Lyon-7-day-itinerary

Lyon Travel Guide - 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old Town

  • Morning: Arrive in Lyon and check-in at your accommodation (see below for recommendations)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and charming atmosphere
  • 11:00 AM: Stop by the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, a stunning Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 12th century
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Le Grand Café, a historic bistro serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine (see below for recommendations)
  • Afternoon: Wander through the picturesque streets and alleys of Vieux Lyon, exploring its many shops, cafes, and historical landmarks
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Maison Troisgros, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined French cuisine (book in advance!)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Le Royal Lyon - luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Rhône River
  • Le Grand Hôtel des Berges - charming boutique hotel located near Vieux Lyon

Transportation:

  • Metro: Get off at Vieux Lyon station for easy access to Old Town
  • Bus: Take bus 4 or 6 to reach other areas of interest

Day 2: Confluence and Presqu’île Districts

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Confluence, a modern district where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet (see below for attractions)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the trendy shops and cafes of the Presqu’île district, known for its upscale boutiques and restaurants
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Le Petit Châtelet, a cozy bistro serving seasonal cuisine
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée des Confluences, a unique museum showcasing natural history and anthropology collections
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Terrasse, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city

Transportation:

  • Metro: Get off at Confluence station for easy access to this area
  • Bus: Take bus 1 or 2 to reach other areas of interest

Day 3: Museums and Gardens

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, one of France’s largest art museums (features works by Monet, Matisse, and more)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the beautiful Jardin des Berges du Rhône, a riverside garden with stunning views
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at La Gare, a charming bistro located near the museum
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée Lumière, dedicated to the history of photography (features works by Louis and Auguste Lumière)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Bistrot d’Urbain, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine

Transportation:

  • Metro: Get off at Musée des Beaux-Arts station for easy access to this area
  • Bus: Take bus 3 or 4 to reach other areas of interest

Day 4: Saint-Priest and Les Alyscamps

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the beautiful Les Alyscamps, a historic cemetery with stunning views (said to be one of the most romantic cemeteries in France)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the charming neighborhood of Saint-Priest, known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Le Comptoir de Saint-Priest, a cozy bistro serving seasonal cuisine
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, featuring a collection of decorative arts (furniture, textiles, ceramics)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Table d’Alexandre, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined French cuisine

Transportation:

  • Metro: Get off at Saint-Priest station for easy access to this area
  • Bus: Take bus 5 or 6 to reach other areas of interest

Day 5: Croix-Rouge and Confluence

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the historic Croix-Rouge, a red-brick neighborhood with stunning views (see below for attractions)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the modern district of Confluence again, this time focusing on its trendy boutiques and cafes
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Le Grand Bistrot, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée des Confluences again or explore other areas of interest (see above)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Gare du Nord, a charming restaurant located near the train station

Transportation:

  • Metro: Get off at Croix-Rouge station for easy access to this area
  • Bus: Take bus 1 or 2 to reach other areas of interest

Day 6: Bouchardon and Tête d’Or Lake

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the beautiful Jardin du Tête d’Or, a large park featuring a lake, gardens, and walking trails
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the charming neighborhood of Bouchardon, known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Le Petit Châtelet, a cozy bistro serving seasonal cuisine (see above)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée des Arts Contemporains, featuring a collection of modern art (sculpture, installation, video)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Maison Troisgros again (book in advance!)

Transportation:

  • Metro: Get off at Tête d’Or station for easy access to this area
  • Bus: Take bus 5 or 6 to reach other areas of interest

Day 7: Last-Minute Exploration and Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning exploring any areas you missed during your stay (see above)
  • 11:00 AM: Return to your accommodation to collect your belongings
  • 12:00 PM: Grab a quick lunch at Le Grand Café or another favorite spot (see above)
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport or continue on to other destinations

Transportation:

  • Metro: Get off at Vieux Lyon station for easy access to Old Town and departure
  • Bus: Take bus 4 or 6 to reach other areas of interest before departing