This year, I spent a month in Western Europe. In France, my family and I explored the country from the north to the southern tip. We thoroughly enjoyed discovering France in the springtime. One of the most memorable cities was Lyon. As the third largest city in France, it’s not too big, making it ideal for exploring. Lyon is rich in history and historical landmarks, stunningly beautiful, very walkable, a food lover’s paradise, and close to the South of France where we stayed. From Montélimar, Adrien, Aimee, and I took a two-hour train ride to experience the beauty of the city home to Olympique Lyonnais.
Exploring Lyon, France: Walking through the Capital of Gastronomy
Lyon is only a two-hour journey from Paris, but when I set foot there, I immediately felt a more relaxed atmosphere, less formal than Paris. Perhaps it’s because Lyon is renowned as France’s gastronomy capital, and people who love food tend to be happier. Or maybe it’s because Lyon is near the sunny, scenic South of France, which is a famous holiday destination, giving the city a laid-back vibe. One thing’s for sure: I really enjoyed my short trip to Lyon. From the historic old town filled with Gothic and classical landmarks, to the modern city that’s perfect for shopping and wandering around, the promenade along the Rhône River is a great spot for an afternoon stroll. Plus, the indoor market showcases the region’s produce and Lyon’s culinary creations. Whether you’re a food traveler, history buff, shopaholic, or nature and city explorer, Lyon has plenty to offer as the third-largest city in France (after Paris and Marseille).
Lyon, formerly known as Lugdunum, was a silk-spinning center of Europe in the 15th to 17th centuries. Many silk traders visited and eventually settled in Lyon, establishing communities that still exist today, known as Vieux Lyon (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me, Vieux Lyon is the most beautiful part of the city. Its well-preserved classical buildings, narrow alleyways, and vibrant restaurants and bars make it a fun area to explore. Vieux Lyon is also home to several of Lyon’s main attractions, including the Traboules, Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
How to Get to Lyon, France
The most comfortable way to get to Lyon is by taking the high-speed TGV train. From Paris, you can reach Lyon in just two hours, the same travel time we had from Montélimar in southern France. You can check the schedule and buy tickets using the SNCF Connect app.
Alternatively, you can fly into Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport from over 30 cities across Europe.
How to Get Around Lyon, France
Honestly, when we arrived at Lyon-Part-Dieu station, we just walked around with a stroller. Since Adrien had been to Lyon a few times, it was easy to navigate. We walked from the station to Place Bellecour for some shopping and lunch. After that, I hiked solo up Fourvière Hill to visit the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Lyon is a very walkable city, with wide, flat sidewalks and smooth streets, unlike the cobblestones in Paris. You also don’t need to take public transport to explore the city, as most of Lyon’s attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Next time, when Aimee is older, I’d love to come back and explore areas that are too far to reach on foot. Lyon has excellent public transportation. For just €6, you can buy a daily ticket that gives you unlimited access to buses, trams, subways, and even the funicular. You can purchase tickets at machines in subway and tram stations, or on buses (though it’s more expensive if you buy from the driver).
Things to See & Do in Lyon, France
1. Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Once home to silk traders, Vieux Lyon has become one of the city’s main tourist attractions. It’s a beautiful area, especially when the sun is shining, with well-maintained buildings. I enjoyed wandering through the narrow alleyways filled with chic bars, cafes, and restaurants. In Vieux Lyon, you can also explore the Traboules—ancient, secret passageways used by textile workers to travel quickly and protect themselves from bad weather. During World War II, they were used for secret meetings. There are 400 Traboules in Lyon, but not all are open to the public.
2. Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière
To get here, I climbed stairs and hiked for about 20 minutes from Vieux Lyon. The effort was worth it, as the view of Lyon from the top of Fourvière Hill is stunning, as is the Basilica itself. Built in 1872, it’s a symbol of Lyon and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica’s Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque facade is magnificent, and the frescoes inside are breathtaking.
3. Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
This Roman and Gothic cathedral, located in Vieux Lyon, took three centuries to build, finally completed in 1480. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go inside because of an event, but the cathedral is an iconic landmark in Lyon, standing in the charming Place Saint-Jean.
4. Cinema and Miniature Museum
This museum, located in Vieux Lyon, is a must-visit for cinema lovers. It houses a collection of cinematic props and 120 miniature film scenes. Entry costs €9.5.
5. Parc de la Tête d’Or
Lyon’s largest park, Parc de la Tête d’Or, spans 117 hectares. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike during summer, with activities like strolling through the botanical garden, relaxing by the lake, jogging, cycling, or visiting the zoo. Entrance to the park and zoo is free.
6. Le Halles Paul Bocuse
An indoor market named after the famous Lyon chef, Paul Bocuse, this market is a must for food lovers. It’s a great place to sample local specialties from over 50 vendors.
7. Place Bellecour
The largest pedestrian square in Europe, Place Bellecour is the social heart of Lyon. In winter, it transforms into an ice-skating rink with a Ferris wheel.
8. Presqu’Île
The central area of Lyon, known for its elegant buildings and pastel colors, is a shopper’s paradise.
9. Lyon River Cruise
A river cruise is a fun way to explore Lyon, especially if you’re not in the mood for a long walk. The cruise passes by key landmarks, including Vieux Lyon, Presqu’Île, and the Confluences Museum.
Lyon, rich in history and culture, is one of my favorite cities in France. It may not be as large as Paris, but it has so much to offer. If you’re planning a trip to Lyon, two days and two nights will give you enough time to explore, but three nights would be even better. The best time to visit is in the spring, when the days are long and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.