Lyon, France 5 Day Itinerary

Lyon, France: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Explore Vieux Lyon & Fourvière Hill

  1. Breakfast at Café des Fédérations in Vieux Lyon - Enjoy traditional French pastries and coffee.
  2. Visit Vieux Lyon - Discover the historic district with its beautiful Renaissance architecture, hidden courtyards, and traboules (secret passageways).
  3. Climb or take a funicular to Fourvière Hill - Marvel at the stunning panoramic views of Lyon and visit the famous Basilica of Fourvière
  4. Lunch at Bouchon Le Cerveau - Try traditional Lyonnaise cuisine like Quenelles and Coq au Vin.
  5. Afternoon: Explore Rue Saint-Jean - Shop for souvenirs, visit museums (Museum of Miniatures or Museum of Fine Arts)
  6. Dinner at Brasserie Georges - Experience a classic Lyonnais bouchon in the heart of Vieux Lyon.
  7. Evening stroll along Rhône River and watch the beautiful light show “Les Nuits de Fourvière” during summer evenings (June - August)

Day 2 - Discover Confluence & Croix-Rousse

  1. Breakfast at La Brioche Doree in Confluence
  2. Visit Confluence District - Explore modern architecture, parks, and the intersection of two rivers (Rhône & Saône).
  3. Museum of Contemporary Art - Discover contemporary art in this stunning museum located at Confluence.
  4. Lunch at Bouchon La Bergerie - Try traditional Lyonnaise dishes like Salade Lyonnaise and Gratin Dauphinois.
  5. Afternoon: Visit the Croix-Rousse District - Explore the historic silk manufacturing district, visit silk workshops (Ateliers des Lumières or Silk Museum)
  6. Dinner at Les Fillettes - Enjoy creative dishes made with local ingredients in a cozy, modern atmosphere.
  7. Evening stroll through the cobblestone streets of Croix-Rousse and try some Lyon’s famous beer at one of the local breweries or bars.

Day 3 - Day trip to Beaujolais & Bourgogne regions

  1. Breakfast at your accommodation
  2. Take a wine tour to explore the nearby Beaujolais and Bourgogne regions - Sample famous wines like Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
  3. Lunch at a local winery or restaurant in the region
  4. Afternoon: Continue exploring vineyards, learning about wine-making processes, and enjoying more wine tastings!
  5. Return to Lyon in the evening and enjoy a quiet dinner at your accommodation or try Le Comptoir de Brochard - A highly rated restaurant located in Brochard neighborhood.

Day 4 - Visit Museums & Parc de la Tête d’Or

  1. Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien near Parc de la Tête d’Or
  2. Museum of History of Lyon - Discover the rich history of Lyon and its role in the French Revolution.
  3. Lunch at Le Neuf Cafe - Creative sandwiches, salads, and pastries in a chic setting.
  4. Afternoon: Visit Parc de la Tête d’Or - The largest park in Lyon with a zoo, rose garden, greenhouses, and boating lake.
  5. Museum of Anthropology - Learn about human cultures and history from around the world.
  6. Dinner at Le Petit Cafe des Fous - Creative Mediterranean dishes in a colorful, bohemian setting.
  7. Evening stroll along the Saône River and enjoy the nightlife in Lyon’s trendy districts (Canebière or Brochard).

Day 5 - Departure day

  1. Breakfast at your accommodation
  2. Spend the morning exploring any remaining sights or shopping for souvenirs
  3. Lunch at a favorite spot from earlier in the week or try somewhere new!
  4. Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport (Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport) - Allow enough time for security and flight check-in.
  5. Au revoir, Lyon! Until next time…