Lyon France Itinerary: From Tourist Spots to Local Favorites
Planning your Lyon France itinerary and not sure how many days to stay?
Whether you’ve got just 24 hours, a weekend, or a full three days to explore, Lyon is packed with charm, history, and mouthwatering food that fits perfectly into any schedule.
Tucked between the Rhône and Saône rivers, this walkable city is a stunning mix of Renaissance beauty, modern flair, and culinary excellence.
From wandering through cobbled Renaissance streets in Vieux Lyon to indulging in unforgettable meals at local bouchons or Michelin-starred gems, this city is a dream for curious travelers and food lovers alike.
This guide will walk you through the best of Lyon—tailored to however long you’re staying—so you can make the most of your time in one of France’s most unforgettable cities.
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Day 1: Classic Landmarks and River Views
Start at Place Bellecour
Start your Lyon adventure at the UNESCO World Heritage site Place Bellecour, the heart of this historic French city. This red-ochre square lights up with energy as the third largest in France and Europe’s biggest pedestrian plaza.
The square’s centerpiece is King Louis XIV’s majestic horse statue, created by François-Frédéric Lemot in 1825. You’ll also find a lovely statue of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry with the Little Prince tucked away in the southwest corner.
The square makes a perfect starting point with four main streets leading to key spots: rue de la République takes you to Hôtel de Ville and the Opera, rue Victor Hugo and rue du Plat lead to Perrache, and rue du Président Édouard Herriot’s luxury shops stretch to Place des Terreaux.
Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Built between 1872 and 1896, the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière sits proudly on Fourvière hill. Locals call this white church the “upside-down elephant.”
The basilica’s interior will take your breath away with its mix of Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque styles.
The upper church shows off three stunning domes, six stained-glass windows, and beautiful mosaics.
The lower church has a quieter beauty. Eight side chapels tell Mary’s story, and six wall mosaics show her connection to the Church and France.
Explore the Roman Theaters and Lugdunum Museum
A short walk from the basilica takes you to one of France’s most amazing archeological sites. The Romans founded Lyon (then called Lugdunum) in 43 BC, and the Grand Theater and Odeon still stand as windows into the ancient world.
Next door, the Lugdunum Museum shows off France’s best archeological treasures across its spaces. The Lyon Tablet stands out – it has Emperor Claudius’s speech about letting Gauls join the Roman Senate. You’ll also see a rare Gallic calendar, one of the longest surviving Celtic texts.
Save time and enhance your visit with skip-the-line tickets and a private tour guide.
Walk down to Saint-Jean Cathedral
The path down from Fourvière hill leads to Saint-Jean Cathedral, or “la primatiale Saint-Jean-Baptiste-et-Saint-Étienne.”
This beautiful cathedral took shape between 1175 and 1480, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The cathedral’s astronomical clock from 1598 is a marvel. It figures out saints’ days and tracks stars above Lyon. Two historic crosses from the Second Council of Lyon in 1274 still stand here.
The best time to visit is early morning when you can enjoy the quiet and really see all the details.
Evening stroll along the Saône River
End your day with a peaceful walk along the Saône River watching the golden sunset.
Looking for more lively nightlife? The riverside comes alive at night. Restaurants open their terraces and music fills the air. Stop by the daily market at Quai Saint-Antoine, where about 100 vendors sell fresh produce, cheese, and flowers.
Experience the magic of lights – the lit-up church of Saint-Georges, Saint-Jean Cathedral, Palais de Justice, and river bridges create a stunning view. The city lights dancing on the water make perfect photos and a beautiful end to your Lyon adventure.
Day 2: Hidden Gems and Local Culture
Your second day in Lyon takes you beyond tourist spots to uncover the city’s hidden gems and local culture. These off-the-beaten-path attractions showcase Lyon’s heritage as a silk-producing powerhouse and culinary haven.
Morning at Croix-Rousse and the Mur des Canuts
The historic Croix-Rousse district sits proudly on a hill overlooking the city.
This former working-class neighborhood became Lyon’s silk industry hub in the early 19th century. You’ll notice the historic buildings have unusually high ceilings and large windows that were built specifically for silk workers’ looms.
Don’t miss the spectacular street art hidden gem of Mur des Canuts (Wall of the Silk Weavers), which is Europe’s largest trompe-l’oeil mural. The artwork showcases daily life in Croix-Rousse with puppet theaters, silk shops, and local residents.
If you love art as much as I do, I recommend joining a street art guided tour in the Croix Rousse district.
