travel guide to lyon france

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Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, Lyon has been luring people ever since the Romans named it Lugdunum in 43 BC. Commercial, industrial and banking powerhouse for the past 500 years, Lyon is France's third-largest city, and offers today's urban explorers a wealth of enticing experiences.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Musée des Confluences

This eye-catching building, designed by the Viennese firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, is the crowning glory of Lyon's newest neighbourhood, the Confluence, at…

Musée des Beaux-Arts

This stunning and eminently manageable museum showcases France's finest collection of sculptures and paintings outside of Paris, from antiquity onwards…

Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière

Crowning the hill, with stunning city panoramas from its terrace, this superb example of late-19th-century French ecclesiastical architecture is lined…

Lyon Confluence

Lyon's race toward the future is personified in this reborn industrial district near the southern tip of Presqu'île. Once a landscape of empty warehouses…

Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste

Lyon's partly Romanesque cathedral was built between the late 11th and early 16th centuries. The portals of its Flamboyant Gothic facade, completed in…

Musées Gadagne

Housed in a 16th-century mansion built for two rich Florentine bankers, this twin-themed exhibition space incorporates an excellent local history museum,…

Place des Terreaux

The centrepiece of the Presqu'île's beautiful central square is a 19th-century fountain made of 21 tonnes of lead and sculpted by Frédéric-Auguste…

Opéra de Lyon

Lyon's neoclassical 1831-built opera house was modernised in 1993 by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, who added the striking semi-cylindrical glass…

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Parc de la Tête d'Or

If you're museumed out, head to this lovely space north of the centre, which provides a green haven for nature lovers and families. Spanning 117 hectares,…

Théâtre Romain

Lyon's Roman theatre, built around 15 BC and enlarged in AD 120, sat an audience of 10,000. Romans held poetry readings and musical recitals in the…

Fresque des Lyonnais

Well-known Lyonnais peer out from this beautifully executed seven-storey mural, including loom inventor Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1752–1834), Renaissance…

Place Bellecour

One of Europe’s largest public squares, gravel-strewn place Bellecour was laid out in the 17th century. In the centre is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV.

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48-Hour Itinerary

48 Hours in Lyon: The Ultimate Itinerary

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Nestled between the French Alps to the east and Burgundy wine country to the north, Lyon is one of France's grandest and most exciting cities. Boasting thousands of years of history—reflected in impressive Roman ruins and architecture dating to the medieval and Renaissance periods—Lyon is also resolutely modern. Its food and dining scene is legendary, and as a city with several universities, museums, markets, opera, and cinemas, it's an exciting place to discover contemporary French culture.

Follow this suggested two-day itinerary to experience the best of Lyon, tweaking it as you wish to fit your budget and interests.

Day 1: Morning

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9 a.m.: After arriving at Lyon International Airport or at one of the two main train/TGV stations (Part-Dieu and Perrache), head straight for your hotel to drop off your bags. It's best to choose accommodation in or within close reach of the city center, to save time on traveling from one point to the next.

Your first stop is the Presqu'île, the traditional center of Lyon. It occupies a stretch of land between the banks of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Head straight for the majestic Place des Terreaux; this neoclassical square houses Lyon's   Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Bartholdi fountain, built in 1889 and featuring a dramatic equine sculpture.

After admiring the square and its handsome café terraces, take a quick look at the collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum). The museum was built on the former premises of a 17th-century convent.

Next, roam through the bustling shopping streets in the area known as Cordeliers, slowly heading south to the enormous Place Bellecour. One of Europe's largest public squares, it's known for its equestrian statue of King Louis XIV and a giant Ferris wheel.

12:30 p.m.: It's time to get a first taste of Lyon's famous culinary culture over lunch. Settle in at one of the traditional bouchons (family-owned restaurants) in the Presqu'île to taste typical Lyonnais dishes such as pike dumplings (quenelles de brochet), fresh herbed cheese on bread (cervelle de canut), and pink praline tart for dessert. You might also enjoy a glass of local red or white wine.

Day 1: Afternoon

2 p.m.: After lunch, take the Passerelle Saint-Georges bridge across the Saône River to explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). After admiring views from the graceful footbridge, visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, a Roman and Gothic-style cathedral built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Entry is free.

Next, wander up Rue Saint-Jean and explore its numerous attractions, from a traditional puppetry museum to quaint shops and bakeries. Admire the rose and ochre façades of Renaissance-era buildings as you wend through the area, and consider taking a guided tour of the intricate passageways and courtyards connecting many of them. Known locally as traboules, these were partly built to allow merchants to transport goods from the heights of the city to its then-center; during World War II, members of the French Resistance staged secret meetings in some of them.

4 p.m.: After exploring Vieux Lyon, take one of two funicular trains up Fourvière Hill (you can use a metro ticket or Lyon City Card if you have one). One of Lyon's Unesco World Heritage sites, Fourvière Hill houses the main vestiges of the Gallo-Roman city that once stood in present-day Lyon, then called Lugdunum.

Fouvrière Hill also features Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica , an important Lyon landmark dating to the late 19th century. Start here to admire sweeping panoramic views over the entire city and its red rooftops from the terraces.

5 p.m.: Next, head to the Gallo-Roman Museum . Carved into the hillside and boasting underground exhibition spaces, the museum holds impressive collections of artifacts from antiquity, including statues and sculptures, ceremonial objects, jewelry, coins, and other objects of daily life.

Some will find the two open-air Roman arenas even more impressive. France's largest, the main amphitheater once accommodated up to 10,000 spectators, while the smaller theater (called the Odéon) seated around 3,000. To this day, the well-preserved arenas are used to stage concerts and open-air theater performances, especially in the summer.

Day 1: Evening

6:30 p.m.: Head back down the hill (by foot or Funicular) into Old Town and settle in for dinner. If you're looking for something traditional, reserve a table at Bouchon Les Lyonnais ; set in a vaulted stone cellar, it's one of the city's most popular bouchons. For a romantic dinner or special occasion, try Les Loges , a Michelin-starred table set in a breathtaking 14th-century courtyard. The menu here offers creative twists on traditional Lyonnais cuisine.

9 p.m.: After dinner, take a stroll through the softly lit streets of Vieux Lyon and the Presqu'île, and see some of the city's iconic buildings and landmarks illuminated after dark. Sites that are especially photogenic in the evening include the Lyon Opera, whose modern-day, domed glass roof was designed by architect Jean Nouvel; Hôtel de Ville and the entire Place des Terreaux; and the riverside quays and bridges along both the Saône and Rhône.

10 p.m.: Grab a cocktail or glass of wine at a bar on or near Place des Terreaux. We recommend L'Antiquaire , a speakeasy-style bar known for its unique cocktails and cool vibe.

Day 2: Morning

8:30 a.m.: Begin with breakfast on the right bank of the Rhône river. Head to Le Kitchen Café for fresh pastries, fruit and juices, omelettes, smoked trout, excellent coffee and tea, and other breakfast fare.

Afterwards, explore the city's vibrant University district, particularly the streets around Rue de Chevreul and Place Jean-Macé. As you peruse the cafés, boutiques, and international food markets here, you'll be able to take in everyday scenes of student and local life; this is one of Lyon's less touristy and more contemporary neighborhoods.

To learn more about Lyon's darker history, visit the Resistance and Deportation History Centre , which traces the events of World War II, Nazi persecution in the city, and the heroism of Resistance leaders such as Jean Moulin.

11:30 a.m: Head west to the riverbank area and take a stroll northward along the quayside path known as the Berges du Rhône. Lined with greenery and grassy areas, you'll come across picturesque boats and boat cafés, bike paths, and recreation spaces as you explore.

Day 2: Afternoon

12:30 p.m.: If all the walking this morning has made you hungry, you're in luck. The next stop, the Halles de Lyon Paul-Bocuse market , offers plenty of choices for sampling some of the city's best food items. Pick something up for a light lunch on the go, or opt to sit in at one of the casual restaurants in and around the market. Whatever you decide, make sure to eke out some time to explore the market's dozens of stalls, which sell everything from pastries and sausages to fresh produce, wines, and chocolates. This is also an excellent place to find gifts or nonperishable food items to bring home on the plane.

2:30 p.m.: Next, walk about 15 minutes north up Rue Garibaldi until you reach the gates of the enormous Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon's largest park. The Romantic-style park is a green haven, with hundreds of trees and plants, artificial lakes, walking paths, grassy lawns, and playground areas. Settle in for a picnic if you chose to bring items from the market to enjoy outdoors.

4:30 p.m.: From the park, head south and cross the Rhône river at the Pont de Lattre-de-Tassigny, walking until you reach the Croix-Paquet metro station. Hop on Metro line C and take it to the Hénon station. You've now arrived in the neighborhood known as the Croix-Rousse. Once a hub in Lyon's textile and silk trade industry, today it is an arty, bohemian district with a distinctly village-like vibe.

Start at the "Mur des Canuts," an enormous mural painted on the façade of a building. Functioning as a trompe l'oeil (visual illusion), it depicts steep staircases and scenes from daily and historical life in the district.

Next, explore the Place de la Croix-Rousse (the main square), Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, and surrounding streets. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink on a terrace at a bar of your choice.

Day 2: Evening

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6:30 p.m.: As the sun starts to set (or dusky light settles on the horizon, depending on the time of year), take in panoramic views of the city by heading to the Place Colbert, a perched square lined with benches. At #9, you'll find the Cour des Voraces , one of Lyon's most impressive traboules; it features a dizzying external staircase rising six stories high. The history of silk workers (canuts) and their activities in the city are evidenced in this building and many others in the area.

7:30 pm: It's time for dinner, and there are plenty of options in the vibrant Croix-Rousse area. We recommend booking a table at a creative eatery such as Bistrot des Voraces , a wine bar where you can choose among dozens of bottles to accompany seasonal small plates and dishes. Daniel et Denise, meanwhile, is an updated spin on the traditional Lyonnais bouchon—and is considered one of the best in the city.

Have energy to spare? The area is brimming with possibilities for a nightcap, from bars to clubs. The Monkey Club is a popular cocktail bar staffed by top mixologists, while Le Chantecler is a favorite spot for summertime drinks out on the large terrace.

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Viewed from the Autoroute du Soleil, the first impression of Lyon is of a major confluence of rivers and roads, around which only petrochemical industries thrive. In fact, from the sixteenth century right up until the postwar dominance of metalworks and chemicals, silk was the city’s main industry, generating the wealth that left behind a multitude of Renaissance buildings. But what has stamped its character most on Lyon is the commerce and banking that grew up with its industrial expansion. Today, with its eco-friendly tram system, high-tech industrial parks home to international companies, Lyon is a modern city par excellence ; moreover, with the new Eurostar link to London, Lyon is more accessible than ever.

The bouchon

Eating and drinking, la croix-rousse, lyon’s murals, modern lyon, nightlife and entertainment, the mères lyonnaises, the presqu’île, top traboules.

Most French people find themselves here for business rather than for recreation: it’s a get-up-and-go place, with an almost Swiss sense of cleanliness, order and efficiency. But as a manageable slice of urban France, Lyon certainly has its charms. Foremost among these is gastronomy ; there are more restaurants per Gothic and Renaissance square metre of the old town than anywhere else on earth, and the city could form a football team with its superstars of the international chef circuit.

Lyon offers superb cultural attractions, too, from a raft of fine churches, notably the mighty Basilica Notre Dame up on Fourvière, to half a dozen exceptional museums, chief among them the stunning new Musèe des Confluences , the constantly absorbing Musée Gallo-Romain , and the wonderful Musée Gadagne , with its marvellous puppetry displays. Urban explorers, meanwhile, will enjoy staking out Lyon’s distinctive older quarters and its winding, secret traboules . As if that weren’t enough, Lyon’s nightlife, cinema and theatre, its antique markets, music and other cultural festivities might tempt you to stay just that little bit longer.

Lyon is organized into nine arrondissements. Of most interest to visitors is the Presqu’île (1er and 2e arrondissements), the tongue of land between the rivers Saône and Rhône, and Vieux Lyon (5e) on the west bank of the Saône, where the Romans built their capital of Gaul, Lugdunum. To the north of the Presqu’île is the old silk-weavers’ district of La Croix-Rousse (4e). Other well-touristed areas include modern Lyon on the east bank of the Rhône (3e), at the heart of which is the bustling commercial area around Part-Dieu, and, north of here, Parc de la Tête d’Or , the city’s main green space.

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A delicious yet active journey through Eastern France. Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

Lyon has an abundance of accommodation, with a liberal sprinkling of terrific hotels throughout the city, though the greatest concentration is in the Presqu’île and Vieux Lyon. You’ll find, too, an increasing number of chambres d’hôtes .

No visit to Lyon is complete without a visit to a bouchon , the traditional Lyonnais eating establishment. Its provenance most likely comes from the time when inns serving wine would attach small bundles of straw to their signs, indicating that horses could be cared for ( bouchonnés ) while the coachmen went inside to have a drink. The food may not be to everyone’s taste – andouillette (hot cooked tripe sausage) and pieds de veau (calves’ feet) are typical staples – but the dishes are usually beautifully cooked and they’re wonderfully convivial places. While many bouchons claim to be authentic, only 22 are certified, the best of which are found in the Presqu’ile.

Few cities anywhere in Europe, let alone France, can rival Lyon for the quality of its food , and at any given time there are typically more than a dozen restaurants with one or more Michelin stars. However, while these temples of gastronomy continue to raise standards, the humble bouchon remains as popular as ever, and really is an experience not to be missed – note that some of the more upscale restaurants are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, with others closing on Mondays. While decent coffee remains hard to source, Lyon’s café culture is slowly improving, and it’s now possible to find some terrific spots to sip an espresso (or tea), particularly up in the Croix-Rousse district. Otherwise, you can join the masses on place des Terreaux and the streets of Vieux Lyon.

La Croix-Rousse is the old silk-weavers’ district and spreads up the steep slopes of the hill above the northern end of the Presqu’île. Although increasingly gentrified, it’s still predominantly a working-class area, but barely a couple of dozen people operate the modern high-speed computerized looms that are kept in business by the restoration and maintenance of France’s palaces and châteaux.

Along with Vieux Lyon, it was in this district that the traboules flourished. Officially the traboules are public thoroughfares during daylight hours, but you may find some closed for security reasons. The long climb up the part-pedestrianized Montée de la Grande Côte , however, still gives an idea of what the quartier was like in the sixteenth century, when the traboules were first built. One of the original traboules , Passage Thiaffait on rue Réné-Leynaud, has been refurbished to provide premises for young couturiers.

The silk strike of 1831

Though the introduction of the Jacquard loom of 1804 made it possible for one person to produce 25cm of silk in a day instead of taking four people four days, silk workers , or canuts – whether masters or apprentices, and especially women and child workers – were badly paid whatever their output. As the price paid for a length of silk fell by over fifty percent, attempts to regulate the price were ignored by the dealers, even though hundreds of skilled workers were languishing in debtors’ jails.

On November 21, 1831, the canuts called an all-out strike . As they processed down the Montée de la Grande Côte with their black flags and the slogan “Live working or die fighting”, they were shot at and three people died. After a rapid retreat uphill they built barricades, assisted by half the National Guard, who refused to fire cannon at their “comrades of Croix-Rousse”. Following three days of battle, and with the bourgeoisie running scared, the canuts ’ employers called upon outside aid, and 30,000 extra troops arrived to quash the rebellion. Some 600 people were killed or wounded, and in the end the silk industrialists were free to pay whatever pitiful fee they chose, but the uprising was one of the first instances of organized labour taking to the streets during the most revolutionary fifty years of French history.

