Lyon-6-day-itinerary

Lyon Travel Itinerary (6 days)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

Morning:

  • Arrival: Reach Lyon’s Saint-Exupéry Airport and take a shuttle or taxi to your accommodation.
  • Breakfast: Start at Café des Négres, a historic café in the heart of Lyon for a traditional French breakfast.

Afternoon:

  • Place des Terreaux: Visit this central square, home to the iconic Palace of Justice (Palais de la Bourse) and the Saint-Bonaventure Church.
  • Lyon City Museum (Musée des Confluences): Explore this museum located on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. It features a collection of natural history, anthropology, and science.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Les Tonneaux, a well-known restaurant in Lyon serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
  • Evening Stroll: Take an evening walk along the Rhône river for a lovely view of the city.

Day 2: History and Culture

Morning:

  • Roman Theatres (Théâtres Romain): Visit these ancient Roman ruins, one of which is home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs de la Ville de Lyon.
  • Musée des Arts Décoratifs: Explore this museum’s collection of decorative arts and crafts.

Afternoon:

  • Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière: Take a cable car ride up to the hill where this basilica is located. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from its terraces.
  • Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts): Visit one of France’s largest museums, featuring European art from the 14th century onwards.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Head to Le Café de la Place for dinner and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Evening Entertainment: Consider catching a performance at the Théâtre des Célestins or another nearby theater.

Day 3: Foodie Heaven

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start with breakfast at Boulangerie des Recollets, known for its freshly baked goods and café.
  • Food Tour: Embark on a guided food tour to discover Lyon’s culinary delights. Visit the historic district of Croix-Rousse to sample local specialties.

Afternoon:

  • Cours Saleya Market: Explore this market in the heart of Lyon. Here, you’ll find fresh produce, flowers, and street food.
  • Guillebon Market: Visit another lively market for a variety of goods including fish, meat, dairy products, and much more.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Grande Maison, a restaurant in the historic district known for its traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.

Day 4: Parks and Gardens

Morning:

  • Parc de la Tête d’Or: Spend time in this large urban park which also houses the Lyon Zoo. The park offers plenty of green spaces to relax.
  • Visit the Zoo: Take a stroll through the zoo, home to over 1,500 animals.

Afternoon:

  • Bellecour Park (Parc de la Guillotière): Visit one of several parks that offer beautiful gardens and walking paths. This park is a tranquil oasis amidst urban life.
  • Botanical Garden: Explore the botanical garden for its unique plant species.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Have dinner at Le Jardin des Plantes, an elegant restaurant near the botanical garden.

Day 5: The Confluence

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Café de la Place.
  • Confluence (La Confluence): Visit this modern district where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Explore its unique architecture, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Afternoon:

  • Musée des Confluences: Revisit or visit for the first time the museum located in this area.
  • Confluence River Cruise: Enjoy a cruise on the confluence of the two rivers to see the city from another perspective.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Try La Place de la République, a restaurant offering panoramic views and modern cuisine.

Day 6: Last Day in Lyon

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Return to Boulangerie des Recollets for one last breakfast.
  • Visit any missed attractions: If there are places you didn’t get to see during your trip, use this day to fit them in.
  • Last Dinner and Farewell: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice and then head back to the airport or your next destination.

Tips for Your Visit:

  • Transportation: Lyon has an efficient public transportation system including buses, trams, and metro lines. Consider purchasing a carnet de 10 tickets (a booklet of 10 tickets) if you plan on using public transport often.
  • Walking: Lyon is also very walkable. Wear comfortable shoes for the best experience.
  • Weather: Be prepared for weather fluctuations; spring and autumn are lovely, while summers can be quite hot and winters mild but potentially rainy.

Accommodations: Lyon offers a wide range of accommodations from budget-friendly hotels to luxury establishments. Consider staying in the heart of the city or near a major landmark for easy access to all attractions. Book your accommodation well in advance especially during peak season (June to August).

Enjoy your trip to Lyon!