7-Day Itinerary for Lyon, France (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Vieux Lyon

• Arrive at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport - Book a taxi or use the Rhônexpress shuttle to reach your accommodation.

• Check-in and Rest - Recommended hotels: Hotel Cour des Loges, ibis Styles Lyon La Part-Dieu, Grand Hôtel-Dieu.

• Afternoon: Visit Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

  • Rue Saint-Jean
  • Fourvière Hill for panoramic views of the city
  • Traboules (secret passageways)

• Evening: Dinner at Café des Fédérations or Le Café du Square Gourmand

Day 2: Discover Historic Sites and Museums

• Morning: Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon and Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon

• Afternoon: Explore Presqu’île neighborhood

  • Place des Terreaux and its famous fountain
  • Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
  • Theatres Romains (Roman Theater)

• Evening: Dinner at Bouchon Le Cerveau or Brasserie Georges

Day 3: Explore Confluence and La Croix-Rousse

• Morning: Stroll along the banks of Rhône and Saône rivers in Confluence district

• Afternoon: Visit Museum of Contemporary Art, La Sucrière

  • La Croix-Rousse neighborhood (Silk Capital)
    • Canuts’ Traboules (secret passageways)
    • Museum of Textile Industries

• Evening: Dinner at Le Comptoir de la Plage or Le Bistrot du Coin

Day 4: Day Trip to Vienne and Saint-Étienne

• Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient Roman city of Vienne (30 minutes by train)

• Afternoon: Head to Saint-Étienne (35 minutes by train) for modern architecture and industry museums

• Evening: Return to Lyon and rest

Day 5: Visit Parc de la Tête d’Or and Brotteaux

• Morning: Explore Parc de la Tête d’Or (largest urban park in France)

• Afternoon: Discover the trendy Brotteaux neighborhood

  • Rue Principal
  • La Guillotière market

• Evening: Dinner at Le Petit Longeant or L’Entracte

Day 6: Day Trip to Pérouges and Bourg-en-Bresse

• Morning: Take a day trip to the medieval village of Pérouges (50 minutes by train)

• Afternoon: Head to Bourg-en-Bresse (35 minutes by train) for its historic town center, Ducal Palace, and Museum of Fine Arts

• Evening: Return to Lyon and rest

Day 7: Farewell Lyon

• Morning: Spend your last hours in Lyon doing some shopping or relaxing in a café

• Afternoon/Evening: Departure from Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport

Tips and Things to Know:

• Language: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Transportation: Tram, buses, and metro make up Lyon’s public transportation system (known as TCL). A day pass costs €5.30 or a 5-day pass can be purchased for €17.40.
• Food: Lyon is known for its bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) and regional dishes like Quenelles de Brochet, Sausages de Lyon, and Les Gros Buns.
• Weather: Lyon has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly!
• Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas and at night.