Lyon’s fascination with mural art can be traced back to the 1970s, when a group of students thought it a good idea to introduce some colour to the city’s grimescape, while simultaneously bringing art to the masses. The easiest ones to track down are the Mur des Canuts in Croix-Rousse, a brilliant, illusory piece depicting everyday life of the district’s inhabitants, including, of course, the old silk-weavers; La Fresque des Lyonnais on the corner of rue de la Martinière and Quai St Vincent, which honours Lyon’s most famous citizens, such as the Lumiére brothers, Garnier and Bocuse; and La bibliothéque (The City Library), just down the road on the corner of rue de la Platiére and Quai de la Pecherie. Check out cite-creation.com for more information.

On the skyline from Fourvière, you can’t miss the gleaming pencil-like skyscraper that belongs to Lyon’s home-grown Crédit Lyonnais bank. This is the centrepiece of Part-Dieu , a business-culture-commerce hub which includes one of the biggest public libraries outside Paris, a mammoth concert hall and a busy shopping centre. While it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing area, you don’t have to go far to enjoy some culture.

Film buffs won’t want to miss the enlightening Institut Lumière , housed within the grandiose Art Nouveau villa that was, for a period, the home of Antoine Lumière, father of Auguste and Louis, two of the earliest pioneers of film. The emphasis here is very much on the earliest forms of photographic techniques, which subsequently paved the way for film. Prize exhibits include early magic lanterns, the first cinematograph (1885), and the first ever autochromes, or colour plates, one of which is a picture of Antoine’s third daughter relaxing in the Winter Garden.

Housed within the former military medical school used by the Gestapo during World War II, the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation makes for a sobering but worthwhile visit. In addition to a library of books, videos, memoirs and other documents recording experiences of resistance, occupation and deportation to the camps, there’s an exhibition space housed over the very cellars and cells in which Klaus Barbie, the Gestapo boss of Lyon, tortured and murdered his victims. After living in Bolivia for years under a false identity, Barbie was extradited to France in 1987, aged 74, and tried in Lyon for crimes against humanity, for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment; the centrepiece of the exhibition is a moving and unsettling 45-minute video of the trial in which some of his victims recount their terrible ordeal – it’s in French but ask to have it subtitled.

Lyon packs a pretty mean punch when it comes to nightlife and entertainment, with a wide range of bars and clubs, alongside some great live music, opera and theatre. The best places to wander if you are looking for a bar are rue Mercière, the area around place des Terreaux and the Opéra and the streets of Vieux Lyon, though the riverboat bars along the banks of the Rhône are popular too.

Lyon’s cinematic history is also extremely rich, thanks largely to the pioneering work of the Lumière brothers. For avant-garde, classic and obscure films, usually in their original language, check the listings for the cinemas CNP Terreaux, Bellecour, Fourmi Lafayette, Opéra and Ambiance.

Thirty-four kilometres northeast of Lyon, on the N84 is Pérouges , a lovely village of cobbled alleyways and ancient houses. Its charm has not gone unnoticed by the French film industry either – historical dramas such as The Three Musketeers were filmed within its fortifications – nor by some of the residents, who have fought long and hard for preservation orders on its most interesting buildings. The result is an immaculate work of conservation. Local traditional life is also thriving in the hands of a hundred or so workers who still weave locally grown hemp

Lyon’s standing as one of the world’s finest gastronomic destinations is in no small part down to the Mères Lyonnaises , or “Mothers of Lyon”. Originally house cooks for the middle and upper classes, many of these women ultimately became surplus to requirements, so instead opened up their own businesses, serving food that combined grand bourgeoisie cuisine with more humble fare of the kind you might find in a bouchon, hence dishes such as pullet hen with black truffles, and pike quenelle casserole. Leading the way were women like Mère Fillioux and Mère Eugene Brazier, the latter establishing her eponymous restaurant (see The Mères Lyonnaises) on rue Royale, which is also where Paul Bocuse completed his apprenticeship.

The Presqu’île , or peninsula, is most visitors’ first port of call. Its dominant feature is place Bellecour , whose pink gravelly acres were first laid out in 1617, and which offer fabulous views up to the looming bulk of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The southern portion of the peninsula starts around Perrache station, beyond which lies the Confluence district , whose regeneration continues apace.

To the north of place Bellecour at the top of quai St-Antoine is the quartier Mercière , the old commercial centre of the town, with sixteenth- and seventeenth-century houses lining rue Mercière, and the church of St-Nizier , whose bells used to announce the nightly closing of the city’s gates. In the silk-weavers’ uprising of 1831, workers fleeing the soldiers took refuge in the church, only to be massacred. Today, traces of this working-class life are almost gone, edged out by bars, restaurants and designer shops, the latter along rue du Président Edouard-Herriot and the long pedestrian rue de la République in particular.

Occupying the thinnest wedge of land at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, the sparkling new Musée des Confluences is an extraordinary glass-and-steel structure that could have been plucked from the set of the newest Star Wars film. Its permanent exhibition is arranged thematically into four sections, the first of which, “Eternity”, gets to grips with life and death; the most notable, and spooky, exhibit is a Peruvian mummy, in the seated position with arms and legs clasped to its chest. In Egyptian society, animals were mummified too (being considered incarnations of gods), as evidenced by the crocodiles, rams, eagles and suchlike on display in the “Species” exhibition, which also contains a stunning collection of butterflies and bugs. “Societies”, meanwhile, ponders upon man’s ability to create – look out for the superb Berliet motor car from 1908 and Cockcroft and Walton’s particle accelerator – while, finally, “Origins” traces the various theories of evolution; the (literally) unmissable highlight here is a skeleton of the Camarasaurus, which roamed North America in the late Jurassic period.

Housed in a former Benedictine abbey on place des Terreaux, the collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts are second in France only to those in the Louvre. The museum is organized roughly by genre, with nineteenth- and twentieth-century sculpture in the ex-chapel on the ground floor. The first floor houses a particularly interesting collection of Egyptian artefacts including coffins, amulets and stone tablets, in addition to a selection of medieval French, Dutch, German and Italian woodcarving and antiquities, coins and objets d’art . Upstairs, twentieth-century painting is represented by Picasso and Matisse, and there are also works by Braques, a brace of Bonnards and a gory Francis Bacon. The nineteenth century is covered by the Impressionists and their forerunners, Corot and Courbet; there are works by the Lyonnais artists Antoine Berjon and Fleury Richard, and from there you can work your way back through Rubens, Zurbarán, El Greco, Tintoretto and more. Keep an eye out for Rembrant’s earliest known work from 1625, The Stoning of St Steven .

All around Lyon lurk traboules , alleyways and tunnelled passages originally built to provide shelter from the weather for the silk-weavers as they moved their delicate pieces of work from one part of the manufacturing process to another. The streets running down from boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, as well as many in Vieux Lyon, are intersected by these traboules . Usually hidden by plain doors, they are impossible to distinguish from normal entryways, proving an indispensable escape network for prewar gangsters and wartime Resistance fighters. Keep a look out for subtle signs on the walls indicating the presence of a traboule .

In Vieux Lyon there's the aptly named longue traboule , a dark winding passage connecting 27 rue de Boeuf with 54 rue St-Jean. Also in Vieux Lyon, a traboule lies behind the door of 28 rue St-Jean, leading to the serene courtyard of a fifteenth-century palace. In La Croix-Rousse , go up rue Réné-Leynaud, passing St-Polycarpe on your right, then take rue Pouteau via a passage. Turn right into rue des Tables Claudiennes, and enter no. 55 emerging opposite 29 rue Imbert-Colomes. Climb the stairs into 14bis, cross three courtyards and climb the steps, where you finally arrive at place Colbert.

Reached by one of the three passerelles (footbridges) crossing the Saône from Terreaux and the Presqu’île, Vieux Lyon is made up of the three villages of St-Jean, St-Georges and St-Paul at the base of the hill overlooking the Presqu’île. South of place St-Paul, the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, pressed close together beneath the hill of Fourvière , form a backdrop of Renaissance and medieval facades, bright night-time illumination and a swelling chorus of well-dressed Lyonnais in search of supper or a midday splurge.

Housed in a splendid fifteenth-century Renaissance mansion on place du Petit Collège, the Musée Gadagne comprises two very fine museums. Two floors are given over to the Musée d’Histoire de Lyon , which offers a comprehensive chronological overview of the city’s development, from antiquity to the modern day. Better still is the Musée des Marionnettes du Monde , showcasing the many different forms of puppetry from both France and around the world, including Venetian glove puppets, Javanese rod puppets, and Chinese shadow puppets.

Well worth the short trek up to Fourvière, the underground Musée Gallo-Romain showcases exhibits from prehistoric times to 7 AD, the sheer number and splendour of which serve to underline Roman Lyon’s importance. Among the many highlights is a fragment of the so-called “Claudian Table”, a fine bronze engraving of a speech by the Lyon-born Emperor Claudius, discovered in 1528 by a Lyonnais cloth-maker. Elsewhere look out for a superb Bronze Age processional chariot, and some remarkably well-preserved mosaics – “In The Circus”, for example, recalls the city’s standing as one of Roman Gaul’s most popular centres of entertainment. Alongside the museum, dug into the hillside, stand the substantial remains of two ruined theatres – the larger of which was built by Augustus in 15 BC and extended in the second century by Hadrian to seat 10,000 spectators. Nowadays, they are the focal point for the Nuits de Fourvière music and film festival each summer.

A hulking, incredibly ornate wedding cake of a church, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built, like the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, in the aftermath of the 1871 Commune to emphasize the defeat of the godless socialists. And like the Sacré-Coeur, its hilltop position has become a defining element in the city’s skyline. Overblown it may be, but the interior is utterly dazzling, from the marble statues and stained glass to the gold and turquoise mosaic wall panels, depicting events such as Joan of Arc in Orleans and The Battle of Lepanto. Take a look, too, down in the crypt, where there’s some beautifully executed stonework, plus an ornate turquoise mosaic ceiling in the apse.

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Things To Do In Lyon, France: 12 Ways to Explore Like A Local

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We have finally made it to Lyon – the food capital of France and the “world capital of gastronomy!” Every food enthusiast should plan a trip to Lyon. Even if you think you already adore French food, the traditional Lyonnaise cuisine will make you fall in love even more!

Where exactly is Lyon and what is there to see and do? In this Lyon travel guide, we cover all the essentials to ensure your next vacation to France goes as smoothly as possible — even if you only have 24 hours in Lyon! Read on to find our best Lyon travel tips and favourite places to visit in Lyon.

Where is Lyon in France?

Let’s start with geography: Lyon is located in the central eastern part of France , about 2 hours by train south of Paris. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Lyon is considered the third largest city in France  after Paris and Marseille.

The Saône river and the Rhône river wend their way through the city of Lyon. Two picturesque hills, La Croix-Rousse and Fourvière, are iconic features of the city’s skyline.

Is Lyon Worth Visiting?

We love Lyon for many reasons. Nouvelle French cuisine originates in Lyon, and as such the city draws some of the best international chefs. The city boasts 21 Michelin star restaurants (in 2021), a remarkable feat for the city’s size.

Lyon doesn’t just attract foodies, though. The city has a rich history spanning more than 2000 years. Walking through the Vieux Lyon (Old Town), you will notice many historical buildings and landmarks from the Renaissance era, when the city thrived on silk production and trade.

Outside the Old Town you will find a completely different world: stunning contemporary architecture fills the city landscape, drawing the attention of photographers.

So, whether you’re into food, history and culture, or art, there are plenty of things to do in Lyon to fill your itinerary!

Getting to Lyon

Taking a train is the most popular way to get to Lyon from other cities in France. Direct trains from Paris to Lyon are operated by SNCF. Trains depart every day (except Sundays) from Paris’ Gare de Lyon train station and take about 2 hours to arrive at Lyon’s Part-Dieu train station.

Flying is the quickest way to get to Lyon if you’re short on time. Both HOP! and Air France fly directly from Paris to Lyon. The only difference is that HOP! flights depart from Paris-Orly airport whereas Air France flights depart from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.

From Lyon Airport to City Centre

To get to Lyon by air, the closest airport to fly into is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) , the main international airport serving Lyon. The tram shuttle Rhônexpress runs every 15 minutes and will get you from Lyon airport to the city centre in just 30 minutes. Tickets cost €16,30 (one way) / €28,30 (return).

If you’re carrying large suitcases, we recommend taking a cab. A taxi ride from Lyon airport to city centre costs €50-€100, depending on where you get off. Taxi can be requested at the airport taxi stand or by Uber.

Getting Around Lyon

The first thing you should do when planning your trip to Lyon is buy a Lyon City Card .

This exclusive Lyon city pass helps you save on public transport, activities, and entertainment by giving you:

• free admissions to 23 museums and other Lyon tourist attractions
• unlimited access to Lyon public transport (with the option to include Lyon airport train service via Rhônexpress)
• one guided tour (chosen among many others offered by Lyon Tourism)
• a river cruise tour from the city centre to the Confluence shopping centre (available from April to October)
• VIP shopping offers in Galeries Lafayette Part-Dieu, Printemps, Confluence Shopping Centre and Hard Rock Cafe
• 50% off on Hippocketwifi
• Bike rental with Vélo’v for €5 for 72 hours
• …and more!

With all these benefits, you are sure to discover the best of Lyon sightseeing during your stay! Cards are available in 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-day options, and can be purchased online or at the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.

By TCL Network

Lyon’s public transport network is run by TCL. With 4 metro lines, 2 funicular railways, 5 tramways and numerous bus routes, the TCL transport network will get you to all corners of Lyon! 

Pro tip: Don’t rely on Google Maps to plan your trip in Lyon as it won’t give you directions for public transportation. Download this Lyon metro map to help you get around Lyon city centre. Or download the TCL mobile app for your iPhone or Android phones!

For those looking for a luxurious stay, consider hotels in Vieux Lyon (5e arrondissement). This neighborhood is set on a hill and is home to a few luxury hotels in Lyon like Villa Maïa and Villa Florentine. Be prepared for the steep slopes, but the views are definitely worth it!

By Bike or E-Scooter

Sometimes it is too far to walk to a metro station. But that’s okay, Lyon offers many other modes of transportation to help you explore the city!

The city of Lyon has designated bike lanes to help cyclists feel safe. For bike rentals, look into Vélo’v . This bike sharing system is available 24/7 and gives you the flexibility to pick up and return a bicycle at any of the 349 Vélo’v stations across the city!

Pro tip: with Lyon City Card, you can rent a Vélo’v bike for just €5 euro for 72 hours!!

Our favourite way to see Lyon is by e-scooter, which has become widely popular in France. It is fun, fast, and super addicting!

Renting an electric scooter is easy , all you need is a credit card and a mobile phone with internet connection. Download the app from one of the operating companies ( wind , voi or lime ), scan the QR code of an available scooter, and you’re ready to go! Unlike Vélo’v, you can park your scooter anywhere you like, as long as you stay within the city limits!

Travel Restrictions (as of 2021)

Masks are mandatory for indoor public spaces and on public transport.

