Lyon France 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in Lyon: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure

Lyon is renowned as the culinary capital of France. This itinerary focuses on experiencing its gastronomic delights while also exploring some historical and cultural highlights.

Day 1: Vieux Lyon & Lyonnaise Cuisine

  • Morning: Explore the charming cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the historic alleyways, admiring the Renaissance architecture and hidden “trabouls” (secret passageways).

    • Where to go:

      • Start your day at Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the cafes overlooking the majestic fountain.

      • Visit the Fourvière Basilica for stunning views of Lyon and its history.

      • Explore the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon):

        • Walk through the trabouls: These unique, covered passageways are a hidden treasure of Lyon, connecting courtyards and streets in the city’s Old Town. Explore the labyrinthine alleyways and discover charming hidden courtyards.
        • Discover the Traboules: These secret passages are a testament to Lyon’s past as a center for silk weaving, and you can find many beautiful examples hidden away in the trabouls of Vieux Lyon.

    • Lunch: Indulge in a traditional Lyonnaise meal at a “bouchon” (a type of local restaurant) - enjoy classics like quenelles de brochet (fish dumplings), salade lyonnaise (salad with poached eggs, bacon and croutons), or saucisson brioché (sausage baked in brioche).

  • Afternoon:

    • Cross the Rhone River via one of the pedestrian bridges and explore the vibrant Presqu’île district.
    • Discover the history of Lyon’s silk industry at the Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Fabrics and Decorative Arts).
    • Take a guided tour of the Roman Amphitheatre, a historical landmark dating back to the 1st century AD.

  • Dinner: Immerse yourself in the heart of Lyon’s culinary scene with a hearty “bouchon” dinner.

Dinner recommendations:

  • Le Bouchon des Filles: This charming restaurant offers modern twists on classic Lyonnaise dishes, perfect for experiencing the traditional flavors in a new way.
  • Daniel & Denise: A more authentic bouchon experience, serving up delicious local cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Le Royal: Located in the historic center of Lyon, this luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the city and a central location for exploring the area’s culinary delights.
  • Hôtel des Artistes: A more budget-friendly option with an artistic flair, situated in the heart of the vibrant Croix-Rousse district.

Things to know:

  • Food: Lyon is famous for its Lyonnaise cuisine, which includes classic dishes like “quenelles” (fish dumplings), “salade lyonnaise” (a salad with bacon and poached eggs, often served as a starter), “coq au vin” (chicken braised in red wine) and “bucherons” (a dish of pork cheeks cooked in red wine).

  • Culture:

    • Immerse yourself in the history of cinema at the Institut Lumière, where the Lumière brothers, pioneers of filmmaking, created and exhibited their first motion picture camera and projector.

Other things to do:

  • Visit the Musée Miniature et Cinéma: This museum showcases the world of film, from early projectors and cameras to miniature models used in classic movies.

  • Explore Vieux Lyon’s Renaissance architecture: Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and courtyards, and discover the beauty of the city’s oldest buildings.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Experience the “bouchon” culture firsthand with a delicious dinner featuring local specialties like “quenelles,” “salade lyonnaise,” and “saucisson brioché.”

  • Discover the history of Lyon: Explore the Roman history by visiting the Vieux Lyon, the city’s medieval heart.

Dinner options:

  • Lyon’s culinary scene: Look for “bouchons” (traditional Lyonnais restaurants) in the historic district, or venture into the Croix-Rousse district, known for its unique “brioche” bread and vibrant “traboules” (secret passageways) for a more modern take on local cuisine.

Day 2: History & Art of Lyon

  • Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts: This museum houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with masterpieces spanning centuries.
  • Wander through Vieux Lyon’s hidden “trabouls”: Discover the unique history of this area by wandering through its charming alleys (streets).

Dinner recommendations:

  • Explore the bouchons:

    • Enjoy a traditional Lyonnaise meal at Le Bouchon des Filles.

  • Experience the charm of Vieux Lyon’s ambiance:

Enjoy the beauty and history of “Le Bouchon de la Tête d’Or” or “Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse” (a fantastic market with local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other delicacies).

Things to do in the evening:

  • Take a walk through the Musée des Beaux-Arts: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the Halles de Lyon, a vibrant market with a wide range of food stalls.
  • Explore the Musée Miniature et des Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse:

The district is known for its “Lyon’s bouchon culture, so enjoy a traditional meal, or a delicious “tarte aux oignons” (onion tart) at a local cafe.

Things to know:

  • Halles de Lyon:

    • Explore the Halles de Lyon, a historic market that has been serving up fresh, local ingredients for centuries.

  • Explore the historical art of the “brioche”:

This is an excellent opportunity to taste the unique flavors of Lyon and see how it has evolved over time.

  • Enjoy a final stroll: Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Vieux Lyon, enjoying the architecture and atmosphere.
  • Experience the magic of Vieux Lyon:

Explore the museum’s collection of Renaissance art, housed in their own “Renaissance Room”

You can enjoy a traditional French meal at a local restaurant, with dishes like:

  • Boeuf Bourguignon: This classic stew is a perfect example of how traditional Lyonnaise cuisine has been adapted for modern tastes.
  • Tarte aux Oignons: Enjoy the unique experience of this dish (a pastry filled with caramelized onions) and learn about the history of the “bouchon”, a traditional “Lyon’s bouchon” is a type of restaurant that serves local cuisine, offering classic dishes like “quenelles de brochet” (pike quenelle) or “bœuf à la mode” (beef in a red wine sauce), and explore the different styles of French cooking.

Other things to do:

  • Explore the Lyon’s bouchon scene: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.
  • Visit the Musée des Confluences:

Discover the fascinating exhibits on science, technology, and history.

  • Experience the “bouchon” culture: Try a traditional “Lyon’s bouchon experience” by:

  • Enjoying a meal at a “bouchon”:

These are just a few ideas to get you started.

To make the most of your trip, I recommend exploring the history of Lyon’s culinary scene:

  • Research “bouchons” and their history:

Dive deeper into the rich history of the “cuisine lyonnaise”, the unique “bouchon cuisine” found in the city’s traditional restaurants.

  • Enjoy a “traditional” meal: Try a classic “Lyon” dish, such as “quenelles de brochet à la sauce Nantua” (a traditional French dish with a rich history).

Learn about the culinary influences of the region:

  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts: Explore its collection of historical “bouchon” artifacts.

Things to know:

  • Lyon’s cuisine is renowned for its richness and use of fresh ingredients.
  • “Bouchons” are traditional Lyonnais restaurants, known for their intimate atmosphere and hearty, regional dishes.

Enjoy a classic “Nougat Experience” in Lyon, and enjoy the unique history and culture behind this sweet treat.