Lyon, France

Lyon

France's food capital, with hidden passageways called traboules.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
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Things to do

2 days in Lyon

Day 1

  1. MorningExplore Vieux Lyon's Renaissance courtyards and its hidden passageways, the traboules.
  2. AfternoonTake the funicular up to the Fourvière Basilica and the Roman theatres, then walk down through the gardens.
  3. EveningHave dinner in a bouchon, a cosy traditional Lyon restaurant, around the Rue Saint-Jean.

Day 2

Visit the Halles Paul Bocuse food market, or the Croix-Rousse hill and its murals.

What to eat

Quenelles in sauce, saucisson and a pink praline tart.

Local tips

Make the most of Lyon

Beat the crowds

Vieux Lyon's lanes are busiest on weekend afternoons. Explore them in the morning, and save the evening for the riverbanks.

Best photo spot

The view over the red roofs and the two rivers from the esplanade next to the Fourvière basilica, best at sunset.

Getting there

The Rhônexpress tram runs from the airport. Metro, trams and two funiculars cover the city; the old town is best on foot.

Don't miss nearby

Pérouges, a perfectly preserved medieval village about 40 minutes away.

Good to know

Look for the traboules: hidden passages through the buildings of Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse, some open to visitors. Lyon is France's food capital, so plan your meals.

Plan your visit

Getting to Lyon

Getting there

  • Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)20 km away
  • Geneva Airport (GVA)110 km away
  • Dijon175 km away
  • Avignon200 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forFood, Old towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryFrance

Questions

Lyon: good to know

Is Lyon worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like food and historic old towns. France's food capital, with hidden passageways called traboules.

How many days do you need in Lyon?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Lyon?

You can visit all year. Vieux Lyon's lanes are busiest on weekend afternoons. Explore them in the morning, and save the evening for the riverbanks.

How do you get to Lyon?

The nearest airport is Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS), about 20 km away. The Rhônexpress tram runs from the airport. Metro, trams and two funiculars cover the city; the old town is best on foot.

What is there to see near Lyon?

Nearby hidden places include Annecy (101 km), Yvoire (133 km) and Puy de Dôme (145 km).

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