In addition, Health Pass ( pass sanitaire ) is required to get  into bars, restaurants, and malls, as well as leisure events and venues with a capacity of more than 50 people, which includes museums, theatres, and most tourist attractions.

• If you are a non-EU tourist, you can apply for a health pass using this online system . Make sure you have your vaccination certificate, a valid passport and return airline tickets ready in digital format.
• For those travelling from the EU, you can present your EU digital COVID certificate.

For more details and the latest updates, please refer to the government’s official site .

12 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Lyon, France

1| eating your way through bouchon lyonnais.

With more than 4000 restaurants in the city, you will never run out of places to eat in Lyon. But bouchons are uniquely Lyon and were a favourite place for silk workers to go to grab a bite. Today, people specifically go to bouchons to taste traditional Lyonnaise cuisine .

Some of the Lyonnaise specialties you must try include Salade Lyonnaise , Cervelle de Canut, Andouillette , and Coq au Vin .

Pro tip: For an authentic, high-quality culinary experience, select a restaurant with the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” label on the window. Or go to the Les Bouchons Lyonnais website to search for the best bouchons in Lyon!

2| Make a trip to Paul Bocuse Restaurant

A visit to the world-renown Paul Bocuse Restaurant in Lyon is every foodie’s dream.

Also known as L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges , the Paul Bocuse Restaurant is located just outside Lyon in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or. The luxury restaurant is where the culinary giant Paul Bocuse built his reputation and has maintained three Michelin stars since 1965 for a record-breaking number of years! In 2020, it has been demoted to a two-star rating.

There are many Michelin star restaurants in Lyon, France, but if you only have the time or budget for one, save it for the Paul Bocuse Restaurant. The exceptional food and service are worth a special journey!

Another spot worth visiting is the Lyon food market, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. It sells the finest produce in the region and has several bars and restaurants on-site. Make sure to go hungry so you can try everything in sight!

3| Explore Les Traboules

Wondering what to see in Lyon? Put traboules on your list!

The traboules are secret passageways found only in the city of Lyon. Built between buildings are weaving through courtyards, these secret alleyways and staircases were used in the 19th century by silk workers to transport their products quickly between places without getting them wet or damaged in poor weather.

There are as many as 400 traboules in Lyon, mainly found in the Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse areas, but only 40 of them are open to the public today .

Join a guided tour if you want to visit traboules as they can be quite difficult to find (well, they were supposed to be *secret* afterall…). 

But if you are adventurous like us andare determined to explore on your own, we recommend checking out Cour des Voraces , located at 9 Place Colbert / 14 bis montee Saint Sebastion. If there is any doubt where the entrance is, look for the lion sign! It is one of the most unusual things to do in Lyon, and it will earn you bragging rights! 

Pro tip: Only visit the traboules during daytime and remember to keep your voice as low as possible (these passages connect through residential buildings).

4| Stroll through Croix-Rousse

Located up on a hill in the north of Lyon, Croix-Rousse was once the heart of Lyon’s silk industry. Today, it has become the hub of creativity for young designers and artists , exploding with eclectic shops, hip cafes, and modern bistros.

We recommend taking the metro line C to Hénon station first and make your way down the hill. Take the stairs down Montée de la Grande-Côte and finish at Passage Thiaffait , a former traboule that has been converted into shops and boutiques.

Most shops open quite late in Croix-Rousse. It is best to visit in the afternoon!

5| Go on a Winery Tour at Rhône Valley and Beaujolais

Interested in a wine tasting tour? No problem! Rhône Valley and Beaujolais are popular day trips from Lyon.

As the second largest wine region in France , Rhône Valley stands among the top destinations for wine tourism. It offers as many as 14 wine routes for you to explore – either by car, on foot, by bike, on horseback, or in the air!

Beaujolais vineyards , spread across the hills and village, are known for its fruity, red, Gamay-based wines. The best way to discover the magnificent Beaujolais wine is by driving along the 140-km long Beaujolais Wine Route –we guarantee it will  awaken your taste buds!

6| Spend a day museum hopping in Vieux Lyon

The Old Town is packed with many popular Lyon attractions. Traboules are one, another are the museums!

In fact, Lyon is home to some of the best museums in France. Musée Gadagne and Musée Cinéma et Miniature are particularly interesting!

Musée Gadagne houses two museums, the Lyon History Museum and the Puppetry Museum. It is Lyon’s largest Renaissance building dating back to the end of the 15th century. Your admission gives you access to 4 levels (there’s a hillside hanging garden on the top floor) and to the inner courtyard.

Musée Cinéma et Miniature is another 2-in-1 museum. It introduces you to the magic of special effects in films, and the poetic world of miniature artists.

7| Climb up to Fourvière Hill for the best views in Lyon

Looking for the best place to photograph Lyon’s city skyline? Head to the top of the hill of Fourvière! It is accessible by stairs (around 120 m) or by funicular from Vieux Lyon.

Crowning the hill is the iconic Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière , built in Romanesque and Byzantine style. The panoramic view from the esplanade is breathtaking. If you don’t mind a bit of a workout (i.e. climbing 345 stairs), join the guided rooftop tour to get an ultra-exceptional view (€10 / free with Lyon City Card; in French only).

8| See the modern side of Lyon at La Confluence

Lyon doesn’t just preserve historic buildings. We were most surprised by the wealth of modern architecture you can find throughout the city.

Stroll around the Confluence district and you’ll find eye-popping, futuristic structures all over the neighbourhood. Formerly an industrial wasteland, La Confluence is Europe’s biggest urban renewal project to rejuvenate the area.

The Musée des Confluences , resembling a floating crystal cloud, is an absolute must-see in Lyon. Other great photo spots you shouldn’t miss include the vibrant green cuboid building of Euronews headquarters, the orange cube following the same concept, and stacked modular housings on Quai Antoine Riboud .

9| Shop till you drop at Presqu’île

So where should you go shopping in Lyon, France? The best place in Lyon is Presqu’île , the narrow peninsula in between the Saône and Rhône rivers.

From large department stores to quirky boutiques, the Presqu’île area offers a wide variety of shopping experiences to get your retail fix. Most shops are located on rue Victor Hugo , rue du Président Edouard Herriot , rue de la République as well as around Place Bellecour . Whether you’re searching for the latest designer handbag or a stylish vintage dress, Presqu’île has the perfect shop for you!

10| Visit the local markets

Marché Saint-Antoine by the Saône River is the perfect place to start your mornings in Lyon. This outdoor food market is the largest in Lyon and is where the locals go to buy fresh produce and meat. Cooked items (e.g., rotisserie chickens), cheese, bread and even regional wines can be found there!

The market stretches from Pont Bonaparte to Pont Alphonse Juin, and is open daily (except Mondays) from 6 am to 1 pm.

11| Celebrate La Fête des Lumières

Each year, Lyon hosts La Fête des Lumières (the Festival of Lights) on December 8th. For four consecutive nights, bewitching light displays will illuminate the city with dazzling colours and transform the city’s historic landmarks in magical and surprising new ways.

This Lyon tradition dates back to 1852 when the city’s residents lit up candles to inaugurate the statue of the Virgin Mary to thank her for saving the city from the plague.

Today, this annual festival has become the world’s biggest light show, attracting millions of visitors from near and far!

12| Go mural hunting

This one is for art lovers and instagrammers: Lyon is basically a massive outdoor art gallery, with more than 150 murals across the city!

See if you can find the following:

• Fresque des Lyonnais : painted on a seven story building where 30 well-known Lyonnais peer out of the shop windows and on the faux balconies. 
• Le Mur des Canuts: the largest public art in Europe extending over 1200 m², paying tribute to the silk workers in the 19th century.
• Bibliothèque de la Cité: a huge bookshelf referencing work by writers from Lyon and the Rhône-Alpes region.
• Fresque Lumière: a futuristic image of Lyon, a vision of what the city could be.
• Parcours des Roses: Did you know Lyon was once the international capital of old roses and had bred more than 3000 roses in the 19th century? This mural reminds visitors of just that!

Map of Lyon, France

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. We have marked all the Lyon attractions mentioned in this article in the map below so it is easier for you to plan out your route!

Where to Stay in Lyon, France?

Lyon is divided into nine arrondissements. Hotel rates vary depending on which Lyon district you stay in.

In our opinion, the best district to stay in is Part-Dieu (3e Lyon arrondissement) , located on the east bank of the Rhône river. It is less touristy than other districts yet very conveniently located. Right by the river is a charming designer hotel called OKKO Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette . Offering a magnificent view of the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, this boutique hotel in Lyon promises a truly memorable stay.

For those looking for a luxurious stay, consider hotels in Vieux Lyon (5e arrondissement). This neighbourhood is set on a hill and is home to a few luxury hotels in Lyon like Villa Maïa and Villa Florentine . Be prepared for the steep slopes, but the views are definitely worth it!

With so many things to see and do, it is impossible to visit Lyon in one day. We recommend spending at least 3 days in Lyon to get a snapshot of what this enchanting city has to offer!

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15 comments leave a comment ».

This all seems so interesting. Lovely place to be during vacations!!

It’s really nice that they have E-scooters and bikes for rent. It can be quite fun to explore Lyon like that. Not only that it helps the environment by not consuming fuels, but we could also always use a great exercise.

I’ve wanted to visit Lyon for a long time!! Thanks for the trip inspiration

I’m planning to do a long weekend off in Southern France and of course I’m planning to head to Lyon too. So thanks for this awesome post. Special thanks for the tip about not using Google Maps. Lyon Card sounds very useful. Les Troubles would definitely be my top priority. It’s just fascinating.

I would love to explore France beyond Paris and this world heritage site is perfect start. Nice to know that the transportation is do easily accessible. I love the vineyards

Oh Lyon, I love it, such a fabulously foodie French city! I really like the look of Part-Dieu, I think we’d take your advice and stay there next time we go, I love modern boutique hotels, Okko looks wonderful. We hit some of the bouchons but didn’t eat at Paul Bocuse, that looks epic! Another miss for us was the Croix-Rousse neighbourhood, looks like it’s a modern day creative hub. We had our car with us, so we continued on from Lyon to explore some of the wine region of the Rhone valley, so beautiful.

I have heard a lot about Lyon lately, and I am surely including this to my France itinerary. Thanks for sharing important tips like how to get there, how to get around, and what to see. It really helps a traveler if such information is handy. I can actually travel like a local and stroll around the beautiful places of Lyon with a guide like this in mind.

Somehow I haven’t made it to Lyon yet, but it’s always popping up as a great place in France to visit. This is a great guide with lots of interesting local looking things to do. I’d definitely be up for the tour of the Rhône Valley and Beaujolais – some of my favourite wines are from that area. Thanks for sharing.

I have always relied on the tips and recommendations of the locals whenever I travel. It gives us a more genuine experience plus it actually saves us money when we follow their recommendations. Thank you so much for sharing these secrets. Keeping them in mind should we be in Lyon in the next couple of months.

I’m going to be cycling through France in a few weeks – including Lyon – so will definitely be doing some of these ideas! I’ve heard time and time again how great it is for food so I’m excited to eat everything ?

This post is timely as I have been looking at visiting Southern France. With the gorgeous pictures , this certainly bumps up my urge to visit. Definitely thanks for the detailed tips especially on transportation. I love vineyards and also hills over cities – so this covers just what Im looking forward to.

This post really timely as we have been looking for. Thumbs up!!!!

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Having visited Lyon myself, I can wholeheartedly agree with your recommendations! This city is a paradise for foodies, with an outstanding culinary scene. I was particularly impressed with the vibrant atmosphere at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse – a must-visit for any food enthusiast. I also loved exploring the traboules, hidden passageways in Vieux Lyon. It felt like stepping back in time! For those who enjoy panoramic views, I recommend taking the funicular to Fourvière hill – the vista over the city is simply breathtaking. Lyon truly is a city with something for everyone, a blend of history, gastronomy, and culture that will leave a lasting impression.

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A Complete City Guide to Lyon

As the gateway to so many fantastic locations in the countryside of France, Lyon is an impressive city with many great pockets to discover. With a surprisingly good restaurant and cafe scene , Lyon is best discovered over a couple of days, though if you’re light on time, can be ticked off in a day of jam-packed adventures. My visit was that of the latter and went by in a flash! Here is our complete city guide to Lyon to help plan your own adventure!

Your Guide to Lyon

Getting around.

Many visitors to Lyon arrive by train but no matter the mode of transport – get yourself to the centre of town and have your map handy – this city is huge and has so much to discover!

Because of the sheer size, I’d highly recommend renting a bike for the day or making use of the city bikes. This will enable you to cover so much more ground, as many of the cities’ offerings are spread out.

If cycling isn’t your thing, you can still see most of Lyon’s highlights on foot – but be ready for a big day clocking up the kilometres!

A guide to Lyon: What to see

Being such a huge city, there is plenty to see and do in Lyon. While a couple of days will see you explore the city at leisure, the best of Lyon can certainly be seen in one day.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

A beautiful basilica overlooking the city with a really great view.

Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

The old town district is by far and large my favourite area to explore and I’m sure it will be yours, too. This quaint and charming neighbourhood is best explored on foot (think cobblestones and lots of them!) There are many charming restaurants and bakeries to be found amongst the souvenir shops and artisan stores.

Parc de la Tête d’or

If you find yourself in Lyon during the warmer months, then a picnic lunch in this beautiful 117 hectare public park is a must.

There are a handful of popular museums in the city (I can’t say I visited any because with just one day, being outside exploring was my priority!) The most popular are the Museum of Fine Arts and the Gallo-Roman Museum, exhibiting a range of Roman artefacts and antiques.

Where to Eat and Drink

Lyon has an impressive food and drinks scene, with something on the menu for even the pickiest of eaters. I managed to find a great range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly eateries as well, so read on for a (very) comprehensive list!

Cafes & Coffee Houses

Slake Coffee House – The best coffee in town (and great carrot cake too!)

Puzzle Cafe – Also the best coffee in town (qual standing) with a really relaxed “BYO Laptop” kinda vibe.

La Cafeteria – Great healthy and affordable lunch spot and really popular with the locals.

Breakfast & Brunch

Le Polo Club –  Cosy little tea room with a British feel – custom teapots and all!

Le Grand Café des Négociants –  Over the top, luxurious setting with a classic approach to brunch (think French pastries, OJ and plunger coffee).

French Fare (Lunch & Dinner)

Le Kitchen Cafe –  Only 19 seats and arguably the most sought after spot in town. Here you will find a dessert bar (uh, yes!). Open for lunch only.

Cafe Sillon –  Focus on fresh produce and an ever-changing seasonal menu.

Les Apothicaires –  Four, five and six course dinners with a distinctly French approach to modern gastronomy. An awakening dining experience if ever there were just one to be had in Lyon.

Veggie Friendly Eateries (Lunch & Dinner)

Hank Vegan Burgers –  Third location of the popular eatery from Le Marais, Paris. This is vegan junk food at its finest.

Against the Grain –  Vegan cafe with really great soups, salads, wraps and light fare.

Toutes Les Couleurs –  Fusion dining and fully vegan restaurant for a more refined evening meal.

Bakeries & Desserts

Boulangerie du Palais –  Arguably the best in town. Be sure to try the local Brioche aux Pralines (sweet bread filled with pralines).

Patisserie Taffin – Delicate French pastries with a traditional approach.

Piece of Cake! – Your American-style baking goodies are all here in this simple approach to homestyle baking.

