The Ultimate Long Weekend in Lyon, France

Discover the culinary capital of France in Lyon.

03 May 2023

Lyon is a vibrant city located in the southeast of France that's best known for its culinary scene and rich historical culture. A trip to Lyon as a tourist will include visits to the Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums and art galleries. Additionally, visitors can explore local markets, enjoy fine-dining experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants, and sample regional wines and cheeses.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

A Culinary Adventure in Old Lyon

  • Stay at Villa Maïa, a luxury hotel overlooking the city.
  • Start the day with a stroll through Vieux Lyon, stopping at boulangeries for fresh croissants.
  • Visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse for some food shopping. Try the saucisson sec and artisanal cheeses!
  • For lunch, head to brasserie Georges. Enjoy a pint of their own beer and the famous quenelle de brochet.
  • Afternoon wine tasting at Les Caves Des Vins De France. Try the Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône.
  • Dinner at Café Comptoir Abel, savoring their specialty, tablier de sapeur. It's made of breaded tripe and it's delish!
Day 2

Discovering Lyon's Presqu'île District

  • Enjoy breakfast at Boulangerie Jocteur. Try their pain au chocolat specific to Lyon, called coussin de Lyon.
  • Walk to Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, and enjoy views of the city.
  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and marvel at their impressive collection of artwork.
  • Lunch at Frères Barbet, a historic brasserie. The foie gras terrine and entrecôte with café de Paris sauce are must-haves!
  • Afternoon stroll down Rue de la République for some shopping. Stop at Bonte (chocolate shop) for sweet treats!
  • Dinner at L'Atelier des Augustins, a contemporary restaurant. Try their fish soup and signature cocktail, L'Augustin.
Day 3

Hiking and Wine Tasting in Beaujolais

  • Take a day trip to the Beaujolais region for a scenic hike through the vineyards.
  • Visit a winery and learn about the region's signature wine, Beaujolais Nouveau.
  • Lunch at a local bouchon, traditional Lyonnaise taverns. Try the veal head and chicken liver mousse.
  • Visit the medieval city of Pérouges, a charming and quaint village preserved from the Middle Ages.
  • Dinner at Daniel et Denise, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Savor the quintessential Lyonnaise dish, quenelle de brochet, served in a creamy sauce.
  • End the night with a drink at Le Sucre, an open-air nightclub boasting panoramic views of the city.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lyon, France by plane is to fly into Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, which is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center. There are direct flights to Lyon from many major European cities, as well as some destinations in North Africa and the Middle East.

Car

The best way to get to Lyon, France by car is to drive on the A6 motorway, which connects Lyon to Paris in the north and Marseille in the south. However, driving in Lyon can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking options.

Train

The best way to get to Lyon, France by train is to take the TGV high-speed train from Paris. The journey takes just over 2 hours and the train arrives at Lyon Part-Dieu station, which is located in the city center.

Boat

Unfortunately, there is no way to get to Lyon, France by boat as the city is located inland and does not have access to the ocean. The closest port cities are Marseille and Barcelona, which are both located over 300 kilometers away.

Bus

The best way to get to Lyon, France by bus is to take a long-distance bus from a major European city such as Paris, Barcelona, or Milan. There are several bus companies that operate routes to Lyon, including Flixbus and Eurolines.

Destination

Lyon

Looking for a city that'll make your taste buds dance? Look no further than the culinary capital where even the pigeons have Michelin stars. Welcome to Lyon!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Lyon on a Budget: Family Fun, Culture, and Cuisine!

A family friendly trip to Lyon, France offers a delightful combination of history, culture, and fun activities for all ages. Explore Lyon's charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets, Renaissance buildings, and lively markets. Enjoy a boat ride along the Rhône and Saône rivers, visit the interactive-designed Mini World Lyon, and savor delicious Lyonnaise cuisine at family-friendly restaurants, making for an unforgettable trip filled with art, history, and gastronomic delights.

Romantic Day Trip: Lyon, France

Lyon, the culinary capital of France, is an enchanting destination for a romantic getaway. Take a stroll through Old Lyon hand-in-hand with your loved one, admire the stunning architecture and quaint shops, and indulge in the local cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants. End your perfect day by sipping on a glass of red wine while watching the sunset over the Rhône river.

Lyon on a Budget: The Ultimate 2-Day Adventure!

Explore the city of Lyon on a limited budget by wandering the streets in the historic district of Vieux Lyon and visiting the Basilica of Fourvière for stunning views of the city. Take advantage of the affordable options for traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at the city's bouchons, small local restaurants offering hearty meals. Budget-friendly accommodation options include hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in the city center.

Lyon's Luscious Day Trip Delights.

Lyon is a cultural and gastronomic treasure trove, with its historic old town and world-renowned cuisine. Known as the “Capital of Gastronomy,” visitors can indulge in local delicacies, such as coq au vin and quenelles, and even take cooking classes. The city also offers a vibrant arts scene, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Musée des Confluences.