Lyon, France 4 Day Itinerary
Title: 4-Day Lyon Itinerary - Exploring the Gastronomic Capital of France
Day 1: Discovering Historic Lyon
Morning:
- Start your day with a traditional French breakfast at Café des Fédérations, located in the heart of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon).
- Explore the Vieux Lyon district, including St Jean Cathedral and the beautiful Renaissance architecture. Don’t forget to check out Traboules, the secret passageways connecting the narrow streets!
Afternoon:
- Visit Fourvière Hill for a panoramic view of the city. The Basilica of Fourvière is also worth exploring.
- Wander through Croix-Rousse, known as the “Silk Capital” and visit the Musee des Tissues et des Arts décoratifs if you’re interested in textile history.
Evening:
- Dine at Bouchon La Mère Boufé, a classic bouchon offering traditional Lyonnais cuisine.
Day 2: Art and Modern Lyon
Morning:
- Head to the Confluence district, where modern architecture meets historical sites. Visit Le Musée des Confluences for an immersive experience of science, anthropology, and human development.
Afternoon:
- Explore Presqu’île area, home to the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and many museums like Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon and Palais de la Bourse.
Evening:
- Dine at Le Comptoir de Brocéliande, a highly acclaimed restaurant with an innovative twist on Lyonnais cuisine.
Day 3: Foodie Paradise
Morning:
- Visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, one of the city’s most famous food markets, offering a variety of local produce and delicious dishes.
- Take a food tour to discover more about Lyonnais gastronomy.
Afternoon:
- Relax at Parc de la Tête d’Or, the largest urban park in Lyon, featuring a lake, rose garden, and zoo.
Evening:
- Dine at Pere Joseph, another classic bouchon offering traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
Day 4: Day Trip - Beaujolais Wine Region
Morning:
- Take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region to taste some of France’s best wines and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Afternoon:
- Return to Lyon and spend your last evening at Quai Saint-Bernard, a lively riverside area with bars, restaurants, and stunning views of the city.
Transportation:
Lyon has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metro lines. A TCL Multipass is a convenient way to get around.
Things to Know:
- Lyon’s bouchons can get busy during peak hours, so it’s best to make reservations in advance.
- The city is famous for its silk and puppet tradition; consider visiting Guignol shows.
- English is widely spoken, but a few French phrases will go a long way!
Tips:
- Take a bike ride along the Rhône or Saône rivers for beautiful views of the city.
- Don’t miss trying local dishes like Quenelles de brochet (pike perch dumplings), salade Lyonnaise, and saucisson de Lyon.