The Best Day Trips from Lyon

Vienne –  Very nearby small city with well-preserved Roman ruins. 30km South of Lyon.

Pérouges –  Small medieval town that is used as the set to many films (because it is that cute it looks like a film set!) 40km from Lyon.

Domaine de Lacroix-Laval –  Beautiful estate with manicured gardens and an impressive conservatory. 13km from Lyon.

I visited Lyon as part of an Avalon Waterways River Cruise – which is a great way to see the highlights of Provence and Burgundy in a week sailing! All opinions and oodles of photos are my own! 

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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As a proud Lyonnaise, this guide captures the essence of our city beautifully. You’ve mentioned some of my personal favourites, especially Vieux Lyon – there’s nothing quite like a walk through its cobbled streets and traboules (hidden passageways). Also, you can’t beat the view from Fourvière hill – it’s our version of Paris’s Montmartre. For those who appreciate contemporary architecture, I’d also recommend a visit to the Confluence district, where you’ll find an interesting contrast to the old town. And don’t forget to indulge in our gastronomic scene – whether it’s in a traditional bouchon or the famed Les Halles …  Read more »

Thank you a lot for all the information provided…..this blogs is of great benefit.

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Guide For First-Time Visitors: What To Do In Lyon

Some visitors call Lyon, France a “Little Paris.”  It offers a rich sense of history, world-class gastronomy, incredible art and culture, and stunning architecture. The city is an artful blend of old and new.

Its scenic beauty can’t be understated either. The city is set on two rivers with four river banks, and many pedestrian-friendly bridges , and even has its own replica Eiffel Tower.

It’s an easy two-hour ride on the high-speed train from Paris and once you arrive, there are fewer queues and fewer crowds; it’s easier to make restaurant and hotel reservations; prices are more moderate, and there are fewer hassles navigating the city by public transportation or on foot.

Not a surprise but in 2021, Lyon was named “Best World Destination to Discover” at the World Travel Awards, considered the “Oscars of Tourism.” 

What To Do In Lyon

Lyon is a place to which you’ll want to return many times because once there, you can truly experience the French “ art de vivre .” If you are a first-timer, here are ten not-to-be-missed experiences that are unique to Lyon:

  1. Take a boat trip on the Saône

The heart of Lyon, called the Presqu’ile , is surrounded by two beautiful rivers with four riverbanks. A one-hour narrated sightseeing trip (available in multiple languages) along the Saône River allows passengers the opportunity to view the stunning architectural landscape from the water.

Operated by Les Bateaux Lyonnais , the round-trip boat ride leaves from the Quai des Célestines as it wends its way to the confluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers.

2.  Visit the Saint Antoine Market

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Basilica on Fourvière Hill and La Tour Métallique (Lyon’s own replica Eiffel Tower), Saint Antoine Market extends for many blocks along the Saône River. At one of the most beautiful markets in Europe, vendors sell fruits, vegetables, fish, breads, desserts (including the iconic Tarte Lyonnaise ), cooked foods, cheeses, sausages, flowers, chickens roasting on the spit—and more.

It’s a chance to taste local specialties such as saucisson brioche (sausage baked in pastry dough) and to mingle with locals.

Legendary Chef Daniel Boulud says he was inspired to become a chef when shopping here as a kid with his Dad.

3.  Meander through Vieux Lyon, the Old Town

Join an English-speaking tour guide on a free walking tour of Old Lyon. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with charming boutiques, food shops, and restaurants.

Walk through the secret pathways connecting different streets, called traboules, once used by silk workers during the Renaissance to protect their goods from inclement weather when Lyon was the center of the silk industry.

Step into the Saint-Jean Cathedral, an excellent example of Gothic architecture and pay a visit to the International Puppet Museum. In 1998, Lyon was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, acknowledging the many historic buildings and neighborhoods preserved here.

4.  Eat at a bouchon

Bouchons are a type of rustic, family-run eatery found only in Lyon. Located mostly in the older parts of the city, many can be found along the streets of Vieux Lyon and also on the Rue des Marronnier s on the Presqu’ile (peninsula).

They date back to the time when silk traders used to stop at these inns to groom their horses and get a bite to eat. With somewhat limited menus, they all emphasize very delicious but hearty fare, especially organ meats.

Those bouchons certified as authentic by the Chamber of Commerce bear an emblem in their windows noting them as, Les Bouchons Lyonnais.” One of our favorites is Café Comptoir Abel . The foie gras and quenelles were so amazing that we returned for dinner twice in one week!

5.  Visit the Confluence Museum

Located south of the city center, where the Rhône and Sôane Rivers converge, this contemporary museum that opened in 2014 houses permanent and temporary exhibits on science and civilization (with English translations), all beautifully lit and displayed.

The architecture and siting are breathtaking: The building almost “floats” on the water with 180-degree views from the upper floor windows.

Though far smaller in size and scope, the holdings of the museum are reminiscent of the Museum of Natural History in New York and make for a great rainy-day destination that will appeal to adults as well as children. Don’t miss a stop at the rooftop café.

6.  Dine at the Bocuse Restaurant in Collonges

With more than 4000 restaurants in the city, there’s never a problem finding a good meal in Lyon.

The dilemma is being there long enough even to get a “taste” of all that’s available.

If you want to experience the meal of a lifetime at a three-star Michelin restaurant that is near-perfect—in terms of food, service and setting—catch an Uber and head about 20 minutes away from the city to the suburb of Collonges. Here, you can dine at L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges — in the same magnificent country house where legendary French chef Paul Bocuse was born; where he cooked for most of his life; where he trained a generation of culinary students; and where he rose to international prominence.

Bocuse was the first chef who came out of the kitchen and popularized nouvelle cuisine, paving the way for the generation of celebrity chefs we worship today.

We recommend lunch so you can see the beautiful greenery along the way and have enough time to digest before bedtime after swooning over a very delicious tasting menu.

7.  Take a photo at the Flower Tree Sculpture

Lyon is filled with monumental statues, graceful fountains, and world-class street art but our favorite piece of public art is the colorful Flower Tree Sculpture that sits between the Rhône River and the dancing fountains on Place Antonin Poncet.

The bouquet holds 85 flowers and is almost 20 feet tall so it can be seen from quite far away. Those visitors who first arrive at Lyon by riverboat, as we did, will smile at its sheer whimsy.

Originally created by a Korean pop artist for the Lyon Biennial Contemporary Art Festival  in 2003, it was so beloved by residents that it became a permanent fixture. It makes a perfect backdrop for a “selfie” to be shared on Instagram.

8.  Buy some Voisin Chocolates 

These delicious artisanal chocolates, made locally in a factory in Lyon since 1897, are available in 30 jewel-box-like retail shops throughout the city.

Although Voisin makes a variety of chocolates, the most famous, perhaps, is the Coussin de Lyon, a cushion-shaped green confection with a chocolate ganache center coated with a thin layer of almond paste laced with a touch of curaçao liqueur. Its Kelly green velvet wrapping is eye-catching.

My preference is the Voisin dragées, almond-shaped, bite-sized, coated chocolates that melt in your mouth rather than your hands.

Traditionally thrown at the bride and groom (like rice) at French weddings, they’re also great as a snack.

World-famous Bernachon Chocolates is another iconic French chocolatier in Lyon. If you have the time, stop for a cup of hot chocolate at the Bernachon Tea House.

9.  Walk through the Hotel Dieux

Hotel Dieux, one of the oldest hospitals in Lyon until it closed in 2010, has been replaced by more modern facilities. The first medical use of x-rays took place here.

With a history dating back to medieval times, one local told us that everyone in the city knows someone who was born in the maternity wards of the hospital. Designed by the same architect who designed the Pantheon in Paris, the building’s very long, dramatic and recognizable façade wraps around five interior courtyards.

For years, developers have been repurposing the historical building as a modern shopping complex with more than 30 boutiques and restaurants, and created a City of Gastronomy (since closed).

The 13 billion dollars private investment in the Hôtel Dieu was the largest of its kind in Europe to date. The project also included the construction of a 5-star Intercontinental Hotel Lyon that opened in 2019. It’s fascinating to witness to the transformation of this landmarked building and learn about its history.

The IHG Grand Hôtel-Dieu complex is steeped in history with stunning architectural and design details. Well-appointed rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings offer views of the Rhône River. 

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Epona, is located on the ground floor. Helmed by Chef Mathieu Charrois, the seasonal menu includes French and international dishes with locally-sourced ingredients. Le Dome Bar, one flight up, is an elegant gathering place with an extensive bar menu.

10.  Relax on the Place Bellecour  

Located close to the heart of the city, Place Bellecour is one of the largest open public squares in Europe.

Although imposing in size, it is a “people place” that serves as the city’s virtual living room with benches, walking paths, small cafes, and a flower stall (as well as the site of the OnlyLyon Tourism Office, a must-first-stop for any visitor to the city.)

A majestic statue of Louis XIV by François Fréderic Lemot sits at its center. Depending on the season, the square may house a skating rink, Ferris wheel, concert stage or site for a political demonstration. When distances are measured in the city, the square is considered ground zero.

The boutique Hotel Le Royal (part of the MGallery brand by Sofitel, part of AccorHotels) is conveniently located near the Place Bellecour, offering guests a unique hotel stay with a classic Lyonnais ambiance. The hotel was the first to be built in the city.

All photo credits: Jerome Levine, unless otherwise noted.

• Lyon Office of Tourism
• Lyon City Card

The Route from Paris to Lyon (about five hours by car and two hours by high-speed train)

All photo credits:  Jerome Levine, unless otherwise noted.

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12 Comments

Lyon looks full of delights! I’d love to be sitting at one of the sidewalk cafes on Rue de Marrioniers, so lovely even on a rainy evening! That Flower Tree sculpture is amazing and the food photos always have me drooling in your posts. I’ve wanted to get to France and each of your posts adds to that desire!

We will be in Paris this October. I want to see Lyon and go to the bouchon places and take a picture of the Flower Tree!

it’s an easy, comfortable ride from Paris on the high-speed train. Hope you get to Lyon in October!

I hope to get to Lyon soon…your post and your photos are very inspiring! (and mouthwatering 🙂

PS. LOVE the look of your new site!

Great suggestions, Irene, even for those who’ve previously visited this fascinating city. You make me eager to return!

I’m eager to return, too, Anne! My post just touched the surface of this amazing city!

I was taken with Lyon when we visited for the first time a couple years ago. Great museums, great vistas around the rivers, and fantastic food.

Yes, after we first visited on a river cruise, I couldn’t wait to return. Best, Irene

Lovely article. We spent 2 days in Lyon during a river cruise. Wonderful little city.

During our time, we visited the Resistance Museum and was so touched. It is sad and probably not for everyone, but it is also amazing. We learned so much and it started us on a quest to learn more about the resistance. We have since visited museum in many European cities.

We spent just a short time in Lyon and now I really want to go back! We didn’t get to see a lot of this — yet!

Our first visit to Lyon was on a cruise, so also brief. Each time we return, we find more we “should have done.”:-)

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Hi, I’m Lisa!

I’m here to help you have an amazing time in Lyon, France!

(And, no, this photo wasn’t taken in Lyon, but isn’t it cute?)

Whether you are planning to take a day trip from Paris to Lyon — or are spending a week here — I’ve got all the information you need.

Best things to do in Lyon ? Check. Fabulous tours ? Check. Delicious food? Check!

Sound like fun? Let’s go to Lyon!

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The only Lyon city guide you’ll ever need

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If your ideal getaway involves world-class food, history and culture, then Lyon in France should be at the top of your bucket list. Read on to discover how you can best experience Lyon’s unique charm.

Tourists who overlook Lyon for better-known cities like Paris and Nice are making a grave mistake. This fascinating 2000-year-old city is situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in southeastern France, just two hours from Paris by train. Frequently recognised as the gastronomical capital of France and celebrated for its precious historical sites, Lyon boasts an endless number of cultural gems and attractions.  

Marvel at the lavish Byzantine interior of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, famed for its turquoise-gold mosaics. Experience Lyon like a local at the lively produce markets along the Saône. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed old town and discover its labyrinth of hidden passageways that date back to the Renaissance. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this vibrant French city. 

Where is Lyon?

What is lyon famous for, neighbourhoods of lyon, things to do in lyon, things to see in lyon, things to eat in lyon.

• Best photo spots in Lyon

Transport in Lyon

How to get to lyon, when to visit lyon, weather in lyon, how long to spend in lyon, essential lyon travel facts.

• Is Lyon safe ?

Lyon is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. The city centre of Presqu’île (literally translating to ‘almost island’) is located between the meeting point of two powerful European rivers: the Rhône and Saône. North of Lyon is the wine region of Burgundy, while the French Alps and Switzerland lie to the east. Getting from Paris to Lyon by train takes just two hours, as do many destinations in the South of France and the French Riviera. All of these regions are easily accessible from Lyon with public transport.

Lyon is the third largest city by population in France, after Paris and Marseille. It is renowned for its significant historical and architectural landmarks, as well as its exceptional gastronomy.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon was founded by the Roman Empire in 43 BC and has since retained its historical centre by the Fourvière hill, despite considerable urban development. Historically, Lyon played an important role in the production and trade of silk. Today, Lyon’s primary claim to fame is its reputation as France’s capital of gastronomy due to its outstanding food and wine scene.

Lyon is divided up into nine arrondissements (or neighbourhoods). The 1st, 2nd and 4th arrondissements make up Presqu’île, which is the strip of land between the two rivers. The 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th arrondissements are on the right of the Rhône River, while the 5th (the old town) and 7th lie to the left of the Saône.

Discover the medieval old town

Entering Vieux Lyon, the oldest part of Lyon, is like stepping into a bygone era. This charming cluster of cobblestone streets sits at the base of the Fourvière Hill and is home to an array of independent shops. The leisurely crowds and earthy ochre hues of the Renaissance buildings give Vieux Lyon a small-town atmosphere reminiscent of the South of France.

Take a local guided tour of Vieux Lyon to discover the secret passageways called traboules that connect buildings and streets, along with a hidden network of courtyards and spiral staircases. These passageways were used to transport textiles in the Renaissance silk trade and to help the French Resistance to elude Nazi soldiers during WWII. Nowadays, most of the traboules lie on private property, so you’ll only able to access them with a guide.

After you’ve explored all of the picturesque streets in Vieux Lyon, you’ll want to stop for a sweet snack. When your nose has led you towards the irresistible buttery aroma of one of Vieux Lyon’s bakeries, treat yourself to a classic pain au chocolat or a pink praline tart, a Lyonnais speciality. On the weekends, try a salted caramel crepe from the pop-up stands while you sit by the Saint-Jean fountain and gaze up at the gothic Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral. 

Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is an emblem of Lyon, visible city-wide from its towering home atop the Fourvière hill. Constructed between 1872 and 1884, it was built as a tribute to the Virgin Mary for the city’s good fortune during the Franco-Prussian War. 

Taking inspiration from Byzantine and Roman architecture (unconventional choices for its time), the basilica’s interior is undeniably one of a kind. You’ll be in awe of its outstanding mosaic murals embellished with white and blue marble, pink granite and gold detailing. Despite its elegant inner vaults, locals often refer to this attraction as “the upside-down elephant” due to its four-pillar exterior. 

Visitors can enter the basilica for free or take a guided history tour to learn about the fascinating stories behind this treasured landmark. From Vieux Lyon, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk up the hill to the basilica or a few minutes on the funicular.