Discover the traboules of Vieux Lyon
Don’t miss Vieux Lyon’s fascinating traboules—hidden passageways connecting streets through buildings and courtyards. The city has roughly 500 traboules, with about 200 in Vieux Lyon. Only 80 remain open to the public.
These passages stretch back to the 4th century. Silk workers used them to protect delicate fabrics from weather, while resistance fighters during World War II held secret meetings and escaped from Nazis through these paths.
Bronze shields mark public traboules. Remember to keep quiet as locals live here. Notable traboules worth exploring include:
- The Longue Traboule: Links 54 Rue Saint-Jean to 27 Rue du Bœuf through three courtyards and four buildings
- 27 Rue Saint-Jean: Leads to 6 Rue des Trois Maries with two colorful courtyards and a stunning spiral staircase
- 31 Rue du Boeuf: Connects to 14 Rue de la Bombarde
You have the option to either take a self-guided or private guided walking tour with a local expert of the traboules.
Lunch at a traditional bouchon
A traditional bouchon offers the perfect spot for an authentic midday meal. Look for the Gnafron puppet logo that certifies genuine establishments by Les Bouchons Lyonnais Association.
These relaxed, cozy restaurants unique to Lyon serve hearty local dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Here are the highest ranked bouchons to try:
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is located in a grand 17th-century former Benedictine convent near Place des Terreaux.
This art museum showcases collections spanning 5,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern works by Picasso and Matisse.
Visitors can explore Wednesday through Monday from 10am to 6pm (10:30am on Fridays). The museum closes on Tuesdays and holidays.
Sunset at the Garden of Curiosities
Visit the Garden of Curiosities (Jardin des Curiosités) to cap off your day with breathtaking views of Lyon. Clear days might reward you with views of Mont Blanc.
Quebec sculptor Michel Goulet created six unique chairs, each offering different views and featuring poetic inscriptions.
The garden welcomes visitors year-round and stays open until 10pm from May through September. Come early in the evening to grab a prime sunset spot and watch Lyon’s skyline turn golden.
Day 3: Modern Lyon and Relaxation
The last day of your Lyon adventure takes you through the city’s modern side. You’ll find stunning architecture and peaceful spaces that perfectly balance your previous days of historic exploration.
Explore the Confluence Museum
The remarkable Musée des Confluences is located at the southern tip of Lyon’s Presqu’île, right where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au created this stunning building that looks like a floating crystal cloud made of stainless steel and glass. This masterpiece shows Lyon’s bold modern vision, quite different from the historic buildings you’ve seen before.
Step inside to find an amazing mix of a science center and anthropology museum. The exhibits tell humanity’s story and show how we connect with nature. Each exhibition tackles big questions from the Big Bang theory to life’s meaning.
The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm but stays closed on Mondays. Adult tickets cost €12, while 18-25 year-olds pay €7. Kids under 18 get in free.
Walk or bike along the Rhône riverbanks
The newly renovated Rhône River banks are your next stop. The atmosphere here feels natural and peaceful, unlike the industrial area near the confluence.
These areas are great for walking or cycling with beautiful river views.You’ll see pedestrian zones, bike paths, playgrounds, and gardens that locals and tourists love equally.
Take a break at one of the riverside cafés or restaurants. Grab a drink and enjoy the peaceful river scene.
Afternoon at Parc de la Tête d’Or
The Parc de la Tête d’Or (Park of the Golden Head) should be on everyone’s Lyon itinerary.
This city oasis covers 117 hectares, making it one of France’s biggest city parks. The beautiful Lac de la Tête d’Or sits at the park’s center. Summer visitors can rent boats here.
The park features:
- Lyon’s botanical gardens with hundreds of plant species
- A free zoo with various animals
- A stunning rose garden with hundreds of varieties
- Multiple playgrounds and recreational areas
Dinner in the Cité Internationale district
End your 3-day Lyon adventure with dinner in the modern Cité Internationale district. This area shows off Lyon’s contemporary food scene, which is quite different from the traditional bouchons.
Bistrot City Lyon Cité Internationale serves refined dishes made with carefully picked fresh ingredients. The friendly atmosphere and modern cuisine make it the perfect place to wrap up your Lyon journey.
This final day lets you see both old and new Lyon. From ancient Roman theaters to modern architectural wonders, you’ll learn about this amazing French city’s progress through time.
How Many Days in Lyon? Planning Your Trip
Your travel style and interests will shape the perfect duration of your Lyon France trip.
