Lyon, a city often overshadowed by Paris or Marseille, has this unique charm that comes from its blend of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers in southeastern France, Lyon’s old-world beauty, vibrant markets, and stunning historical sites make it the perfect destination for an immersive one-week trip. Whether you’re strolling through narrow cobblestone streets, savoring local delicacies, or exploring world-class museums, Lyon offers a blend of everything that makes France so captivating.
Day 1: Arriving and Discovering the Old Town (Vieux Lyon)
Landing in Lyon, I was immediately struck by the city’s relaxed, welcoming vibe. The first thing you’ll notice is the city’s beautiful architecture. From the moment I stepped out of the train station, I made my way towards the Old Town, or Vieux Lyon. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is a maze of narrow streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, hidden courtyards, and fascinating historical sites.
Strolling Through Vieux Lyon
Wandering through Vieux Lyon is like stepping into a living postcard. The area is divided into three main districts: Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges, and Saint-Paul. Saint-Jean, with its Gothic architecture and the famous Lyon Cathedral, is a must-see. The Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is an incredible structure, known for its astronomical clock and stunning stained glass windows.
As I explored further, I found the traboules—hidden passageways that wind through the city’s buildings. These secret alleys were originally used by silk workers to transport their goods while avoiding the rain, and today they offer a fascinating glimpse into Lyon’s history. You can easily lose track of time wandering through these atmospheric streets.
Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
No visit to Lyon would be complete without diving into its culinary offerings. For lunch, I made my way to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, one of the city’s most famous food markets. The market is named after the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, whose influence on French cuisine is immeasurable. Inside, you’ll find a dizzying array of local specialties, from fresh cheeses and charcuterie to pastries and artisan chocolates. I couldn’t resist trying a classic Lyonnaise dish—quenelle de brochet, a delicate pike dumpling served in a rich lobster sauce. The flavors were as rich as the city’s culinary history.
Evening at Fourvière Hill
In the evening, I took the funicular up to Fourvière Hill for one of the most breathtaking views of the city. From the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, you can see all of Lyon sprawling out below, with the rivers snaking through the city and the distant mountains in the background. The basilica itself is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, with its ornate mosaics and marble interior.
Dinner in the Presqu’île District
For dinner, I headed to the Presqu’île district, where you’ll find some of Lyon’s most renowned bouchons. These small, traditional restaurants are the heart of Lyonnaise cuisine. At one, I enjoyed a classic Lyonnaise salad with crispy lardons, poached egg, and a tangy vinaigrette, followed by a hearty plate of coq au vin. The food was simple yet incredibly satisfying, perfectly representing Lyon’s no-frills but flavorful approach to dining.
Day 2: Exploring Lyon’s Museums and Cultural Heritage
The next day was all about diving deeper into Lyon’s rich cultural scene. After a leisurely breakfast at a café near Place Bellecour, I set off to explore some of the city’s world-class museums.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
First on the list was the Musée des Beaux-Arts, located in the former Benedictine convent of Saint-Pierre. This museum houses one of the finest collections of European art, including works from the likes of Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. I spent a few hours admiring the paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that span centuries of European history. The museum’s architecture is equally stunning, with grand galleries and tranquil courtyards offering moments of reflection between exhibits.
Museum of Cinema and Miniature (Musée du Cinéma et de la Miniature)
In the afternoon, I made my way to the Museum of Cinema and Miniature, located in the Old Town. Lyon is the birthplace of cinema, with the Lumière brothers having invented the moving picture here. The museum celebrates that heritage with an impressive collection of cinema-related artifacts, including early film equipment and iconic movie props. I also loved the section dedicated to miniatures, where intricate models of buildings, sets, and scenes from films are displayed in a way that is both mesmerizing and educational.
Dinner at La Mère Brazier
For dinner, I ventured to La Mère Brazier, another iconic Lyonnaise restaurant with a Michelin star. The experience was like stepping back in time to the early 20th century. The food was, of course, exceptional. I tried the famous chicken liver pâté en croûte, followed by a slow-cooked beef cheek that melted in the mouth. Lyon’s food scene is legendary, and this dinner was an unforgettable highlight of my trip.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Beaujolais
Lyon is perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding countryside, so on the third day, I decided to take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region. The vineyards here are world-renowned for producing some of France’s best red wines, particularly Beaujolais Nouveau.
Exploring the Vineyards
I joined a small wine tour that took me through the lush hills and vineyards. The landscape was stunning, with rows of vines stretching out as far as the eye could see. At each stop, I was treated to tastings of different Beaujolais wines, each with its own unique characteristics. The wines were light and fruity, perfect for a relaxed afternoon in the French countryside.
