Lyon, France-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old Lyon

  • Morning: Arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport or by train at Gare de Part-Dieu. Take a taxi or tram (line C) to your accommodation.
  • 9:00 AM: Start at the Vieux Lyon (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the narrow streets and visit:
    • La Maison des Canuts (Silk Weavers’ House): Learn about Lyon’s silk production history.
    • La Place des Terreaux: Admire the beautiful fountain and surrounding buildings.
  • Lunch: Try some Lyonnaise cuisine at Le Garet ( Address: 13 Rue Garet, 69001 Lyon). Order their famous salade lyonnaise or quenelles.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Perched on a hill, this beautiful basilica offers stunning views of the city.
    • Explore the traboules (narrow passageways) and see the unique architecture of Old Lyon.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Restaurant La Rotonde (Address: 13 Rue des Marronniers, 69001 Lyon). Try their traditional Lyonnaise dishes.

Day 2: Museums and Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (Lyon Museum of Fine Arts): One of France’s largest art museums.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Le Café du Musée (Address: 1 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon). Enjoy their outdoor seating area and try some French classics.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or: A beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and a zoo. Take a stroll or rent a boat to explore.
    • Explore the trendy neighborhood of La Confluence, where you’ll find modern architecture, shopping centers, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir du Panier (Address: 7 Rue des Gras, 69001 Lyon). Try their seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.

Day 3: Markets and Food

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (Lyon Market): A bustling marketplace with food stalls, flower vendors, and fresh produce.
  • 11:00 AM: Attend a cooking class at Le Potager du Comptoir (Address: 7 Rue des Gras, 69001 Lyon). Learn how to make traditional Lyonnaise dishes.
  • Lunch: Try some street food at the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market. Order some tartes and quiches.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Place Bellecour: A beautiful square with stunning views of the Rhône River and surrounding buildings.
    • Take a stroll along the Rhône River and enjoy the scenic views.

Day 4: Castles and Wineries

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Château des Brotteaux (Address: 17 Rue Garet, 69001 Lyon). Explore this medieval castle with beautiful gardens.
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at Le Restaurant La Rotonde (Address: 13 Rue des Marronniers, 69001 Lyon). Try some of their traditional dishes.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Château de Saint-Clair-sur-loire (Address: 11 Rue du Vieux-Lyon, 69200 Saint-Clair-sur-loire): A beautiful castle with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Take a wine tasting tour and learn about the local wines.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Garet (Address: 13 Rue Garet, 69001 Lyon). Try some of their seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Mercure Lyon Centre (Address: 8 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon): A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Old Lyon.
  • Hotel Novotel Lyon Confluence (Address: 15 Rue Gabriel Peri, 69003 Lyon): A modern 4-star hotel with a fitness center and outdoor pool.

Transportation

  • Tram line C: Connects to Gare de Part-Dieu and other parts of the city.
  • Bus lines: Several bus lines connect to different areas of the city.
  • Taxi: Available at major hotels and train stations.

Tips and Other Things to Know

  • Learn some basic French phrases, such as “bonjour” (hello) and “merci” (thank you).
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season.
  • Try some of the local specialties, such as salade lyonnaise or quenelles.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the delicious pastries and bread at a local bakery.

Additional Information

  • The best time to visit Lyon is from March to October when the weather is mild and pleasant.
  • Visit during the week if possible to avoid crowds and long lines.
  • Take a guided tour or use a map to navigate the city’s complex streets and alleys.