Lyon on a Budget: Family Fun, Culture, and Cuisine!
Discover the captivating charm of Lyon, France - the perfect family adventure awaits!
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
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.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
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- Check into Hotel Le Royal 4.4
10 photos
Hôtel Le Royal Lyon - MGallery
4.4
(545)
20 Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France
Lodging,Point of interest
Bright, airy rooms & suites in an upscale hotel with a restaurant, an ornate bar & free Wi-Fi.
all.accor.com
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for a warm welcome and stylish stay.
- Stroll through Vieux Lyon
, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its quaint Renaissance architecture and hidden traboules.
- Tantalize your taste buds at Les Halles Paul Bocuse 4.5
, a foodie heaven, sampling everything from cheese to charcuterie.
- Take a boat cruise on the Rhône and Saône rivers 4.4
, enjoying breathtaking views of Lyon's stunning bridges and landmarks.
- Indulge in Lyonnais cuisine at Brasserie Georges 4.4
10 photos
Brasserie Georges
4.4
(16587)
•
$$
30 Cr de Verdun Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France
Restaurant,Food
Landmark 1836 brasserie serving traditional Lyonnaise fare & beer in a vast, art deco dining room.
brasseriegeorges.com
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, where classic dishes like quenelles and coussin de Lyon will transport you to foodie heaven.
- Explore the Musée des Confluences 4.5
10 photos
Musée des Confluences
4.5
(18975)
86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France
Museum,Point of interest
Permanent & temporary exhibitions about anthropology & science amid dramatic, modern architecture.
museedesconfluences.fr
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, a striking architectural masterpiece, housing exhibits on science, anthropology, and history.
- Pay homage to the Lumière brothers at the Lumière Institute 4.6
10 photos
Institut Lumière
4.6
(347)
Rue du Premier Film, 69008 Lyon, France
Movie theater,Point of interest
In addition to screening iconic films, this museum also features antique movie-making equipment.
institut-lumiere.org
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. Discover the birthplace of cinema through vintage film projections.
- Get lost in the Parc de la Tête d'Or
, a lush oasis with its own zoo, boating lake, and rose garden. Perfect for family picnics!
- Wander through the bustling Les Pentes de La Croix-Rousse
10 photos
Pentes de la Croix Rousse
Pentes de la Croix Rousse, 69001 Lyon, France
Neighborhood,Political
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, known for its vibrant street art and bohemian atmosphere.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Voisin 4.1
10 photos
Chocolats Voisin République
4.1
(223)
28 Rue de la République, 69002 Lyon, France
Bakery,Cafe
Roasting chocolate since 1897, this chain is known for its high end artisanal chocolate products.
chocolat-voisin.com
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, a heavenly chocolate shop, where pralines will dance on your taste buds!
- Uncover Lyon's rich Roman history at the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière 4.6
10 photos
Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière
4.6
(5233)
17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, France
Tourist attraction,Point of interest
The substantial ruins of a pair of Roman theaters, now used for open-air concerts & festivals.
museegalloromain.grandlyon.com
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. Get a breathtaking view of the city from the top!
- Discover the secrets of Lyon's silk trade at the Maison des Canuts 4.3
10 photos
La Maison des Canuts
4.3
(1093)
10 Rue d'Ivry, 69004 Lyon, France
Museum,Tourist attraction
Guided tours of 19th-century building with displays tracing 5 centuries of silk production in Lyon.
maisondescanuts.fr
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. Try your hand at weaving on a traditional Jacquard loom.
- Wander through the Traboules de la Croix-Rousse 4.3
10 photos
Traboule et Cour des Voraces
4.3
(1125)
9 Pl. Colbert, 69001 Lyon, France
Tourist attraction,Point of interest
Circa-1840 urban passageway with street art & a unique 6-story staircase popular with photographers.
lyon-france.com
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, hidden passageways once used by silk workers. An urban treasure hunt awaits!
- Ascend the Croix-Rousse hill
10 photos
La Croix-Rousse
La Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
Neighborhood,Political
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via the funicular railway, or channel your inner Rocky and conquer its numerous steps.
- Savor a bouchon experience at Café des Fédérations 4.5
, where Lyonnais classics like quenelles and sausages reign supreme.
- Fill up on pastries at Boulangerie du Palais 4.3
10 photos
Boulangerie Du Palais
4.3
(1207)
•
$$
8 Rue du Palais de Justice, 69005 Lyon, France
Bakery,Restaurant
Pastries, cakes & tarts, plus loaves, pizza & sandwiches in a bustling operation.
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, fueling your last day in Lyon with buttery croissants and pain au chocolat.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Rhône 3.3
, bidding adieu to the city's idyllic riverside scenery.
- Visit the Musée Miniature et Cinéma 4.7
10 photos
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
4.7
(10373)
60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France
Museum,Tourist attraction
Museum of hyper-realistic, miniature everyday scenes, plus movie props & special effects exhibits.
museeminiatureetcinema.fr
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, a hidden gem exhibiting tiny wonders and movie props, perfect for family fun.
- Wrap up your trip with a visit to Les Terrasses de Lyon 4.5
10 photos
Les Terrasses de Lyon
4.5
(547)
25 Mnt Saint-Barthélémy, 69005 Lyon, France
Restaurant,Food
Fine dining in a posh eatery in the Villa Florentine hotel with a glass roof & panoramic city views.
villaflorentine.com
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, a rooftop bar boasting panoramic views and a spectacular sunset.
- Wave goodbye to Lyon, promising to return for more culinary delights, cultural wonders, and memories that will linger like the taste of a perfect Lyonnais meal!
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.