Lyon, France 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Lyon

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café des Fédérations, located in the Presqu’île district, near Vieux Lyon. This historic café offers a variety of traditional French pastries and dishes.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Vieux Lyon (Old Town) area, known for its Renaissance architecture, beautiful courtyards, and traboules (secret passageways). Don’t miss the Place des Terreaux, home to the Bartholdi Fountain and City Hall.

  • Lunch: Savor a classic Lyonnaise dish like Quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings) at Bouchon La Mère Boufé, a traditional bouchon restaurant in Vieux Lyon.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Fourvière Hill and visit the Basilica of Fourvière, offering stunning panoramic views over Lyon. Afterward, explore the Archaeological Museum of Lyon situated nearby.

  • Dinner: Dine at Le Jardin des Vestiges, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary French cuisine with a view of the Rhone River and Fourvière Hill.

  • Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Saône or Rhône rivers, or enjoy some live music at Caveau de L’Oule in Vieux Lyon.

Day 2: Discovering Modern and Contemporary Lyon

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café du Roi, a trendy café located in the Confluence district.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the Confluence Museum and discover the history of Lyon from prehistory to the present day. Next, stroll through the contemporary Quartier de la Confluence, home to unique architecture and modern art installations.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a lunch at Le Comptoir du 7ème, offering a variety of creative dishes in a stylish setting.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Institute Lumière and learn about the history of cinema, as Lyon is the birthplace of Auguste and Louis Lumière, pioneers of cinematography. Then, visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.

  • Dinner: Dine at Silencio, a contemporary restaurant with an innovative menu inspired by Asian and Mediterranean flavors.

  • Evening: Take a nighttime cruise on the Saône or Rhône rivers to admire the city’s lights and bridges. Alternatively, enjoy a drink at Le Sucre, a bar known for its creative cocktails.

Day 3: Day Trip to Vienne or Saint-Étienne

  • Morning: Take a day trip to either the charming Roman city of Vienne (45 minutes by train) or the industrial-chic city of Saint-Étienne (1 hour by train). Both cities offer unique attractions, such as ancient ruins, contemporary art museums, and distinctive architecture.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a lunch in Vienne or Saint-Étienne at a local restaurant, like Le Carré des Chevaliers (Vienne) or La Mère Jeannette (Saint-Étienne).

  • Afternoon: Continue exploring the city you chose, taking in its unique sights and attractions.

  • Dinner: Return to Lyon for a final dinner at Le Potel, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and exceptional service.

Things to Know:

  • The Rhône River divides Lyon into two main districts: Presqu’île (the peninsula) and Vieux Lyon (Old Town).
  • Tramways, trams, and buses make up the public transportation system in Lyon. A multi-trip ticket is recommended for exploring the city.
  • Lyon has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.
  • The best time to visit Lyon is from April to June or September to October when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.

Where to Stay:

  • Hôtel de la Liberté: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Vieux Lyon, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. [Book your stay here](https://www.hoteldela liberte.com/)
  • Hotel Cour des Loges: A luxurious 5-star hotel located in a 16th-century building in Vieux Lyon, offering elegant rooms, a restaurant, and a spa. Book your stay here
  • Hotel ibis Styles Lyon Centre Part Dieu: A modern budget hotel located near the main train station, offering comfortable rooms at affordable prices. Book your stay here