Lunch at a Traditional Wine Estate
For lunch, we enjoyed a hearty meal at a local wine estate. The long table was piled high with charcuterie, cheeses, and freshly baked bread, accompanied by glasses of chilled Beaujolais. The food was simple but packed with flavor, and the relaxed atmosphere made it feel like a true local experience. I couldn’t help but feel connected to the land and the traditions of the region.
Return to Lyon
By the time I returned to Lyon in the late afternoon, I was feeling wonderfully relaxed and full of good food and wine. I spent the evening wandering along the Rhône River, watching the sunset and soaking in the city’s peaceful ambiance.
Day 4: Exploring the Modern Side of Lyon
While Lyon’s historical sites are undoubtedly captivating, the city also has a modern side that shouldn’t be missed. The fourth day of my trip was dedicated to exploring the more contemporary aspects of Lyon.
La Confluence District
I started the day with a visit to the La Confluence district, a former industrial area that has been transformed into a cutting-edge neighborhood filled with modern architecture, shopping centers, and trendy restaurants. The star of the area is the Musée des Confluences, a stunning building that looks like a futuristic spaceship. Inside, the museum explores the intersection of science, culture, and society through fascinating exhibits on everything from the evolution of life to human history.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
In the afternoon, I took a stroll through Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Lyon’s largest public parks. The park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, with a beautiful lake, rose gardens, and even a small zoo. It’s a perfect spot to relax after a busy day of sightseeing, and it offers great views of the city’s skyline.
Dinner in Croix-Rousse
For dinner, I made my way up to the Croix-Rousse district, once the center of Lyon’s silk industry. This area is less touristy and has a more bohemian vibe, with plenty of cozy restaurants and cafés. I found a charming little place that served a traditional Lyonnaise dish—cervelle de canut, a fresh cheese spread flavored with herbs and shallots, served with crusty bread. It was a perfect end to the day.
Day 5: Day Trip to Pérouges
One of my favorite day trips from Lyon was to the medieval village of Pérouges. Located about 30 minutes by train, Pérouges feels like a fairy tale with its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Exploring Pérouges
As I wandered through this picturesque village, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The village is famous for its medieval architecture, and it has been remarkably well-preserved. The main square, Place du Tilleul, is lined with charming stone buildings, and the entire area has a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.
Lunch in Pérouges
For lunch, I enjoyed a slice of the local specialty, “galette de Pérouges,” a delicious pastry filled with sugar, butter, and almonds. It was the perfect treat to enjoy as I sat in the village square, taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Return to Lyon
After a relaxing afternoon in Pérouges, I returned to Lyon, ready for another evening of dining and exploration.
Day 6: Exploring Lyon’s Hidden Gems
Lyon is a city full of surprises, and on the sixth day, I set out to uncover some of its lesser-known treasures.
Musée Gadagne
Located in the heart of Vieux Lyon, Musée Gadagne is a hidden gem that combines two fascinating museums: the Museum of the History of Lyon and the Puppet Museum. The museum is housed in a beautiful Renaissance building and offers a fascinating look at Lyon’s history, from its Roman roots
to its role as a center of the silk trade.
The Silk Museum (Musée des Tissus)
Another hidden gem I discovered was the Musée des Tissus, dedicated to the history of Lyon’s famous silk industry. The museum showcases intricate tapestries, fabrics, and historical garments, offering a deep dive into one of Lyon’s most important industries.
Dinner at Le Canut et Les Gones
For dinner, I headed to Le Canut et Les Gones, a restaurant tucked away in the Croix-Rousse district. The atmosphere was cozy, and the menu featured local specialties with a modern twist. I tried a dish of roasted lamb with herb-infused couscous, and it was simply divine.
Day 7: A Relaxing Day in Lyon
On the final day, I decided to take it easy and savor my last moments in Lyon. After a leisurely breakfast at a café overlooking Place Bellecour, I spent the day simply enjoying the city’s rhythm. I wandered through local boutiques, browsed art galleries, and took one last stroll along the Rhône River.
Final Lunch at Le Garet
For lunch, I treated myself to one final meal at Le Garet, a classic Lyonnaise bouchon known for its warm, authentic atmosphere. The meal was the perfect end to my Lyon adventure—simple, satisfying, and filled with the flavors of the region.
As the day came to an end, I reflected on all the wonderful experiences I had over the past week. From the rich history to the stunning architecture and, of course, the incredible food, Lyon had captured my heart in a way that few cities can.
