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
- Check into Hotel Le Royal 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, a foodie heaven, sampling everything from cheese to charcuterie.
- Take a boat cruise on the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying breathtaking views of Lyon's stunning bridges and landmarks.
- Indulge in Lyonnais cuisine at Brasserie Georges, where classic dishes like quenelles and coussin de Lyon will transport you to foodie heaven.
- Explore the Musée des Confluences, a striking architectural masterpiece, housing exhibits on science, anthropology, and history.
- Pay homage to the Lumière brothers at the Lumière Institute. 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, known for its vibrant street art and bohemian atmosphere.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Voisin, a heavenly chocolate shop, where pralines will dance on your taste buds!
- Uncover Lyon's rich Roman history at the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière. Get a breathtaking view of the city from the top!
- Discover the secrets of Lyon's silk trade at the Maison des Canuts. Try your hand at weaving on a traditional Jacquard loom.
- Wander through the Traboules de la Croix-Rousse, hidden passageways once used by silk workers. An urban treasure hunt awaits!
- Ascend the Croix-Rousse hill via the funicular railway, or channel your inner Rocky and conquer its numerous steps.
- Savor a bouchon experience at Café des Fédérations, where Lyonnais classics like quenelles and sausages reign supreme.
- Fill up on pastries at Boulangerie du Palais, fueling your last day in Lyon with buttery croissants and pain au chocolat.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Rhône, bidding adieu to the city's idyllic riverside scenery.
- Visit the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, 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, 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.
