Lyon, France 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Exploring Historical Lyon

Morning:

• Start your day with a hearty French breakfast at Café des Fédérations, located in the stunning Bellecour square.
• Visit the Fourvière Hill for a panoramic view of Lyon and a peek at the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
• Explore the Roman Theater of Lyon and the Gallo-Roman Museum to delve into Lyon’s rich history.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Bouchons Lyonnais Le Café des Fous, a traditional Lyon bistro famous for its dishes like Quenelles and Coq au Vin.
• Stroll along the picturesque Vieux Lyon district, admiring its stunning Renaissance architecture and traboules (hidden passageways).
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts - Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon to appreciate works by artists like Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh.

Evening:

• Dinner at Bristol Lyon, a historic brasserie offering a wide variety of French dishes in an elegant setting.
• End your day with a relaxing walk along the Rhône River and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife at one of the many bars and clubs in the Confluence district.

Day 2 - Discovering Modern Lyon

Morning:

• Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, offering a variety of pastries, breads, and light meals.
• Visit the Institut Lumière to learn about the history of cinema and the lives of Auguste and Louis Lumière, pioneers of cinematography.
• Head to Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon’s largest park, for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Les Fumettes, a modern bistro serving creative and delicious dishes.
• Explore the Confluence District and admire its impressive architecture, including the Museum of Contemporary Art - Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Lyon.
• Visit the Silk Museum - Musée de la Soie to learn about Lyon’s silk industry and its significance in France’s history.

Evening:

• Dinner at Potel et Chabot, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative French cuisine.
• Take a boat tour on the Rhône River to enjoy a different perspective of Lyon and its beautiful bridges at night.

Things to Know:

1. Lyon is famous for its trams, which are an integral part of the city’s public transportation system. You can easily navigate the city using the TCL network.
2. France operates on the Euro currency. Credit cards and ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
3. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
4. Be mindful of local customs and etiquette when dining, such as not tipping excessively and not starting to eat until everyone at the table has their food.
5. Enjoy your stay in beautiful Lyon!