Lyon 7 Day Itinerary

7 Day Lyon Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on exploring the different facets of Lyon, combining its historical landmarks, culinary delights, and vibrant cultural scene. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and energy levels!

Where to Stay:

  • For a luxurious stay: Hotel Cour des Loges
  • For a charming boutique experience: Hotel Le Royal

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: French. English is spoken in tourist areas, but knowing basic French phrases will be helpful.
  • Transportation: Lyon has a fantastic public transportation system with buses, trams, and a metro. Consider purchasing the “Lyon City Card” for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

Day 1: Exploring Old Lyon & Roman History

  • Morning: Wander through the charming streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a UNESCO World Heritage site with picturesque Renaissance architecture.

    • Explore the traboules, secret passageways that connect buildings through courtyards.
    • Visit the Fourvière Basilica for stunning views and historical significance.
    • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional bouchon meal at a restaurant in Vieux Lyon like “Le Bouchon des Filles” or “Chez Hugon” for a taste of Lyon’s culinary heritage.

  • Afternoon:

    • Stroll along the banks of the Rhône River, admiring the architecture and soaking in the atmosphere.
    • Explore the Musée Gallo-Romain de Lyon (Museum of Lyon’s Roman History) for fascinating artifacts from Lyon’s past as Lugdunum, a major Roman city.

  • Evening:

    • Take a stroll through the Presqu’île district, enjoying its illuminated fountains and the beauty of Place Bellecour.
    • Dinner: Indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants offering “cuisine lyonnaise” - try “Le Neuvième Art” for their innovative take on classic Lyon dishes.

Day 2: Roman Ruins & Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman amphitheater and explore its fascinating history.
  • Afternoon: Discover the hidden treasures of the ancient Roman theaters in Fourvière. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the hill.

Things to Do:

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon: Explore the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities at this renowned museum.
  • Musée des Confluences: This modern museum showcases science and natural history exhibits in a fascinating way.

Day 3: Foodie Adventure in Lyon

  • Morning: Wander through the vibrant Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market, sampling local cheeses, pastries, and charcuterie.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a cooking class at “Le Cordon Bleu” or “Lyon City Card” to learn the secrets of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
  • Dinner: Dine on bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) and savor their signature dishes like quenelles, salade lyonnaise, and saucisson brioché.

Day 4: Nature & History

  • Parc de la Tête d’Or: Explore this sprawling urban park with its zoo, botanical gardens, and expansive green spaces.
  • Parc de la Citadelle: Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the historic fortress and the panoramic view of Lyon.

Day 5: Culture & Architecture

  • Musée des Confluences (again!): Enjoy the museum’s exhibitions on different themes of science and natural history, from ancient civilizations to the future of technology.
  • Vieux Lyon: Visit the Roman Ruins at Fourvière (Lyon has a lot of them!) and explore the charming alleyways and medieval architecture.

Day 6: Food & History

  • Lyon Cathedral: Admire the intricate stained glass windows and gothic architecture of this iconic landmark.
  • Where to eat: Experience the culinary magic of Lyon with a traditional meal at “La Mère Brazier” or “Bouchon des Filles.”

Day 7: A Taste of Local Culture

  • Roman amphitheater: Explore the ancient Roman amphitheater, known as the “Théâtre Gallo-Romain de Lyon,” and imagine its past glory.
  • Explore the vibrant streets of Lyon: Visit local markets, cafes, and restaurants to sample the city’s culinary delights and soak in the atmosphere.

Things to see:

  • Roman Ruins: The ancient Roman amphitheater and enjoy a traditional Lyonnaise meal.

  • Where to eat:

    • “Le Bouchon des Filles” for a unique dining experience.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Parc de la Tête d’Or:

Day 8: Explore the Roman Ruins of Fourvière, including the Musée Gallo-Roman de Lyon, which showcases the ancient history of the city.

Food & Wine Recommendations:

  • Try traditional Lyonnaise dishes like:
    • Quenelles: These light, fluffy dumplings are a local delicacy and often served in a creamy sauce.
  • Enjoy a bouchon experience: Sample other Lyon specialties:

Lyon’s Food Markets:

  • Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: This vibrant market is a must-visit for any food lover, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses from the region.
  • Fourvière’s Roman amphitheater: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a culinary journey through Lyon:

  • Visit “Le Bouchon des Filles” for their unique take on classic Lyonnaise cuisine.

Things to Know:

  • Lyon is known for its culinary heritage, and you can experience it by enjoying a meal at a local “bouchon.”

  • The Rhône-Alpes region, where Lyon is located, is also famous for its wine. Be sure to sample some Beaujolais or Côte-Rôtie while in the city.

  • Try a traditional “Lyon” dish: Look for “bouchons” (restaurants specializing in Lyonnaise cuisine) that offer wine pairings.

Enjoy your trip!

Things to get a taste of:

  • Traditional Lyonnaise Cuisine:

    • Salade Lyonnaise: This classic salad features fresh greens, poached eggs, and a tangy vinaigrette with bacon.
    • Saucisson Brioché: A decadent dish of sausage baked in brioche dough.

  • Sauces: Explore the different flavors offered at “Bouchon des Filles” in Lyon’s historical Vieux Lyon district.

Enjoy other culinary experiences:

  • Enjoy a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau, a young wine celebrated during its annual release.

  • Try a “Lyon” dish like “Saucisson Brioché” and “Quenelles”

  • Things to get a taste of:

    • Salade Lyonnaise: This classic salad features fresh greens, poached eggs, and a tangy vinaigrette. Enjoy this with a glass of Beauujolais Nouveau for a traditional combination.
    • The Lyon “bouchon” experience: Indulge in the local cheeses and wines while exploring the city’s charming architecture.

Enjoy the charm of Lyon:

  • Stroll through the charming streets of Vieux Lyon, a Roman-era historic district with cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and stunning views of the city and Rhône River.
  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts to see a collection of traditional “bouchon” cuisine.

Enjoy a “Bouchon” meal:

  • Enjoy local specialties like “quenelles de brochet” (pike fish dumplings) or “saucisson brioché” (a sausage dish with a creamy sauce) at the city’s many restaurants.
  • Experience Lyon’s traditional food and wine pairing.

Things to do:

  • Explore the “Vieux Lyon” for its unique charm: This historic district is known for its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and Renaissance architecture.

  • Enjoy a traditional meal in a “bouchon”:

Travel Tip:

  • Purchase a “Lyon City Card” to enjoy access to various museums and attractions.

  • The card offers free entry to many museums and cultural sites, including the “Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon” and the “Musée Gallo-Romain de Lyon.”

  • It also provides discounts on food tours and experiences.