Experience roman ruins

Located just a few minutes walk from the Fourvière Basilica are the ruins of two historical Roman amphitheatres that you can peruse at your own leisure. The larger of the two, the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, was constructed in the 1st Century BC and was originally used to show plays and comedies to a crowd of up to 10,000 people. The smaller odeon was created for a more elite audience who would gather before political orators, musicians and poets.

History is truly etched into every surface of the city. In some places in the Fourvière district, you can still see the remains of ancient aqueducts, which were built by the Romans to carry water through the city thousands of years ago, such as the Aqueduc du Gier.

Wander through riverside markets at St Antoine

On weekend mornings, the banks of the Saône River come alive with the hum of live violin music, the citrusy scent of clementines and the shouts of competitive vendors. As the largest outdoor food market in Lyon, the St Antoine market is a local hotspot that showcases an abundance of regional produce. Think golden chanterelle mushrooms, quality saucissons and fragrant sage bundles from Provence. If you stroll ten minutes north along the river, you’ll arrive at the quaint Bouquinistes markets, where second-hand booksellers converse over a bottle of Pinot Noir. (In France, it’s never too early for wine!)

The markets generally run from midweek through to Sunday from early morning until 1pm. Getting to Quai St Antoine before 9:30am will give you the best chance to beat the weekend crowds. Make sure to bring cash with you, as most sellers don’t accept card payments for small purchases.

Enjoy a traditional Lyonnais meal at a bouchon

Lyon is renowned for its unique bouchon restaurants, which are recognisable by their red and white checked tablecloths. Bouchons welcome guests with a convivial, cosy atmosphere and typically offer fixed-price menu options. You’ll be able to treat your tastebuds to authentic Lyonnaise dishes such as succulent veal’s head cooked in stock or the quenelle de brochet , a fluffy fish dumpling covered and baked in a creamy Nantua sauce. For dessert, try a cheese platter or an île flottante (a French meringue floating in a silky cream). 

Many restaurants in Lyon disingenuously label themselves as bouchons . To find a list of authentic bouchons , visit the website of Les Bouchons Lyonnais , an organisation that awards a certification to restaurants that adhere to the rigorous guidelines of the bouchon tradition.

Indulge in local wines 

Côtes du Rhône, Grenache, Chardonnay, Chablis; Lyon is an absolute goldmine when it comes to quality wines. Sitting at the doorsteps of the world-famous Burgundy and Rhône wine regions, Lyon spoils you for choice when it comes to wine-tasting, whether you choose to head to a nearby winery or stop by a bar or wine cellar within the city. 

If you’re visiting Lyon in November, look out for bottles of the Beaujolais Nouveau in bistros, wine stockists and markets. This fruity, light-bodied red is released on the third Thursday of November each year, just a few weeks after the Gamay grape has been picked, to celebrate the end of year’s harvest. From Lyon, it takes just 40 minutes to arrive at the Beaujolais region, where over a hundred Beaujolais Nouveau festivities are held each year. 

Another fantastic wine experience near Lyon is the Ampuis Wine Market. For just 10€, you can sample over 200 of the best local wines from 60 premium winemakers and merchants in the Rhône Valley. This event takes place over a few days in January in Ampuis, a 40-minute drive south of Lyon’s city centre. 

See the Festival of Lights

La Fête des Lumières (The Festival of Lights) is Lyon’s most anticipated annual event, attracting millions of visitors every year. For four enchanting evenings in early December, the city is transformed into a luminous spectacle with artistic light installations that highlight Lyon’s most culturally significant landmarks. Following a centuries-old tradition that initially honoured the Virgin Mary statue atop Fourvière hill, you will also see many Lyonnais locals placing lit candles on their windowsills. Today, the festival represents Lyon’s living heritage, bringing people together to celebrate the city’s multifaceted identity.

Cycle through Parc de la Tête d’Or

Hire a Vélo’v bicycle and ride along the Rhône River to the 6th arrondissement where you’ll find Parc de la Tête d’Or, the largest urban park in France. Pass through the grand, golden gates to discover the park’s 105 hectares of nature and family friendly attractions. Roam the magnificent rose gardens, say hello to the giraffes at the free public zoo or hire a pedal boat on the lake. After you’ve had enough exercise for the day, watch swans drift past by on the lake or grab a bite to eat at the waterside café La Buvette des Cygnes. 

Visit the birthplace of cinema 

If you consider yourself a film fanatic, Lyon is bound to steal your heart. In 1894, the Lyon-based Lumière brothers invented cinema as we know it with their revolutionary camera and projector, the Cinématographe. While in Lyon, you can visit the Musée Lumière, the very site on which cinema was born, and discover the story of the Lumière brothers. For more film-related fun, visit the Cinema and Miniature Museum to gain insight into the special effects of leading film studios or see a contemporary French film at the Pathé Bellecour theatre. 

Explore the quiet neighbourhood of La Croix-Rousse

La Croix-Rousse is situated on the city’s second hill. While it’s a bit of an uphill climb, it’s well worth the effort. You’ll be charmed by the countless cafes, amber-coloured buildings and large-scale painted murals of this old silk-weaving district. The Jardin des Chartreux is the perfect place to admire the city from above as the sun sets over myriad terracotta-tiled rooftops. At dusk, La Croix-Rousse comes alive with the laughter of students frequenting local bars. If you prefer not to walk up or down the hill, take the funicular on the metro Line C.

Admire Place des Terreaux 

A trip to Lyon isn’t complete without a visit to the famed Place des Terreaux. This impressive plaza is situated in the 1st arrondissement below La Croix-Rousse and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hôtel de Ville building. To the left of the city hall is the 21-tonne Bartholdi fountain, which was sculpted by the architect who designed the Statue of Liberty and features a chariot of four horses. Opposite the fountain is the Musée des Beaux Arts. Here, visitors can browse the museum’s ancient Egyptian and Modern art collections or sit amongst the sculptures in the peaceful courtyard garden. While you’ll need to buy a ticket to enter the museum, the garden is open to the public.

Shop and dine in the 2nd arrondissement

In the streets of the wealthy 2nd arrondissement, you’ll find stunning French architecture and designer clothing labels. Browse the shops along Rue de la République and stroll down Rue Mercière, a cosy street of lively restaurants and bars. After you’ve stopped for a paté en croute and a glass of Côtes du Rhône, walk through one of Lyon’s most beautiful squares, Place des Jacobins, to marvel at the elegant 19th-century fountain.

Take in the beauty of Lyon from the Jardin des Curiosités 

A popular viewing spot for Lyonnais locals is the Jardin des Curiosités, located on the Fourvière hill, fifteen minutes walk from the old town. From here, not only do you have views of the entire city and its two rivers, but, on a clear day, you can also see Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in Western Europe).

Take a sightseeing river cruise

The Rhône and the Saône rivers are an integral part of Lyon’s heritage. Why not jump on a sightseeing cruise from Les Bateaux Lyonnais to see Lyon’s attractions from a new angle? The hour-long tours depart from the banks of the Saône next to the Palais de Justice footbridge and cost from 15€ per person, or are free if you have a Lyon City Card .

Explore La Confluence

La Confluence is a neighbourhood in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement where you can see the exact point where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge. The innovative contemporary architecture of La Confluence provides a striking contrast to the Renaissance style of Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse. Stroll along the restaurant-lined pier or stop by the Musée des Confluences, a spectacular natural history and anthropology museum.

Keep reading:

Lyon, France Map

Plan the perfect travel itinerary with this interactive map of Lyon that shows you the city’s top attractions.

Attractions on Presqu’île (1st, 2nd and 4th arrondissements)

Place des jacobins.

• Place des Terreaux
• Hôtel de Ville
• Musée des Beaux Arts
• Palais de la Bourse 
• National Opera of Lyon  
• Église Saint-Nizier de Lyon
• Musée des Confluences

Grand Hôtel-Dieu

• Mur des Canuts
• Place Bellecour

Attractions in Vieux Lyon (5th arrondissement)

• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
• Roman amphitheatres 
• Les traboules (silk trade passageways)

Passerelle Saint Georges

• Saint Jean-Baptiste cathedral
• Saint-Jean square

Attractions in the 6th arrondissement 

• Parc de la Tête d’Or
• The Lyon Museum of Contemporary Art
• Fountain at Place Maréchal Lyautey

Lyon has a global reputation for culinary excellence, labelled France’s Global Gastronomy Capital by the Michelin Guide in 2023. It sits just below the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and is home to 93 Michelin Guide restaurants and the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse. On top of this, the humble bouchon restaurants that serve up a traditional Lyonnaise menu make Lyon one of the best destinations in France for experiencing authentic French cuisine. 

Savoury things to eat in Lyon

The quenelle is one of Lyon’s signature dishes, a delicate fish dumpling typically baked in a crayfish Nantua sauce. The mousse-textured quenelle is typically made from pike sourced from the Rhône-Alpes streams and can be found in most authentic Lyonnais bouchons . 

Despite its deterring name that translates to ‘silk worker’s brain’, la cervelle de canut is a delicious white cheese spread seasoned with herbs, shallots, vinegar and walnut oil. Spread it over crusty bread for a wonderful snack or appetiser. 

Lyonnaise salad is another speciality to try during your trip to Lyon. Simple but fresh, this salad is made with crispy croutons, pork lardons and lettuce topped with a poached egg. Try it as an entrée at Le Comptoir de Léa. 

The Lyon-style andouillette is the perfect main meal for foodies with a more adventurous palate. It’s a pungent tripe sausage made from veal flavoured with regional mustard that you’ll find on the menu of most bouchon restaurants such as Daniel et Denise in Vieux Lyon.

A trip to France is simply not complete without (copious) visits to a local bakery. The baguette is an unbeatable French classic that is integral to the French identity and has even been crowned with UNESCO World Heritage status. The quality of bread in Lyon is as high as you’ll find anywhere in the world, so why not try the well-loved Pain des Jacobins or Boulangerie Chez Jules.

For French fine dining at its best, look no further than Restaurant Paul Bocuse. Try this internationally-renowned chef’s black truffle soup topped with fluffy pastry – the very dish that earned Bocuse the Legion of Honor from President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing in 1975. 

Sweet things to eat in Lyon

Pralines roses are caramelised almonds with a pink, sugary shell that are unique to Lyon. You’ll instantly recognise them from their eye-catching hue in markets, stores, patisseries and restaurants all over the city. Enjoy pralines roses on their own or in breads, pastries, tarts and crepes.

Treat yourself to a Coussin de Lyon , a delicious chocolate ganache enveloped in a turquoise, curacao-flavoured marzipan. Classified in the National Heritage of Confectionary, this pillow-shaped sweet was created in 1960 by French chocolatier Voisin and has since become a symbol of Lyon. 

If you’ve passed by a Chocolats Pralus store in Lyon, you’ll have witnessed the dozens of people lining up to try their famous praluline brioches . The texture of this city-wide speciality is akin to a dense, buttery croissant and comes in chocolate chip or praline rose varieties. 

There’s no better place to indulge in a crème brûlée than Lyon, France. This silky vanilla dessert topped with a wafer-thin caramel is the perfect way to end a meal at one of Lyon’s many restaurants.

Best Photo Spots in Lyon

Lyon has no shortage of Instagram-worthy sights. Here are the top locations to help you capture the travel photos of your dreams.

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Les Traboules of Vieux Lyon

Jardin des Curiosités 

Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Jardin des Chartreux

La Fresque des Lyonnais

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral

Courtyard gardens at Musée des Beaux Arts

Place des Terreaux 

Les pentes de la Croix-Rousse

Lyon is an extremely well-connected city. Buses, metros and trams provided by TCL, Lyon’s public transport network, remove any need for a car if you’re staying within the city. You can buy tickets at self-service kiosks in all metro and train stations that must be validated before you ride. For metros and funiculars, validation involves inserting your ticket or tapping your TCL subscription card (available for purchase online or in a TCL office) at the station’s entrance point. For buses and trams, there are validation machines on board. Visit the TCL website to find out fare prices, day pass options and schedules. 

It’s also worth checking out the Lyon City Card to save on costs. For a duration of 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours, you can enjoy unlimited access to public transport (bus, metro, tram and funicular), discounted shopping and free access to 88 activities around the city, including museums, leisure river cruises, guided tours and theatre shows. Prices of the city card range from 29€ to 59€. 

Many locals and tourists choose to get around Lyon by bike as almost all roads have clearly marked bicycle lanes. Hire a bike for the day at an affordable price with Vélo’v , a self-service bike rental company with hundreds of stations around the city where you can pick up and return a bicycle. 

Taxis and Ubers are also widely available around the city.

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Getting from Paris to Lyon by train is easy: just hop on the 2-hour high-speed TGV . The majority of trains departing from larger cities like Marseille and Geneva will arrive at the city’s main train station, Part-Dieu in the 3rd arrondissement. However, it is also possible to arrive by train at Lyon-Perrache station, which is located more centrally on Presqu’île. Most coaches will arrive here too, as Lyon-Perrache is the city’s main bus terminal. Intercity train and coach tickets can be purchased on the SNCF website or app.

If you prefer to fly directly into the city, you can book a flight to the international Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. It takes approximately 30 minutes by car to reach the city centre or between 30 and 50 minutes by train or bus. Rhônexpress is a shuttle service that will take you directly from the airport to Part Dieu station.

To avoid peak crowds and unpleasant temperatures in the hottest and coldest months of the year, the best time to go to Lyon is in September and October. That being said, Lyon is a great place to visit any time of the year as the weather is mild. If you prefer taking advantage of the outdoor terrace dining culture and vineyard tours in surrounding regions, you may want to visit in the warmer months from late May to mid-September. For a lively winter atmosphere, head to Lyon from late November to December.

From June to August, France’s summer period, the weather in Lyon is warm, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C. Locals love to sit and share a bottle of wine on the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers on sunny days before heading to one of Lyon’s many terrace restaurants and bars. Cycle through the leafy Parc de la Tête d’Or or discover the incredible Roman ruins on the Fourvière hill. To cool off, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool at the Tony Bertrand Nautical Centre on the banks of the Rhône. The weather in Lyon tends to remain pleasant well into September. 

Winter is a terrific time to go to Lyon, France. Temperatures are cold but are less extreme compared to northern European destinations, with an average of 5 to 10°C during the day that can drop to 0°C at night. Occasionally, it may also snow. In early to mid-December you can witness the spectacular Festival of Lights, a city-wide light installation show that highlights Lyon’s main attractions over three or four nights. Delight in a cup of vin chaud (hot mulled wine) at the Christmas markets outside Lyon-Perrache station or along Rue Mercière, or take the kids to a traditional Christmas Guignol show.

In order to experience all the incredible sights and activities Lyon has to offer, at least three or four days are needed. However, if you’re simply looking to tick off the most popular attractions, one to two nights will suffice. 

Lyon makes a terrific base for exploring surrounding regions if you are looking to spend a little more time in France. It is situated just below the famous wine region of Burgundy and is just two hours from both the South of France coastline and the western Swiss border. Annecy, Pérouges, Grenoble, Dijon and Avignon are popular French cities and towns you can get to in two hours or less from Lyon with public transport.  

Passport and visa: Valid passport or Schengen Visa. Check the entry requirements for your country on France’s official website . 