Here’s some helpful tips to plan your visit better, whatever your timeframe:
2 days in Lyon: what to prioritize
A 48-hour window means you should stick to Lyon’s UNESCO-listed areas. This will give you a taste of Lyon’s best attractions even with time constraints.
Your first day should cover Vieux Lyon with its traboules, Fourvière Basilica, and Roman theaters.
The second day takes you through Presqu’île and Croix-Rousse.
The Lyon City Card becomes extra valuable during short stays. It gives you access to 23 museums, unlimited public transport, and a guided cruise—all under €30.
3 days in Lyon: deeper exploration
Three days lets you slow down and dig deeper into the city’s charm.
You can add the Confluence district to your list, with its museum and modern architecture.
A food tour at Les Halles Paul Bocuse might interest you, or you could spend extra time at unique spots like the Miniature and Cinema Museum.
The third day is a chance to enjoy Parc de la Tête d’Or, France’s largest urban park.
When to visit Lyon
Each season brings its own magic, although the city shines best in late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October).
Fall paints Lyon’s parks and nearby vineyards in stunning colors. Temperatures stay pleasant between 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F).
Summer temperatures can climb to 30°C (86°F) or higher, while winter hovers around 5°C-10°C (32°F-46°F).
December lights up with the spectacular Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), turning the city into a magical display of illuminations.
Getting around the city
Lyon’s public transport network is top-notch with 4 metro lines, 6 tram lines, 2 funicular railways, and over 100 bus routes.
A single ticket costs €2 and works for one hour. The Ticket liberté 1 jour (day pass) at €6.70 might work better for extensive sightseeing.
The city’s 540 km of cycling paths make biking an excellent choice. You can grab a Vélo’v bike-sharing pass for €4 per day.
The central attractions are also located close to each other, which makes Lyon a great city to explore on foot.
Day Trips from Lyon to Consider
These amazing day trips to surrounding regions will perfectly complement your Lyon France itinerary.
Beaujolais wine region
The Beaujolais wine region is located 35 minutes north of Lyon. The region’s beautiful landscape covers 18,000 hectares of rolling vineyards.
The 140-km wine route leads to 10 iconic Beaujolais crus including Saint-Amour, Juliénas, and Fleurie. Wine lovers can sample vintages at different estates.
Europe’s first vine and wine theme park at Hameau Dubœuf and Château de Corcelles’ elegant tastings under pointed-hat towers stand out among the options.
Beaujolais Wine Tours and Tastings
Annecy
People call Annecy the “Pearl of the French Alps,” and it’s just two hours from Lyon by train. Trains run from Lyon starting at 7 am until the last return at 7:30 pm.
Turquoise canals wind through this charming town’s narrow streets and 17th-century buildings.
The Old Town’s centerpiece, Palais de l’Isle, has evolved from a prison into an exhibition space.
Lake Annecy, known as Europe’s cleanest lake, welcomes visitors with boat rides and lakeside cycling paths.
Dijon
Dijon makes a perfect city day trip from Lyon.
The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne houses the Fine Arts Museum, which showcases two elaborate carved tombs of Burgundy’s Dukes.
The Owl’s Trail guides visitors through Dijon’s highlights, including medieval streets and historic mansions.
Wine enthusiasts can enjoy wine tastings right in Dijon’s center without heading to the countryside.
Perouges medieval village
Perouges, one of France’s most beautiful villages, is only 40 minutes east of Lyon. Most visitors spend about 1-1.5 hours exploring the artisan shops and restaurants.
This well-preserved medieval town sits on a hilltop with winding cobblestone streets and golden stone houses that create an authentic medieval feel.
You can reach Perouges from Lyon by :
- Joining a guided tour
- Driving on the A42 (exit 7), taking a train to Meximieux-Pérouges station, followed by a 20-minute walk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Thoughts: Lyon France itinerary
Lyon is one of France’s best hidden gems. This UNESCO-listed city blends historical richness with modern energy, minus the tourist crowds you’ll find in Paris.
Lyon packs a surprising variety into its compact size. Great food, rich history, beautiful buildings, walkable neighbourhoods, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage blend to create an unforgettable experience.
Your interests should shape your Lyon itinerary. Food lovers will want to check out Les Halles Paul Bocuse and authentic bouchons first. Art enthusiasts might spend extra time at museums and street murals.
History fans will love every minute in Vieux Lyon and Fourvière. Those who need to unwind can take peaceful walks by the rivers or through the beautiful Parc de la Tête d’Or.
Whether your Lyon France itinerary is a quick 48-hour visit or a relaxed three-day stay, it will reward you with memories that last a lifetime.
