar des Brodeuses or Les Filles du Calvaire.

Day 2: Museums and Parks

• Morning: Have breakfast at Café des Épices in the Croix-Rousse district, known for its historic silk industry.

• Mid-Morning: Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon and Musée des Confluences to learn about the city’s rich cultural history.

• Lunch: Lunch at Les Filles du Calvaire if you missed it yesterday, or try Pierre Orge.

• Afternoon: Relax in the Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon’s largest urban park, and visit its zoo if you wish.

• Dinner: Dine at Le Garet for a great selection of burgers or Pierre Joyal for a high-end dining experience.

Day 3: Food and Markets

• Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café des Filles, located in the Canuts district.

• Mid-Morning: Visit the Marché de la Croix Rousse to sample local produce and delicacies.

• Lunch: Lunch at Le Café du Commerce for a traditional Lyonnais meal.

• Afternoon: Visit the Musée de la Chaise to learn about the history of cane furniture. Then, explore the Silk Museum.

• Dinner: Dine at Au 7ème Tonneau for a great selection of wines and charcuterie.

Day 4: Day Trip to Saint-Étienne

• Morning: Take the TGV train to Saint-Étienne, a city famous for its industrial design and modern architecture.

• Mid-Morning: Visit the Musée d’Art et d’Industrie de Saint-Étienne to learn about the city’s industrial past.

• Lunch: Lunch at Le Comptoir des Progrès.

• Afternoon: Explore the city’s modern architecture, including the Cité du Design and Institut Vallée.

• Dinner: Dine at Le Grand Café for a unique dining experience in a former factory.

• Evening: Return to Lyon by TGV and relax at your accommodation.

Accommodation: There are numerous hotels in Lyon catering to different budgets, such as Hôtel de la Cassinière, Hotel-Dieu - Sofitel, and Hôtel ibis Lyon Part Dieu Centre.

Things to Know:

• Lyon is known as the “City of Light” for its role in the Enlightenment and the development of public lighting.
• The city’s metro system, TCL, operates until around midnight.
• The city is famous for its silk industry, bouchons (traditional Lyonnais restaurants), and its traboules (secret passageways).
• English is not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn a few French phrases or use translation apps.

Transportation: The best way to get around Lyon is by using the TCL, its efficient metro and tram system. You can also rent bicycles or walk in many areas of the city.

Tips:

• Try local specialties such as Quenelles de brochet (pike fish dumplings), Salade Lyonnaise (Lyon-style salad), and Coq au Vin (chicken cooked in wine).
• Don’t miss out on trying Lyon’s famous dessert, Rochers de Maraîchine, which are almond meringues filled with fruit jam.
• If you visit during the Festival of Lights (December), you will witness an incredible display of light installations throughout the city.