Currency: France uses Euros, written as €. Whilst most restaurants and shops accept card payments, it’s a good idea to carry cash on you as many bakeries, smaller vendors and market stalls will not accept card payments or will only do so at a minimum of 5€ or 10€.

ATMS: ATMS are readily available in most parts of the city. 

Tipping: Tipping is not required, though wait staff always appreciate it if their service has impressed you.

Electricity: Like most countries in Western Europe, France uses Type E (2-pin) plugs.

Staying connected: Plenty of cafes around the city and shopping centres like Westfield Part-Dieu offer free Wi-Fi. You may wish to speak to your network provider about international plans, but local European or prepaid travel SIM cards usually offer the best value.

Opening and closing hours: Most shops and grocery stores in Lyon close all day on Sundays, so you’re better off doing any shopping during the week before 8pm or on Saturdays. While bakeries are open on weekends, including Sundays, most are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Restaurant bookings: Lyon is a highly-populated city with a strong tourist appeal. For this reason, it is always recommended to book a table to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends and during peak periods. 

Is Lyon safe?

Like the rest of France, Lyon is a safe and tourist-friendly place to visit. It is a fantastic city to explore not only for families and groups but also for solo and female travellers. That being said, there are some things you should be careful of when travelling to Lyon. 

Pickpocketing is not uncommon in and around train and metro stations, particularly Bellecour, Part-Dieu and Lyon-Perrache stations. To prevent theft, don’t leave your phone or other valuables visibly in your pockets. It is best to keep a firm hold of them or stow them in a safe part of your bag not visible to the public. If you are sitting outdoors or in a cafe near a station, avoid leaving your bag unattended or placing it in an easily accessible place.

The old town (Vieux Lyon) and Presqu’île (the 1st, 2nd and 4th arrondissements) are typically viewed as the safest areas in central Lyon. It’s not advised to wander aimlessly around neighbourhoods like La Guillotière and Villeurbanne at night, especially if you are alone. 

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How to Spend One Day in Lyon: A 24-Hour Travel Guide & Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 21st February 2024

Categories France , Itineraries

Last Updated on 21st February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Lyon is the third largest city in France, meaning that it’s pretty much impossible to see all of the city in the span of 24 hours. However, plan your stay the right way and you’ll soon be able to scratch more than just the surface when it comes to the foodie French capital. Here’s your ultimate one day in Lyon travel guide and itinerary, including insider tips you’ll want to know about before visiting!

Why you’ll love the French city of Lyon

What to pack for lyon, what is the layout of lyon, is one day enough time to visit lyon, how to spend a morning in lyon, how to spend an afternoon in lyon, how to spend the evening in lyon, don’t rent a car, do stay overnight, consider the lyon city pass.

Lyon is a thriving and vibrant settlement in Eastern France with a population of around half a million residents. Home to over two millennia worth of history, in times gone by, the city would have been called ‘Lugdunum’ when it was occupied by the Romans.

Nearby, the City of Vienne was one of the most important Roman settlements outside of what is now Italy. While I would personally recommend to stay longer in Lyon if you’re able to (1 day in Lyon is barely enough to scratch the surface) , read on for our best recommendations of the city.

Otherwise, you should know that the city is pretty hilly and you can expect to walk up and down many flights of outdoor steps when wandering around town. In one day alone, I managed to clock up over 35 flights of steps according to my health app!

As such, be sure to pack a comfortable pair of sneakers or sandals that are easy to walk in. I personally love wearing keds as these pair well with dresses, though a pair of trainers like these ones will offer much better foot support.

Traditionally, the city has been divided into several areas; the Croix-Rousse district was vital to the silk trade of the 18th-century from which the city grew prosperous and so is now referred to as the “the hill that works”.

Meanwhile, a little down the river, the Presqu’Île de Lyon houses a maze of historic streets and independent shops while the Fourvière Hill district has been long called “the hill that prays”. This itinerary will focus on these areas of the city of Lyon .

As one of the largest cities in France, Lyon offers plenty of attractions and even more to see. As such, you won’t be able to cover everything that there is to do in Lyon over the course of 24 hours.

With that being said, many of the French city’s major attractions are focused over a pretty small area and so one day is more than enough to see all of Lyon’s highlights. Just be sure to pack shoes that are comfortable to walk in as you’ll be exploring on your own two feet a lot!

If one day is all the time you can allocate to visiting Lyon, then it’s better to go and get a taste for the city than forgo it altogether. The ideal amount of time to explore Lyon is three or four days, especially if you want to test a handful of restaurants.

One day in Lyon travel itinerary

La croix rousse neighbourhood.

Hip, trendy, and full of the full-sized wall-sized murals that are so synonymous with the city, start your day off the right way by wandering around La Croix Rousse neighbourhood.

So-called thanks to a giant cross which stands on the hill, the hill was once the centre of the thriving silk trade industry during the 18th-century.

As such, many of the buildings still retain their working functions and the most famous of the ‘traboules,’ covered passages which sheltered merchants carrying goods from the rain and elements, is to be found in this area.

Other highlights of La Croix-Rousse neighbourhood include some of the best coffee shops in town and a handful of select museums.

Presqu’Ile de Lyon

After wandering through the Croix-Rousse district, drop down to the Presqu’Île de Lyon neighbourhood. As you may well have guessed, the area is so known as it is an ‘almost island’ and lies at the confluence of the Saône and Rhone rivers.

This area is a maze of cobbled lanes, small side streets and shouldn’t be missed on any meander through the city. Particular highlights include the many hidden gems to be found in concentration here; we particularly loved the bookshop of Le Bal des Ardents and L’Horloge de Guignol, a rather unusual timepiece in the middle of the street.

If you’re visiting during the springtime, then it’s worth noting that the prettiest spring blooms can be found in the square directly in front of the Hôtel de Ville. For those who wish to frequent a museum or two just before lunch, there are several to be visited on the Presqu’Île de Lyon.

Wander around Vieux Lyon

Finish the daylight hours off by discovering some of the most historic sites and attractions of Lyon. As its name would suggest ‘Vieux Lyon’ is the oldest part of the city and this is where you’ll discover the likes of Lyon Cathedral, as well as all of the ‘bouchons,’ tiny traditional restaurants serving local fare.

If you’re looking for the perfect lunch spot in Lyon, then be sure to frequent one of these hole in the wall eateries. Other highlights of Vieux Lyon include the Musée Miniature et Cinéma (one of the coolest cultural spots in town for those interested in mini things) and many a bar selling Beaujolais wine.

Fourvière Hill &  Visit the Notre Dame Basilica

Standing in pride of place at the very top of the Fourvière Hill, the Notre Dame Basilica is truly a sight to behold; a fantastic example of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, the ecclesiastical building was constructed between 1872 and 1884 with private funds and is now free to visit.

Nearby, you’ll soon spy one of the best views that Lyon has to offer, as well as the Tour métallique de Fourvière (Metal tower of Fourvière Hill) which resembles the Eiffel Tower more than just a little bit!

Just a short walk away and you’ll soon discover the best of Roman Lyon , including a fantastically-preserved Roman amphitheatre and several sections of town walls and epitaphs (Roman memorials).

Of course, Lyon isn’t referred to as the ‘foodie city of France’ for nothing and there’s a myriad of activities you can expect to enjoy when it comes to spending an evening in Lyon. However, if a foodie-focused soirée is how you wish to enjoy the Eastern French city after dark, then read on for our very best suggestions…

Watch the sun go down at Buvette Saint Antoine

If you’re looking for a lazy way to watch the sun go down, all the while enjoying one of the best views of Lyon , then hands down you need to go to Buvette Saint Antoine, a bar on the edge of the riverbank and overlooking the Fourvière hill.

Even if you’re only spending one day in Lyon, it’s well worth heading to this beautiful downtown destination which is perfect to enjoy an apéro among friends, just be sure to bring your camera along!

Drink a cocktail at The Monkey Club

Considering that Lyon is such a paradise for foodies it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of chic and cool cocktail bars in town which you’ll want to visit for yourself (we even discovered a bar that has a secret Speakeasy style area up top!)

With this being said, one of our favourite spots in town for a laid-back drink in a beautiful setting was undoubtedly The Monkey Club (19 Place Tolozan, 69001 Lyon). Visit during opening hours and you can expect to find modern mixes as well as old favourites and classics.

Dine at Brasserie Georges

Though I personally stayed in Lyon for a week or two and thus managed to sample a large selection of the food on offer in the city, my all-time favourite dining destination in the city was that of Brasserie Georges (   30 Cours de Verdun Perrache, 69002 Lyon ) .

Set against the backdrop of the oldest Brasserie in the city, the fine dining establishment serves traditional French fare at reasonable prices (for the quality of the food served) and is one of the largest brasseries of its kind in Europe.

All tablecloth seating and gold gilt detailing (with enough mirrors to fill the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles!), there are also vegetarian options available. And so thus, there you have it, a perfect one day in Lyon guide if you’ve only got 24 hours to explore the French city!

Dos and Don’t of Lyon

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon, then be sure to not rent a car (unless it’s to take day trips from the city- and even then only book the car for the day you take the day trip) . Public transport in Lyon is generally safe (be mindful of pickpockets) , convenient, efficient, and very affordable.

Lots of Lyon (and in particular the touristic parts) can easily be explored on foot, and to get to further away parts of the city you can get a bus, tram, or the underground. Renting a car will only incur costs, be expensive to park, and is generally not a good idea for getting around the city.

In order to truly even scratch the surface of Lyon, you should consider staying overnight. I would personally stay in the centre of Lyon in either the Presqu’île or Vieux Lyon districts of the city. Check Lyon accommodation here.

If you’re thinking about seeing a lot of attractions and monuments while in Lyon, Consider purchasing the Lyon City Pass , which includes a cruise along the Saone and access to public transportation.

To work out whether or not the pass is worth it for you or not, add up the cost of the individual attractions you wish to visit and see if you’ll save money. Find more details here.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Lyon   Travel Guide

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10 Best Things To Do in Lyon

Updated February 11, 2021

Whether it's meandering the renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon or touring the expansive Musée des Beaux Arts, visitors will find an array of things to do in Lyon. Along with the fine arts, there are museums dedicated to miniatures and movies (Musée

• All Things To Do

Theatres Romains de Fourvière Theatres Romains de Fourvière free

Built in 15 B.C., the Theatres Romains de Fourvière are the ruins of three ancient Roman sites, including a theater, a smaller theater and a temple located on the hill of Fourvière. It's also the site of the ambient Nuits de Fourvière , an annual performing arts festival that takes place during June and July. 

Recent visitors recommended tacking on a visit to the Theatres Romains de Fourvière after visiting the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, since it's located on the walk down. Others remarked that the acoustics are amazing, and the view of surrounding Lyon is spectacular. However, some were disappointed with the limited signage. You'll find a museum next to the ruins, but all of the information is written in French. Consider reading up on the site or hiring a tour guide if you want a richer experience. 

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière free

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière crowns Lyon from its perch on Fourvière hill, which is also known as "the praying hill." It was built in the late 19th century by architect Pierre Bossan, who incorporated neo-Byzantine styles in the design. Inside, visitors will find awe-inspiring mosaics on the walls, richly colored stained glass, gilt sculptures and a crypt. Gardens, also designed by Bossan, surround the basilica.

Recent travelers raved about the ornate Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, saying that the mosaics that line the wall are exquisite. Recent visitors recommended taking the Saint-Jean - Fourvière funicular or a taxi up to the hilltop basilica but walking down to enjoy the scenery without quite the strain on your legs.

Vieux Lyon Vieux Lyon free

Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon, is the city's renaissance district located in the 5th arrondissement. Here, visitors will find many attractions, such as the Place du Change, the former business square of the city, and Rue St-Jean, a popular place to walk – partly for its traboules (secret pathways and staircases that pass through buildings). It's believed that these passageways date back to the fourth century, when residents needed a way to get from their homes to the river (their source of fresh water) without having to weave through the town's winding streets. They were later used by the silk trade and then by the resistance during World War II. 

The fact that this history remains intact is thanks to Andre Malraux, the French Minister of Culture in 1962, who saved the district from demolition plans by designating it a protected area. This jumpstarted a revitalization of the area. Just decades later, the refurbished renaissance district was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

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Musée Miniature et Cinema Musée Miniature et Cinema

The Musée Miniature et Cinema (Museum of Miniature and Cinema) is really two museums in one. First, the museum contains the miniature scenes of artist Dan Ohlmann and the work of dozens of other miniature artists. It also holds hundreds of film set props, including the original costume from "Batman Forever" and a triceratops head from "Jurassic Park." 

Recent visitors called this museum unexpected and delightful, saying that they recommend it highly for both children and adults. Others say the beautiful, 16th-century building is an added bonus to the interesting, even entrancing exhibits. 

Musée des Beaux Arts Musée des Beaux Arts

More than 70 rooms filled with artwork, such as "Dancers on the Stage" by Edgar Degas and "La Tentation de saint Antoine" by Auguste Rodin, among other French and European masterpieces, fill the Musée des Beaux Arts. Works date from antiquity and include everything from paintings and sculpture to decorative arts. The Musée des Beaux Arts, which is housed in a 17th-century former Benedictine convent, is also accompanied by a large garden. 

Not only is the art enjoyable, but the food is too, according to recent visitors, who recommend enjoying a lunch in the museum's dining hall. Recent visitors said you could spend hours here, so if you're short on time it's best to pick the two or three areas that interest you most and go from there. Make sure to pick up a free audio guide. 

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse free

Called a "heaven for foodies," Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is the city's premier indoor food market boasting nearly 50 vendors and several bars and restaurants. Here you'll find everything from fruits and vegetables to cheese, truffles, spices, flowers and everything in between. 

Past visitors raved about the market and were especially impressed with the variety of cheeses and cured meats. If you're in need of picnic supplies, this is the place to go, according to reviewers. Buying the food here and eating it elsewhere may be your best bet as some past travelers complained of limited seating inside the market. If you're interested in perusing some of the city's outdoor markets, St Antoine Market and La Croix Rousse Market are two popular options. 

Musée des Confluences Musée des Confluences

The Musée des Confluences, established in 2014, is one of Lyon's newest institutions set in the city's newest neighborhood. Lyon's natural history museum, it aims to tell the story of the world from origins to visions of eternity, from the viewpoint of many different cultures and even animals with the help of more than 2 million artifacts.

Recent visitors said both the building and the setting are spectacular, recommending that travelers take in the views from the terraces. Many travelers described the museum's exhibits as eclectic and imaginative. Even if visitors don't have time to stop in, reviewers recommend walking alongside the Rhone to enjoy the architecture from the outside. 

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France Travel Blog

Lyon Travel Guide

Considered to many as a worthy rival to Paris, Lyon is as breathtaking to tourists as it is to locals. It is among the few cities in Europe that blends the galleries and the museums of a cultural hub with the vigor of a former industrial capital. If you are embarking on a European tour , then Lyon in France is a city not to be missed. Read on for more information in this Lyon City Guide. When you touch down in Lyon, be certain that there will be a lot to see and do. And everything is in this Lyon Travel Guide.

From kisses to revolutions, the French are famous for quite a number of things. However, their cities and towns are world-beaters in self-acclaimed titles. Hence, it is not far-fetched when you hear a French city being, for example, a particular food capital, or love capital of the world .

