Lyon is France’s third city and its capital of gastronomy. Built where the Rhône and the Saône meet, it has two thousand years of history, from Roman theatres to Renaissance lanes, and a historic centre listed by UNESCO.
Why visit Lyon
For food, history and city life without the pace of Paris. Lyon is easy to walk, has excellent museums and a riverside that comes alive in the evenings, and it eats better than almost anywhere in France.
Top things to do in Lyon
Vieux Lyon and the traboules
The Renaissance old town on the Saône, with its hidden traboules, covered passages that cut through courtyards from one street to the next.
Fourvière
The hill above the old town, crowned by the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, with sweeping views and two Roman theatres just below.
The Presqu’île
The heart of the city between the two rivers: the vast Place Bellecour, shopping streets, the Opera and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
The Croix-Rousse
The old silk workers’ hill, with steep stairways, murals, a daily market and the memory of the canuts.
The Confluence
The modern district at the tip of the Presqu’île, home to the striking Musée des Confluences.
Gerland
In the 7th arrondissement, the Halle Tony Garnier concert hall and the large riverside park of Gerland.
Best time to visit Lyon
Spring and autumn are pleasant. Summer is hot; around 8 December the Festival of Lights fills the city with installations.
Getting to and around Lyon
TGV trains reach Lyon from Paris in about 2 hours. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport is linked to Part-Dieu by the Rhônexpress tram in about 30 minutes. Metro, trams and bike-sharing cover the city.
What to eat in Lyon
Eat in a bouchon, a traditional Lyonnais bistro: quenelles, saucisson, *salade lyonnaise*, *cervelle de canut* (herbed fresh cheese) and praline tart. Visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for the best local produce.
Lyon FAQ
How many days do I need in Lyon?
Two or three days for the old town, Fourvière, the Presqu’île and a few good meals.
Is Lyon a good base for day trips?
Yes: the Beaujolais vineyards, Pérouges and Annecy are all reachable in a day.
