Lyon 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Lyon Itinerary: A Culinary Journey Through the City

This itinerary focuses on Lyon’s rich history, vibrant culture, and of course, its legendary culinary scene!

Accommodation:

  • Recommendation: Consider staying in the charming Vieux Lyon (Old Town) for a truly immersive experience.
    • Hotel: Cour des Loges (luxury), Le Royal Lyon Hotel (mid-range), or Hotel Silky By HappyCulture (budget-friendly).

Transportation:

  • Vieux Lyon: Explore on foot! The city center is compact and easily walkable, plus the charm lies in getting lost in its narrow streets.
  • Public Transportation: Lyon has a fantastic public transportation system with buses, trams, and a funicular (Funiculaire de Fourvière). Purchase a “Lyon City Card” for free access to transport and free entry to many museums and attractions.
  • Walking/Cycling: Utilize Lyon’s pedestrian-friendly streets and bike rental programs (like Vélo’v) to discover hidden gems and experience the city like a local.

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in History

  • Morning: Explore the historic heart of Lyon, Vieux Lyon. Wander through its Renaissance alleyways, visit the Traboules (secret passageways), and climb up to Fourvière Hill for stunning views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Delve into the history of Roman Lyon at the Musée Gallo-Romain in Lyon’s historic district.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Lyonnaise dinner at one of the “bouchons” in Vieux Lyon, which are charming restaurants specializing in local cuisine.

Day 2: A Taste of the Renaissance

  • Morning: Stroll through the Vieux Lyon, exploring its architectural marvels and hidden history.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Renaissance District to admire the intricate architecture and learn about the past while enjoying a walk along the Saône River.
  • Evening: Experience a “Bouchon” dinner in Lyon’s historic district.

Day 3: Exploring Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Travel up to Fourvière Basilica, a beautiful landmark with a fascinating history and enjoy the view from the hill.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts which houses an impressive collection of art spanning from antiquity to modern times.
  • Evening: Take a cooking class at one of Lyon’s renowned culinary schools, such as Institut Paul Bocuse.

Day 4: Beyond the Vieux Lyon

  • Morning: Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée de la Civilisation for a glimpse into the history and culture of Lyon, from its Roman roots to modern times.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Lyonnese culinary experience by dining at a “bouchon” – a local restaurant offering authentic, regional dishes.

Day 5: A Day Trip

  • Take a day trip to the charming village of Pérouges, a perfectly preserved medieval village.

Day 6:

  • Morning: Enjoy a final morning exploring the vibrant markets and street art of Lyon. Try a “bouchon” for breakfast and indulge in a last taste of local delicacies before departing.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée des Confluences, a fascinating museum dedicated to science, technology, and anthropology.

Day 7:

  • Morning:

Start your day with a visit to the Roman ruins at Fourvière Hill.

Explore the history of Lyon’s silk industry at the Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Fabrics and Decorative Arts).

  • Afternoon:

Enjoy a traditional Lyonnaise meal at one of the city’s many bouchons, small, family-run restaurants that offer a delicious taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Things to Know:

  • Bouchon Culture: Lyon is known as the “silk capital” for its rich history in silk weaving. These charming eateries are known for their hearty, rustic dishes and cozy atmosphere.
  • Food Focus: Known for its gastronomic excellence, Lyon offers a diverse range of restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to traditional bouchons.

Things to See:

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts: Explore the extensive art collection, including works by renowned artists like Renoir and Monet.
  • Vieux Lyon (Old Town): Wander through the historic streets and alleys, and don’t miss the opportunity to dine in a traditional “bouchon” – a local eatery that serves up delicious, hearty meals and is a must-visit for any foodie.

Food Experiences:

  • Visit a bouchon: These traditional Lyonnaise restaurants offer a unique culinary experience with dishes like quenelles, salade lyonnaise, and coq au vin (chicken in wine).

Possible Bouchons to Explore:

  • Le Bouchon des Filles: A charming restaurant with a focus on local cuisine.
  • La Mère Brazier: This legendary restaurant is a must-visit for its traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.

Other Activities:

  • Explore the traboules, hidden passageways that connect streets and buildings, often leading to secret courtyards and gardens.

  • Wander along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the beautiful architecture and views.

  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts for a dose of history and culture.

  • Musée de la Miniature: Experience the world of miniature art in Lyon.

  • Musée du Cinéma et de la Miniature (Lyon Cinema and Miniature Museum) – Enjoy the exhibits on the history of cinema and film making.

  • Musée des Confluences: Explore the fascinating world of science and culture.

Enjoy your culinary journey through beautiful Lyon!

Note: This is a sample itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests and budget.

Where to Eat in Lyon:

  • Le Bouchon des Filles: This museum showcases the art of “les bouchons” – traditional Lyonnaise restaurants that are known for their unique charm and culinary experiences.

Other things you can do while enjoying the food scene in Lyon:

  • Visit the bustling Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Market.

  • Explore the various bouchons in the city, each with its own specialties** and ambiance.

  • Try a “bouchon” – traditional restaurants known for their cozy atmosphere and regional dishes like quenelles (dumplings), salade lyonnaise (salad), and saucisson brioché (sausage baked in brioche dough).

Enjoy a classic Lyonnese meal at Le Coq d’Or in the heart of the city.

  • Enjoy a coffee break at one of Lyon’s many charming cafes.

Things to Eat:

  • Le Coq d’Or’s signature dish is, of course, “the coq au vin” – a delicious chicken stew cooked in red wine.

  • Taste local specialties like Lyon sausage, quenelles (with a creamy white sauce), and saucisson brioché (sausage baked in brioche dough).

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the food stalls at the Paul Bocuse Market.

Additional Tips:

  • Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
  • Get a Lyon City Card, which offers free entry to museums, free public transport and other perks**.
  • Visit during the Fête des Lumières, a spectacular light festival held annually in December.

Enjoy!

This is just a starting point – remember to research specific restaurants and dishes you’d like to try before your trip. Remember that Lyon is known for its culinary culture, so be sure to explore the different neighborhoods and their unique offerings.