For Lyon, it prides itself on being the ancient capital of the Gauls and the gastronomy, silk, and capitals of the world. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) acknowledges the historic sites of the city as it designates it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Areas like the Roman district and Fourvière, the Renaissance district (Vieux Lyon), the silk district (slopes of Croix-Rousse), and the Presqu’île, which bear 12th century to contemporary epochs characteristics, have all been earmarked for their architecture and significance.

Here Is The Ultimate Guide to the Lovely City of Lyon. 

Witness vieux lyon’s magnificence (lyon’s old town).

Find time to see this tourist attraction. The Vieux Lyon is one of Europe’s largest renaissance old quarters. From the 15th to the 17th century, wealthy merchant families from France, Flanders, Italy, and Germany settled in the city. Lyon’s silk industry at the time boomed. They built wealthy homes in the gothic, Italian renaissance, and the French renaissance styles, as you will see some of the remaining structures. Some of them still stand in areas like Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges, and Saint-Paules.

>> Is Lyon Worth Visiting?

C heck Out Lyons Murals

You will probably not see the artiest murals elsewhere in France than in Lyon. In the city, there are over a hundred large paintings on walls, and you will find them in working-class areas and on social housing. In États-Unis, especially, there is an outdoor museum with twenty-five murals painted in the 1980s detailing the career of architect Tony Garnier. He planned the district in the 1920s.

To get more intimate with Lyon’s major figures, there is Fresque des Lyonnais. It consists of 24 historical personalities and six modern ones that the city reveres. Lyon’s original fresco worths a mention too in this category. The painting, which is updated every ten years, is called the Canuts Mural. And it chronicles the story of the Croix-Rousse area. 

>> What is Lyon Famous For

See the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

It is France’s largest fine art museum after the world-famous Louvre in Paris. In the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, there are about 70 rooms, with paintings from the 1300s to the 1900s. Also, if you are an art buff, you would find Oriental and Egyptian cultural displays. In fact, there is more for you with a vast collection of Degas, van Gogh, Renoir, Cézanne, El Greco, Canaletto, Picasso, Max Ernst, and Francis Bacon, all on display. The Antiquities section too is incredible as it boasts of about 600 Ancient Egyptian artifacts with reliefs, statuettes, busts, sarcophagi, and Medamud temple’s gates.

Have a Feel of the Romans at the Theatre of Fourviére

Established by Augustus in15BC; the Roman theatre Fourviére is the oldest theatre in France. And even though it has deep characteristics of antiquity, the theater is in fantastic shape. It also offers the impeccable sight to connect to the ancient Roman world of entertainment. Thanks to its recent renovation, the Fourviére can now hold productions. And if you are around in the summer, it holds entertaining festival nights. 

Step In The Fabulous Lyon Cathedral

Lyon’s magnificent cathedral is a gothic construction erected between the 12th and 15th centuries. You will see many of the original stained-glass windows that date back to the 1300s. During the Second World War, they were destroyed and packed away to preserve them bomb explosions.  

>> Most Beautiful Cathedrals In France

Grab a bite at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

You should indulge in a tasty treat here. The Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is an indoor food market, and it is a perfect place to try the culinary excellence of the city. Close to 60 stalls exquisitely display everything French food you can think of. As you will discover, the items are not the only beautiful thing about the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse; the architecture is simply amazing too. 

It is a great place to do all your food shopping if you intend to have the taste of your own cooked Lyonnaise meal. The best time to visit Les Halles is in the morning before most stalls close for lunch. 

Indulge the Musée Miniature et Cinéma

The brilliant Musée Miniature et Cinéma is situated in Vieux-Lyon and is a 17th century World Heritage structure five stories in height and with a loggia. It is divided into two, but the primary attraction is some 100 “hyper-realistic” miniature scenes. Some of the world’s best miniaturists, including the museum curator, Dam Ohlmann, scrupulously made them. 

They reanimate well-known locations that might take you a short while to notice what is happening in them. Places like the Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris or everyday French scenes are featured works. Also, there is a cinema exhibition with over 300 unique props, artifacts, and models relating to popular movies from the last 50 years. 

Transportation in Lyon

Going around Lyon in cabs can be very expensive. You should consider cutting transport costs by taking public transport because they are cheaper alternatives to move around. The city’s bus network is made up of the Lyon trolleybus system, motorbuses, and coaches for areas that are outside the center. In addition, there are two funicular lines from Vieux Lyon to Saint-Just and Fourvière. The ticketing system here is relatively simple because Lyon has a single public transport operator, the SYTRAL. 

If you love cycling, experiencing Lyon just got better. There is a bicycle network that provides cheap service where bicycles can be hired and returned at any of 340 stations in the city. It is free if you borrow a bicycle for less than thirty minutes and the offer can even be extended for another half-an-hour at any station. Lyon is the first to introduce this bicycling renting system in the country. 

>> Is Lyon Safe?

Gastronomy 

As earlier said, Lyon has a strong and long culinary arts tradition. It has rightly earned the title, the gastronomical capital of the world by renowned gastronomists. Have a bite at the  Bouchon,  a traditional Lyonnais restaurant which has some of tastiest local fare like sausages, roast pork, with local wines. 

Try also the  mâchons , a local brunch made from charcuterie, and it is often eaten with Beaujolais red wine. French tacos, Coq au vin, quenelle, salade lyonnaise, and gras double are a must-taste for an unmatchable culinary experience.

Restaurants

Lyon has many culinary experts from different parts of the world. And this is obvious in the top-quality restaurants you will find all over the city.

>> Is Lyon Expensive?

Here Are Some Of Lyon’s Best Places To Eat

Café sillon.

The owners of this restaurant are young and dynamic Lyonnais natives. At Café Sillon, the menu changes every two weeks but retains a decent variety of options such as rare caviar lemons and Buddha’s hands (citron fruits), seaweed, and tiny citrus fruits are all arranged with different types of lettuces. So, there is always the impression that you are tasting delicately prepared combinations.

The three-course meal and dinner are affordable, and there is a dual option for each course; frilled squid, kombu seaweed, root vegetables, mustard and hazelnut versus sweetbreads in tempura, cress juice with eel, apple and green radish for starters. This is followed by lamb (barbecued) with black olives, peppers, cardoon, and juniper. 

Tip: C hinato,  the Italian red dessert wine, appears to go with everything toothsome that is made out of the restaurant.

Burgundy Lounge

What can be better than dining on an evening overlooking the Saône river? The Burgundy Lounge offers you what most restaurants do not. It has a giant steel bar and tasting lounge downstairs and solid stone walls with a comfortable seating area. Lunch for three courses is not pricey on Mondays to Fridays, and you will have hundreds of wine bottles to choose from.

Le Café du Peintre

The best  quenelle de Brochet  (a golden, potato-shaped pike soufflé) is served at le café du Peintre. It is one of the famous traditional recipes typical of Lyon. The café also serves  Machon  (pork products doused with a Beaujolais) usually in the morning. At lunchtime, le Café du Peintre hosts people from all occupations, including tourists who come to have a nice time and immerse themselves in some of Lyon’s culinary glory. It is a great place to socialize. 

Le Potager des Halles

Not far from L’Ébauche, le Potager des Halles is a vibrant restaurant with everything chic about a modern French restaurant. It even has a saloon-bar vibe with an overhanging gallery and blond-wood bar that often bubbles with locals. Its large tables, screen, school chairs, and many chalkboards actively demonstrate its sport bar-ish credentials. At le Potager des Halles, you will have organic fruit and vegetables, fine groceries, chocolates, and a tapas bar.

Where to See Art and Design in Lyon

Being at the pantheon of arts and culture, there is a whole lot to experience in Lyon, especially if you are an art aficionado. Every year, the city hosts millions of art and design lovers around the world to mark festivals and other related events. You will discover lots of talented artists from around the globe who are expressive with their arts as they tell stories you will find gripping. 

You will love the exhibitions by design personalities like Galerie Mathieu where some poignant minimalist pieces are on display. Visit the Croix Rousse too where you will find L’Oeil de Boeuf, an art studio that is full of life. The studio, which opens for just six months of the year has some irresistible designs for your gazing. Datta bookshop is known for its magazines and periodicals. It also has a space for displaying great pieces of illustration and graphic arts works. 

Le Bleu du Ciel is another perfect art place for tourists, especially lovers of photography. The designs, which are done with flair, are mostly sociologically themed. And if you want to see Lyon’s expanse of scenery, the studio will offer you that unique angle. In the 7th arrondissement, three places will grab your attention. 

The first is a small shop called Bikini, on rue de la Thibaudière, which is only accessible on opening nights. 

On that street, there is also a gallery called Snap; an art setup that looks very much Parisian in character and design. And while you are still in the area, spare some time to visit Ilot d’Amaranthes garden at the junction of Rue d’Anvers and Rue de la Thibaudière. Situated between two structures, it used to be empty, but it has grown to become a special space for people, with lovely roses. 

The Ultimate Lyon Travel Guide – Blog Summary

Lyon is a vibrant city economically, culturally, and industrially. It has an enduring heritage that allures millions of people from different countries in the world. And no doubt that this historic city will, for many years, continue to offer tourists the scintillating experience they crave at all levels.

Read: Things To Do In Lyon

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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The alternative city guide to Lyon, France

The final instalment of our alternative city guides takes us to stylish, cultural Lyon where redevelopment of the city is creating a southern rival to Paris. Our local experts show us around More on La Confluence and the best hotels and bars in Lyon

• 2 Music/clubs scene
• 3 Where to eat/drink
• 4 Where to go for art and design
• 5 Readers’ tips and Instagram

By Benjamin Mialot, editor-in-chief of culture and leisure guide Le Petit Bulletin

Often regarded as being like Paris, but on a more human scale, Lyon is unusual among European cities in combining the museums and galleries of a cultural capital with the dynamism of a former industrial hub.

France is a world-beater in lots of things (strikes, pretentiousness, kissing) but its towns and cities are also masters at according themselves the title of capital of something, be it a skill, a dish or a pastime.

Lyon can boast many such titles: gastronomy capital, silk capital and ancient capital of the Gauls. But it was also the capital of repression when it came to electronic dance music. In the middle of the 1990s, when the rave revolution was at its height, the city did its best to stamp it out, by means ranging from the refusal of late-night licences to calling in the riot police.

You won’t find this snippet of local history in any of Lyon’s museums, though. The city has since embraced rave culture as one of its main attractions, and it has never been so easy to burn the candle at both ends – at 130 beats per minute. The big event is the five-day Nuits Sonores festival each May, which celebrated its 12th birthday this year, but every weekend in Lyon sees dozens of DJs and promoters playing all over the city in dedicated electro clubs ( DV1 , Terminal , Petit Salon ); on river barges ( Sirius , Marquise , Sonic ); and in big concert venues on the outskirts such as Kao and Transbordeur .

One venue in particular epitomises this soaraway success: Le Sucre (see below), in an eyrie on the roof of a former sugar factory that’s now a contemporary arts centre, and run by the team behind Nuits Sonores . It is one of the landmarks of La Confluence , the newly revitalised industrial area on a tongue of land between the rivers Saône and Rhône, dotted with statement architecture, such as the new Musée des Confluences .

La Confluence is part of a feel-good development that included the pedestrianisation of the two river banks and has brought with it an element of gentrification not unlike that happening in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement, to the west. This multicultural and until recently relatively affordable district has seen the city’s trendiest new restaurant openings and its most interesting nightlife ( DIY Live Station , Le Café du Rhône ) – to the point where it is taking over from the former silk manufacturing Croix Rousse district as the city’s most happening area.

But all up and coming areas eventually reach a plateau, and it becomes the turn of another district to attract a young crowd. In Lyon it’s now the inner suburbs – thanks to citizen politics in places like Villeurbanne, and the transformation of the Grrrnd Zero squat at Vaulx-en-Velin into a place of pilgrimage for underground music (see below) – that must nurture new avant-garde movements.

Music/clubs scene

By promoters Paulin Grégoire, Matthias Perrette and Kimi Do (who work as Merci Bonsoir )

The cultural offering in Lyon is huge. There’s lots of energy: people creating things, and also people organising events, setting up music labels. These projects often prompt established places into upping their game and undertaking big revamps.

Our favourite space is probably the Marché Gare . It holds 300 people, and there’s a Berlin feel to its 1970s public-sector building vibe. The music is indie, in the widest sense. In the same part of La Confluence, Le Sucre has rapidly become Lyon’s big name electro-dance club, hosting internationally known acts.

Transbordeur is one of Lyon’s largest venues by capacity, but stands out for its eclectic choice of acts and its indie credentials. It’s in a former factory and has kept its look industrial, with a huge gantry hanging over the bar. It’s at its most fun during Summer Sessions , an outdoor programme with concerts, street art and film screenings in a group of old containers. Then there’s l’Epicerie Moderne , a little further out, which is the Lyon area’s temple to indie music.

In a recently decommissioned factory in Vaulx-en-Velin, Grrrnd Zero is the heart of underground Lyon. Its carefully curated programme and dizzying list of events make it a must-do, with building work going on all around you.

The best rock music club is still Le Sonic , on a barge moored by the Gare de Perrache. It has low pinkish lighting, red walls and well-chosen acts. You could be lucky enough to find Thurston Moore playing: he says this is his favourite club in Lyon.

Another place to hear live music over a drink or two is Le Trokson . It puts on free concerts several nights a week, leaning towards garage, surf and psychedelic sounds. It’s a nice looking spot, with a vaulted basement room and a convivial atmosphere and is my favourite place in the historic 1st arrondissement, but there’s also Les Capucins , a relaxed bar for a few drinks with friends, and there are regular gigs in its basement. It’s right across the road from a picturesque building used as a Scientology centre. Still on the slopes of the Croix Rousse district, not-for-profit bar La Triperie is the perfect place to catch an underground gig, with old stone walls, parquet flooring, pinball machines and bottled beer, but it’s hard to find out what’s going on there – you have to look out for posters around town.

There’s a similar ambience at Le Café du Rhône on the river bank (as the name suggests), which is also a good daytime stop for a beer and the dish of the day. At night, head downstairs to the basement for concerts, especially ones promoted by French alternative pop outfit La Souterraine . And don’t forget Kraspek Myzik , an independent record shop by day and concert venue by night; its tiny proportions make every evening unique.

Another fine record shop is Dangerhouse , the oldest in Lyon. It’s a treasure trove of garage-rock and 1960s music, its bins overflow with everything from classic albums to unusual finds. Sofa is also very highly regarded, particularly for its African, South American and Asian collection of vinyl.

Where to eat/drink

By Guillaume Long, a Geneva-born graphic novel writer, blogger ( A boire et à manger ) and illustrator

Lyon is known for the great gastronomic tradition of bouchons , traditional taverns of a kind that these days I rarely visit. Most bouchons are pretty poor, and I don’t think they do the city’s image any favours. There are places being opened up by talented young chefs that deserve more attention.

There are exceptions to this rule, however. For “real” Lyonnaise cuisine, I’d recommend Le Garet ( 7 rue du Garet , no website). It’s typical of the city and a bit twee, with its wood panelling, checked tablecloths and suitably gruff owner. You eat packed together in a convivial atmosphere. Another bouchon I like is Daniel et Denise ( 156 rue de Crèqui ) in the old town. Its chef is Joseph Viola, winner of a prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France award (best craftsman of France) and his cooking is exceptional.

