Explore
Lyon
Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, beckons with its rich history, picturesque Renaissance architecture and a culinary scene that tantalizes taste buds with its delectable traditional Lyonnais cuisine.
Discover Lyon
Discover Lyon: Explore, Eat, Enjoy
Curated by
Mackenzie Hunter
Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is a vibrant hub of culture and cuisine, boasting UNESCO World Heritage sites, dynamic neighborhoods and a rich historical backdrop. Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon's waterways are the lifeblood of the city, weaving through its ancient streets and modern avenues. I recently had the pleasure of spending four days in Lyon before embarking on a Backroads bike trip in Avignon. The city left a lasting impression on me, and I believe this under-the-radar destination should be on every traveler’s list of French cities to explore. In this guide, I'll share sightseeing suggestions, food recommendations and an overview of Lyon's diverse neighborhoods to help you make the most of your time in this captivating city.
A 3-Day Itinerary for Lyon, France, with Kids
Curated by
Lacey Hayes
Lyon, often referred to as Little Paris, is a captivating city nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This charming destination blends the old and new in perfect harmony, creating a magical atmosphere. While many consider Paris the foodie capital of France, Lyon truly holds that title with its renowned gastronomy and exquisite cuisine. Beyond its culinary delights, I think Lyon is also fantastic for family travel, offering a plethora of exciting attractions and activities for kids to explore.
The French City You Should Visit Next: Lyon, France
Curated by
Christian Caudill
Despite being France’s third largest city and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon isn’t among the top destinations in France. In reality, the city is an underrated gem that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in French culture and live like a “local.”
From Roman ruins and medieval passageways to fine art museums and world-renowned gastronomy, Lyon is the perfect destination to experience the vibrancy, culture, and history of a French city without the large crowds, tourist traps, and high prices of better-known destinations.
Just two hours by train from Paris, Marseille, or Geneva, Lyon is a must-add to a multi-city itinerary, or spend a few days visiting the city before venturing into the nearby Burgundy wine region or charming towns of the French Alps.
Fall in Love with France: Lyon
Curated by
Jordan Joyce
Lyon is the second largest city in France but is much more approachable and easy to navigate than its larger sister, Paris. The city sits on two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, and has both car and pedestrian bridges up and down the embankment connecting both sides. The proximity to the riverside adds to the charm of this medieval and bustling city. It’s very easy to navigate by foot but you can also rent Velo’v city bikes as a fun and easy way to get around. Because it's home to 10 Universities the city is young and energetic which you can really feel as you walk through neighborhoods and experience life as a Lyonian.
Although Paris is lauded for its food, Lyon is actually where a lot of French cooking gets its roots. It is largely considered the gastronomic capital of France and was home to Paul Bocuse, one of France’s most prominent chefs known for innovative cuisine. As previously mentioned, it’s not an overly large city but has 21 restaurants with Michelin stars and many more on the Michelin guide. In short: it’s basically impossible to get a bad meal here! Make sure to try Quenelles while you're there - which is a sausage shaped dough of fish covered in a delicious creamy red sauce. It sounds weird but trust me, it’s delicious!
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Lacey Hayes
World traveler obsessed with getting the best deals for my clients wherever they roam.
Mackenzie Hunter
My travel philosophy is simple: "Traveling far, learning wide, growing deep." For me, travel is more than just visiting new places — it's about broadening perspectives, connecting with the world and its people and delving deep into the beauty and diversity that surrounds us.
I love travel for its ability to push us beyond our comfort zones and mundane routines, encouraging us to embrace new experiences and live life to the fullest. It's a space for reflection, growth and wonder, where we can immerse ourselves in different cultures, savor new cuisines and marvel at the natural beauty of our planet.
Christian Caudill
Committed to finding the best value for your travel budget. Slow traveler who loves to experience new cultures and languages.