3 Days Itinerary in Lyon, France - Travel Guide
Boulevards, Bouchons, and Beyond: 3 Days in Lyon
| Days | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 - Welcoming The Lyon |
| 2 | Day 2 - Deep Diving into Lyon's Riches |
| 3 | Day 3 - Soaking Up the Soul of Lyon |
Introduction
Your serendipitous journey through the heart of France's gastronomic capital - Lyon. This three-day itinerary balances culinary adventure, historical exploration, and laid-back relaxation to give you an experience drenched in rich taste and culture.
Day 1 - Welcoming The Lyon
Join the vibrant city life of Lyon as you settle in from your travels. Let's start with Place Bellecour a massive square that salutes you with a spectacular statue of King Louis XIV at its center. Fancy air kisses from iconic landmarks? You'll love a stroll in the Old Lyon, where Renaissance architecture cohabitates casually with modern establishments. Don't forget to peep into the hidden traboules, the unique covered passageways that are a signature of the city. Lunch will be at one of the many bouchons lyonnais for a homely introduction to Lyon's celebrated gastronomy. Let the evening unfold at the artsy hill of Croix Rousse known for its tangle of narrow lanes, artisan shops and cafes. Why not catch a theatrical performance at Théâtre des Célestins to wrap up Day one?
Day 2 - Deep Diving into Lyon's Riches
Day two dive deep into the heart of Lyon's rich historical wealth. Begin with the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, whose intricate interiors and panoramic city views will leave you enchanted. Next, journey back in time at Lyon's Roman Amphitheatre, where echoes of ancient gladiators still resound. Lunch, you ask? Why not sample Lyon's famous quenelles and a glass of crisp French wine at a local bistro? Spend the afternoon in the luxurious Parc de la Tête d'Or, marvelling at the rose gardens, cute zoo, and shimmering lake. As dusk settles, so should you, in a cozy restaurant in the foodie haven of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse!
Day 3 - Soaking Up the Soul of Lyon
After two splendid days, our final day will be about soaking up the relaxed charm and local vibe of Lyon. Start with a walking tour in the trendy district of Presqu'île, browsing its quirky boutiques and traditional patisseries. Lunch will be a picnic sandwich from a culinary hotspot, enjoyed beside the calm waters of the River Saône. Let's then embrace Lyon's artistic spirit, perhaps at the Museum of Fine Arts or the contemporary Confluence Museum, depending on your preference. Let's finish it all off with a spellbinding rooftop dinner, bidding adieu to the city with twinkling city lights and lingering flavours of Lyon’s delightful cuisine!
Ava Wilson
FAQs about this
3 day itinerary in
Lyon
Lyon is beautiful year-round, but spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are particularly pleasant, offering mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
Lyon is France's gastronomic heart, so don’t miss out on local specialties like 'quenelles' (creamy fish dumplings), 'andouillette' (sausage), and 'tarte à la praline' (sweet tart), to name a few.
While it's always appreciated if you try some French, many people in Lyon, particularly in the service industry, speak English, so it's not a necessity.