The 7th arrondissement, where I live, is flourishing culturally and has lots of informal bistro-type restaurants, which are much more my kind of thing for everyday eating. In the three years I have lived here, I’ve seen the opening of loads of little places that are worth seeking out. There’s Les Pralins ( 62 rue Sébastien Gryphe ) for Sunday brunch; le Stamtich ( 44 rue Raulin ), where you can eat real flammekueche (a sort of Alsatian pizza) and sumptuous banoffee pie; and Nam Sandwich ( 12 Place Raspail ), where you can get a tasty banh mi Vietnamese sandwich to take away and eat by the Rhône.

For something a bit more exotic, try Chez Terra ( 81 rue Duguesclin ) in the 6th arrondissement: it’s a brilliant Japanese restaurant where the menu is short, but everything’s delicious. Then there’s Doshilack ( 28 rue de Marseilles ), in the multicultural Guillotière district, for divine Korean food.

For drinks, head for Le Bistrot des Fauves ( 29 rue Saint Michael ), which does good beer. Sit at one of several mismatched tables and enjoy it with a very good plate of cheese and charcuterie. It puts on exhibitions from time to time, there are magazines lying around and the clientele is quite boho.

But my true favourite is Le Kitchen Café ( 34 rue Chevreul ), a stone’s throw from my house. The cooking is Franco-Swedish, all made with locally grown produce. It has old sewing machines as lamp stands and table legs, and is a very popular meeting place. The coffee is good, and I always go for the homemade patisserie: cookies, financiers (almond sponge cakes) and petit fours are all top class, at reasonable prices. Close to the Gare de Lyon-Perrache, Café Marmot ( 51 rue de la Charité ) is also worth a trip. Its cookies are delicious and the atmosphere is friendly. Le Palégrié ( 8 rue du Palais Grillet ) is a bit like Le Kitchen Café, with reasonable prices. It’s a simple but very refined little place, where the staff can advise on the choice of excellent wines.

Where to go for art and design

By Julie Rodriguez-Malti, co-director of the Néon art collective

When we started out, there were just three galleries in rue Burdeau in the 1st arrondissement. Today there are 15 or so, thanks to the local authority. When they saw what we were doing, they made it financially attractive for other galleries to set up here, too.

I used to love going to the Salle de Bains not-for-profit arts centre up in Croix Rousse. It has been working peripatetically in Lyon’s museums and galleries since it lost the lease on its premises last year. Through it I discovered lots of young artists from around the world. Apart from that, I love the exhibitions put on by Galerie Mathieu , which displays some lovely minimalist pieces. It is a gallery very much of its era – it was set up in 1979 – with real character and a taste for geometric abstraction.

Lower down in the Croix Rousse quarter is L’Oeil de Beouf , an arts studio that’s very young and eclectic, open just six months of the year. Its backers don’t really communicate much, except on social media, but they organise concerts for each new show. And I often get a nice surpise at the Datta bookshop, which as well as magazines and periodicals, has a small space for showing nice pieces of design, illustration and graphic art.

You can also admire the photography of Gilles Vernet at Le Bleu du Ciel . His work has sociological leanings, but is done with lots of panache. And the setting of the gallery is fantastic and has an incredible view over the whole of Lyon.

In the 7th arrondissement, there are three places in particular worth seeking out. One is a little shop window affair called Bikini , on rue de la Thibaudière. You can’t go in, except on opening nights; you just look from outside. A little notice goes up each month, telling you about shows and how long they are on for. It can seem frustrating, but it is in fact very generous.

On the same street there’s a new gallery called Snap , set up by a sculptor called Paul Raguenes , which has quite big ideas. Its attitude is like that of a Parisian gallery: he’s not afraid of showing large attention-grabbing pieces of work.

And finally, while in the area, make time for the Ilot d’Amaranthes garden at the junction of Rue d’Anvers and Rue de la Thibaudière, which was designed by the artist Emmanuel Louisgrand (with support from Galerie Tator ). Once a vacant plot between two buildings, it has become a unique community space, with some amazing roses. If I had to move house, I would go to the 7th arrondissement. It has the freshness and vibrancy the Croix Rousse slopes had a few years ago.

The most unusual place I know is over towards the Île Barbe, an island in the Saône in the 9th arrondissement. It’s called L’Attrape-couleurs , and the walk there along the banks of the river is magical. It’s in the annex of a town hall, a big space with parquet floors and a marble fireplace, opposite the famous Jocteur bakery. The artists curate the shows themselves and you can find works you won’t see anywhere else. If you’d like to find out more about what’s on at galleries in Lyon check out Adele , which is published by an association of all the contemporary galleries in the city

Readers’ tips and Instagram

There’s no better guide to a city than word-of-mouth recommendations – from people who live there and people who have visited. We asked our readers to share their favourite experiences and Instagram pictures of Lyon . Here are just a few – you’ll find more readers’ tips here .

This article includes content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue' .

Enjoy Lyon by bike Get yourself lost down cobbled streets and across countless bridges in this extremely bike-friendly city. Take the tour along the quais (the banks of the river Saône and Rhône), particularly Quai St Vincent (underneath La Croix-Rousse looking up to Lyon’s miniature version of the Eiffel Tower). Cycle all the way along the bank until you get to the tunnel de La Croix-Rousse, a cyclist/pedestrian-only tunnel stretching from east to west built under the bohemian arts district known as Croix Rousse. A surreal ride accompanied by music and dancing animals projected onto the wall. When you reach the other side, cross the bridge towards the Parc de la Tête d’Or , a huge park with a lake, pedalos and even a zoo! Rose Labdon

A fine time with food and wine La Voûte Chez Léa is a great restaurant, similar menu-wise to Lyon’s many bouchons but the standard of cooking was a good few notches above most. La Cave de Cécile is a great wine bar in an atmospheric setting with a by-the-glass selection that changes daily. Also, try Bernachon , which is a famous chocolate shop and cafe. Tip: the selection in the shop is much the same, and much cheaper, than the neighbouring cafe. Dave Stenton

The best beers – and great burgers

Lyon is getting more and more of a taste for beer. Several bars dedicated to quality beers have opened these last few years. One of the oldest is the Le Palais de la Bière , with more than 300 beers available. The Ninkasi is a local brewery with several bars around town. The Beers has a friendly atmosphere and is close to the Vieux Lyon. The 405 is close to the town hall and has 40 beers on tap – and shows rugby matches on widescreen TVs around the bar. Les Fleurs du Malt may be a bit pricey but it stocks rare beers and its bartenders know their job. In summer, there’s an amazing beer garden by the river at the Star Ferry , which has a wide selection of beers from all over the world, and great burgers. Glasny

Discover the city’s on-trend areas Visit SoBell (South Bellecour), the trendy name for the area south of Place Bellecour and before Perrache train station. Take the metro to Ampere, to where the 2nd arrondissement is shaking down its shabby self with chic new restaurants, such as Comptoire Thomas , and galleries and boutiques (try the Rhône side for late local bars, though it’s a bit prickly around the edges). On the Saône side you’ll find more tranquil cafes and historic ramparts. LyonLondon

Stroll, savour and learn Wander round the medieval old town (France’s largest, and a Unesco world heritage site). When you do though, give the odd front door a gentle push. If it opens, it may well lead you into one of Lyon’s (once hidden but now famous) traboules , or passageways. Originally used by the city’s merchants as a short-cut to and from the river, the traboules became vital to the city’s resistance movement during the second world war, as they gave resistance fighters who knew the city a means of escape from the Gestapo. The Gestapo headquarters is now the Resistance and Deportation History Centre . James King

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Why You Should Head Straight to Lyon the Next Time You’re in France

By Christina Liao

It’s easy to bypass Lyon when you’re headed from Paris to the Côte d’Azur (or vice versa), but by doing so you are missing out on a fascinating hub of food and culture. Many might think that the City of Light is the epicenter of French cuisine, but it’s actually Lyon that’s the gastronomic capital. In 1933, when Eugénie Brazier became the first woman to earn three Michelin stars and the first chef to have two restaurants that bore this esteemed distinction, La Mère Brazier put Lyon on the culinary world’s map. Nouvelle cuisine chef Paul Bocuse trained under her watchful eye, and the city is also home to world-renowned Daniel Boulud. And while gourmands can (and should) make reservations at one of the 20 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city—like Takao Takano or the storied Paul Bocuse —bouchons are the local institutions that can’t be skipped. Unique to the city, they are casual, unpretentious, and the best eateries to experience the heart of traditional Lyonnais cooking. (It also doesn’t hurt that their prix-fixe meals come at very reasonable prices.) Oenophiles can also head over to the nearby Beaujolais region to visit some vineyards and sample amazing wine.

Legendary food aside, the UNESCO-designated site is also the birthplace of cinema and was once a leader in the silk trade. You’ll find one of Europe’s oldest and most expansive Renaissance districts here, where a stroll through the narrow cobbled passageways of Vieux Lyon is a must, as well as France’s largest urban park, Parc de la Tête d’Or , best enjoyed by renting a rowboat at the lake or taking a bike down its winding paths. If you’re headed to this incredible city soon, check out our guide below for more ideas on what to do and where to eat.

By Tatiana Dias

By Elise Taylor

What to Do and See

Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon This museum is regarded as one of the most important in Europe. Ancient Egyptian antiquities; the second largest collection of coins and medals in France; and a variety of paintings from the 14th to 20th century, including works by Matisse, Picasso, and Rouault, are just some of the things to look forward to seeing. Before you peruse all the masterpieces, take some time to relax in the serene and beautiful garden, where you can hide under the shade of towering trees and marvel at a couple of original bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Perched up on the hill that it’s named after, the imposing basilica can be seen from just about any vantage point in the city. Honoring the Virgin Mary, it’s most certainly worth visiting for a close-up look at its Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, as well as the beautiful mosaics and stained glass inside.

L’Atelier de Soierie Tucked away in a side street near the Museum of Fine Arts and City Hall is this family-owned silk workshop. The last of its kind in France to do silk-screen printing by hand, it also has incredibly intricate block prints, the oldest being around 150 years old. It even works with one of Hermès ’s firms to help set and treat the colors on the label’s silk. Stop in to take a look at the process and perhaps even pick up a few scarves while you’re at it.

Institut Lumière Film lovers won’t want to miss out on Institut Lumière, a museum that pays homage to brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière, the inventors of the cinematograph. In addition to learning more about the device, you can watch a classic. Keep an eye out for the museum’s special events, such as cine-concerts, where silent films are paired with live music.

Where to Eat

Le Café du Peintre Though it’s a little more out of the way than most other places, don’t let Le Café du Peintre’s location deter you from going; otherwise you’ll be missing out on quality food. Some may argue that owner Florence Périer’s quenelle is the finest in the city, but if you see a dish consisting of braised beef and carrots on the miniature chalkboard menu that gets passed around from table to table, it’s the perfect entrée for anyone looking for some homey comfort food. And on Thursday and Friday head right next door to its adjoining bistro, Le P’tit Peintre, which turns into a wine bar on both evenings.

À Ma Vigne This little hole-in-the-wall, with only three tables inside and a few more on the sidewalk, has been open since 1960 and offers up some of the best steak frites. A lean piece of beef is cooked in a pan of sizzling butter and comes out perfectly tender, served with an indulgent beurre noisette. The heaping serving of thick-cut fries are hot, crunchy, and perfectly salted. You may want to keep them all to yourself, but the generous portion is most certainly meant to be shared.

Au Petit Bouchon Chez Georges If you’re a fan of offal, Chez Georges will delight in every way (and if you’re not, maybe just don’t inquire about the specific ingredients on your plate). Liver, tripe, kidney, and a variety of andouillette fill up the menu at this intimate spot. It does get pretty packed, though, so try to make reservations ahead of time.

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse With everything from pastries to cheese to fresh produce, this indoor food market has 56 stalls to explore. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or to pick up some groceries, one not to miss is Charcuterie Sibilia, where beautiful terrines, scrumptious pâtés, and expertly cured meats await.

Where to Stay

Villa Maïa Having just opened this past March, Villa Maïa is the contemporary hotel Lyon needed. Located near the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, all 37 minimalist accommodations are equipped with balconies, many of which offer stunning panoramic views of the city and the Saône and Rhône rivers. The spacious Flat suite is the most spectacular, with more than 1,000 square feet of space, a dreamy walk-in closet, both a tub and rain shower in the Carrara-marble bathroom, and an expansive furnished terrace. Also, the spa has a hammam, steam room, and heated indoor pool in case you need to unwind and relax after a long day of walking around.

The 5-minute essential guide to the Santiago de Compostela trails

Inspiration

Spiritual Tourism Nature and Outdoor Activities

Reading time: 0 min Published on 21 March 2024, updated on 16 April 2024

Want to experience the human and spiritual sides of pilgrimage? You’re in the right place: France is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Santiago de Compostela routes this year. But before you don your staff, take five minutes to plan your itinerary, starting in Auvergne, Occitanie, Hauts-de-France or Normandy...

The pilgrim’s key accessory

Any self-respecting ‘jacquet’ – the name given to a Compostela pilgrim – must have his classic accessory, a wooden pilgrim’s staff surmounted by a pommel, inspired by the one held by Saint-Jacques himself. Although lighter and more modern staffs exist today, you can still find authentic, hand-crafted versions.

All roads lead to Compostela ... or almost!

Now that you’re equipped, it’s time to choose your route. In France, four symbolic routes link up with the holy finishing point in Spain. Their starting points are the great sanctuaries of Saint-Martin de Tours, the Madeleine de Vézelay, Notre-Dame du Puy and Saint-Gilles du Gard. These four routes then meet at the Spanish border to form a single path to Compostela.

A route through heritage

Want to take the road? Unlike the linear landscape of the Spanish section, the French side of the Compostela route strings together 80 historic landmarks and sites of architectural importance. Occitanie and New Aquitaine boast the largest concentration of sites, but it’s also possible to follow in pilgrims’ footsteps to the Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, the Saint-Jacques tower in Paris or by visiting Amiens Cathedral in Hauts-de-France.

Roman or Gothic?

In addition to their spiritual aspect, the Santiago de Compostela routes also offer a beautiful panorama of the architecture of the Middle Ages, beginning with the churches and abbeys that border them. Fans of the Romanesque style will love the Sainte-Foy church in Conques, Notre-Dame-du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand and Toulouse’s Basilica Saint-Sernin. The cathedrals of Amiens and Bourges are impressive examples of Gothic architecture.

Relics real and false

A string of relics line the pilgrims’ routes – among them the Cadouin Abbey shroud in New Aquitaine. For a long time considered the holy fabric that enveloped the head of Christ in the tomb, this relic of the Passion made the abbey famous until 1934, when it was discovered that the shroud was actually an Egyptian cloth woven in the eleventh century, and was therefore never worn by Christ. Today you can still admire a replica at the entrance to the abbey cloister.

Code name: GR 65

Santiago de Compostela is also a sporty hotspot, with no less than 5,500km of marked trails recognised by the French Hiking Federation, better known as code GR 65. The main route is via Podiensis, the Route du Puy, starting in Geneva in Switzerland and crossing 13 departments to reach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Basque Country. Some 1,100km of footpaths offer varied landscapes, from the Swiss hedgerows to the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees and the volcanoes of Auvergne.

Find out more: - UNESCO website: Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France - Events around the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Santiago de Compostela routes (French only) - Hiking French Federation website (French only)

By Redaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

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9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a picture with this article was published in error. The image showed the French town of Cassis, not Marseille, where several Olympic events will take place this summer. It has been replaced.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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