Lyon 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Lyon Itinerary: A Gastronomic & Cultural Journey

This itinerary focuses on exploring Lyon’s culinary delights and historical charm.

Where to Stay:

  • Option 1 (Luxury): Hotel Le Negresco, Lyon - Known for its opulent decor and central location.

  • Option 2 (Boutique): Cour des Loges - A luxurious boutique hotel in a historic building.

  • Option 3 (Mid-Range): Hotel Silky by HappyCulture - Stylish and affordable hotels with a central location.

Day 1: Vieux Lyon & Gastronomic Delights

  • Morning: Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), the heart of the city. Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the Renaissance architecture in the Saint-Jean quarter, and visit the charming shops and cafes.

    • Must-sees:
      • Stroll along the cobbled streets of Rue Saint-Jean and discover its hidden courtyards (traboules).
      • Visit the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay for a taste of history.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional bouchon meal at Le Bouchon des Filles, known for its Lyon specialties and cozy atmosphere.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the culinary scene of Lyon with a visit to the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a vibrant food market named after the city’s most famous chef. Explore the stalls filled with local delicacies, fresh produce, and gourmet cheeses.

    • Consider: Taking a cooking class at Les Halles or a walking tour of the culinary history of Lyon.

  • Dinner: Indulge in a decadent dinner at one of Lyon’s acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants.

Day 2: Artistic Exploration & Local Flavors

  • Morning: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, which houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Croix-Rousse Hill, a historical neighborhood known for its artistic workshops and bohemian vibe.

    • Things to see:
      • The Mur des Canuts (The Silk Workers’ Wall), a stunning fresco that celebrates Lyon’s history as a center for silk weaving.
      • The Traboules of Lyon - Discover the city’s secret passages and explore the unique architecture of this area.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Cochon Volant, a popular bouchon with a charming atmosphere and known for its traditional dishes like quenelles (fish dumplings) and coq au vin (chicken in wine).

Day 3: History & Architecture

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the ancient history of Lyon at the Roman Theatres of Fourvière, visiting the ruins and exploring the historical significance of the site.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the historic Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets, admire the Renaissance architecture and discover hidden courtyards.
    • Enjoy a picnic lunch: Grab some fresh bread, cheese, and charcuterie from a local market and find a picturesque spot in the city for a relaxing break.

  • Dinner: Savor classic Lyonnaise cuisine at Le Café des Fédérations, a charming restaurant with a stunning view of the city.

    • Tip: Enjoy the sunset views from the restaurant’s terrace.

Day 4: Art & Nature

  • Morning: Visit the Musée de la Civilisation. This museum offers a unique perspective on the history of Lyon and its role in shaping modern French culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Parc de la Tête d’Or, enjoying the rose garden, zoo, and botanical gardens.

Day 5: Modern Delights & Departure

  • Morning:
    • Enjoy a final stroll through the Place Bellecour, the heart of Lyon’s modern city life.
    • Visit the Musée des Confluences: Immerse yourself in its contemporary architecture and explore the intersection of science, technology and nature.
  • Afternoon: Indulge in a last taste of Lyonnaise cuisine at one of the many restaurants along the banks of the Rhône River.

Other things to do:

  • Explore the “traboules”: These secret passageways are a unique feature of Lyon’s architecture and offer a glimpse into the city’s past as a silk trading center.
  • Visit the Musée des Miniatures et de Cinema: A must-visit for film buffs, this museum showcases the history of cinema through miniature sets and models.

Transportation:

  • Metro: The Lyon Metro is a great way to get around the city. It has 4 lines that connect most parts of Lyon.
  • Tram: The city’s tram network is extensive and efficient for getting around within individual districts.
  • Bus: The TCL bus network (Transport en Commun Lyonnais) covers all areas of Lyon, including those not accessible by metro or tram.

Other Tips:

  • Purchase a Lyon City Card: This card offers access to public transportation, museums, and other attractions. It’s a great value if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing.
  • Try the bouchon experience: Instead of just eating at any restaurant, seek out a “bouchon” for an authentic taste of Lyonnaise cuisine.

Other Restaurants:

  • Chez Maman: A popular Lyonnaise bistro known for its traditional dishes and cozy atmosphere.
  • Les Halles de Lyon - Part-Dieu: This modern food hall offers a variety of cuisines from around the world, including some local favorites.
  • Le Bouchon des Filles (as mentioned above)
  • L’Atelier de la Cuisine: A fun and interactive cooking school in the heart of Lyon.

Other Dishes to Try:

  • Bouchon cuisine: This traditional Lyonnaise food is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes. Try classics like quenelles, salade lyonnaise, or bouchée à la reine.
  • Crème brûlée: Enjoy this creamy dessert at a fine dining restaurant in the Vieux Lyon area, which offers stunning views of the city.

Note: This is just a sample itinerary and can be customized based on your interests. You can explore other areas of Lyon beyond the Vieux Lyon, such as the Presqu’île, the Fourvière Hill for its historical significance, or the vibrant Croix-Rousse district.