Lyon, France

Ultimate Travel Guide to Lyon, France 🇫🇷

Overview 🌆

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is a vibrant and historic destination nestled between two rivers - the Rhône and Saône. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon offers an exceptional mix of culture, food, history, and modernity. This guide will provide you with essential information to make your visit memorable.

Places to Visit 🏛️

  1. Vieux Lyon (Old Town): Wander through the historic streets lined with Renaissance architecture and beautiful courtyards. Don’t miss the Trinity Chapel, St Jean Baptiste Cathedral, and the Collège de la Chartreuse.

  2. Fourvière Hill (Hill of Fourvière)**: Take the funicular up to this hilltop district for stunning views of Lyon and visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

  3. Bellecour Square: The largest urban square in France, perfect for people watching. Nearby, you’ll find the Bartholdi Fountain (the smaller version of the Statue of Liberty’s creator).

  4. Presqu’île: Explore this central island between the two rivers, home to many iconic landmarks such as Place des Terreaux and the City Hall.

  5. Parc de la Tête d’Or: Visit Lyon’s largest park, featuring a lake, greenhouses, a zoo, and multiple sports facilities.

  6. Confluence District: A modern neighborhood where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, with numerous cultural attractions such as the Musée des Confluences and the Modern Art Museum (MUVA).

Activities 🎫

  1. Silk Weaving Workshops: Learn about Lyon’s silk industry history at various workshops like Canuts de la Croix-Rousse.

  2. Bike Tours: Discover the city on two wheels with a guided bike tour, exploring hidden gems and iconic sites.

  3. Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières): In December, Lyon transforms into a festival of light installations and firework displays.

  4. Culinary Workshops: Immerse yourself in the local gastronomy through cooking classes or food tours.

Where to Eat 🍴

  1. Bouchons Lyonnais: Traditional Lyon eateries serving hearty, comforting dishes like quenelles and sausages. Favorites include Le Café des Fédérations and Les Lyonnais.

  2. Paul Bocuse: The “Pope of French Cooking” has several restaurants in Lyon, offering high-end gastronomic experiences.

  3. Markets: Visit Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse or Place des Terreaux for fresh produce and local delicacies.

  4. Street Food: Try a famous “bugambillas” (a Lyon twist on crepes), or sample the many food trucks around the city.

Where to Stay 🏨

  1. Hotel de la Cour des Loges: A charming, historic hotel in Vieux Lyon.

  2. Hôtel Carlton Lyon: Luxury accommodation with an iconic façade and central location.

  3. iStay Hotel Les Trois Maillets: Modern, budget-friendly accommodations in the heart of the city.

Things to Know 💡

  1. Language: French is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  2. Currency: Euro (€)
  3. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer tourists compared to summer.
  4. Transportation: Lyon’s public transportation system includes trams, buses, and the metro, all covered by the TCL ticket system. Bike rentals are also available.
  5. Tipping: Service is usually included in restaurant bills, but it’s appreciated to leave a few extra euros for good service.
  6. Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the city in cafes and public spaces.
  7. Emergency Numbers: 112 (European emergency number)

Tips 💬

  1. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Lyon’s hilly terrain.
  2. Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants, especially during peak tourist season.
  3. Don’t forget to try some local wines, such as Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône.
  4. Explore the city at night; Lyon’s illuminated buildings are a sight to behold!
  5. Use the City Bike service (Vélo’v) for short trips around town.
  6. Take a day trip to nearby vineyards, villages, or mountains for even more French experiences!