From historic bouchons to modern bistros, this 3-day itinerary offers a taste of Lyon’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant cultural tapestry. Don’t forget to save your QR code and bring it with you on your trip!

Day 1: Old Town Treasures and Bouchon Delights

Morning Exploration: Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

8:00 AM – A delightful Start to your day: Enjoy breakfast at Le Saint Romain

Overview: A charming French café with a cozy atmosphere.
Address: 2 Rue Saint-Romain, 69008 Lyon, France
Suggested Orders: Croissants, pain au chocolat, and a café au lait.
Average Price: €5-€8 per person.

9:00 AM – In the heart of Lyon at Vieux Lyon

Begin your journey in the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful Renaissance buildings. Explore landmarks like St. Jean Cathedral and the traboules, hidden passageways weaving through the city.

Our Suggested Path:

Start at Place Bellecour:
- Begin your journey at Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest squares. Marvel at the equestrian statue of Louis XIV.
Head to Vieux Lyon:
- Walk towards the Saône River and enter Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) through the Saint Georges district.
Saint Jean Cathedral:
- Visit the iconic St. Jean Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Explore its intricate facades and interiors.
Rue Saint-Jean:
- Stroll along Rue Saint-Jean, a bustling street with shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Traboules Exploration:
- Discover the traboules—hidden passageways connecting streets and courtyards. Look for Traboule de la Tour Rose and Traboule Saint-Paul.
Place du Change:
- Arrive at Place du Change, a charming square surrounded by historical buildings. Admire the architecture and take a moment to relax.
Rue du Boeuf:
- Wander along Rue du Boeuf, known for its picturesque medieval houses. Capture the charm of the cobblestone streets.
Cross the Saône River:
- Cross the Saône River using the Passerelle Saint-Vincent pedestrian bridge. Enjoy scenic views of the city.
Explore Saint-Georges:
- Venture into the Saint-Georges district on the other side of the river. Discover its narrow streets and hidden gems.
Return via Vieux Lyon:
- Head back towards Vieux Lyon, exploring any missed alleys or traboules on your way.
End at Place Saint-Jean:
- Conclude your journey at Place Saint-Jean, surrounded by historic buildings and a lively atmosphere.

1:00 PM – Discover art and history at the Museum of Fine Arts

Explore one of the largest art museums in France, housing an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Address: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France

Highlights:

Ancient Art Collection:
- Explore an extensive array of ancient art, featuring sculptures, ceramics, and artifacts from various civilizations.
European Paintings:
- Admire an outstanding collection of European paintings, including works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Delacroix, and Veronese.
Sculpture Garden:
- Wander through the museum’s sculpture garden, which houses a diverse selection of sculptures set amidst a serene outdoor space.
Decorative Arts:
- Discover the museum’s decorative arts section, showcasing exquisite furniture, porcelain, and decorative objects from different periods.
Contemporary Art:
- Experience the contemporary art section, featuring works by modern artists that add a dynamic and innovative dimension to the museum’s offerings.
Temporary Exhibitions:
- Check out the rotating temporary exhibitions, which bring fresh perspectives and thematic diversity to the museum’s galleries.
Masterpieces:
- Marvel at masterpieces like “The Coronation of the Virgin” by Philippe de Champaigne and “The Funeral of St. Sebastian” by El Greco.

Delightful Afternoon: Chez Mounier

3:00 PM – Savor a classic Lyonnais lunch at Chez Mounier

Overview: A traditional Lyonnais bouchon with a warm ambiance.
Address: 48 Rue Franklin, 69002 Lyon, France
Suggested Orders: Indulge in Lyonnais specialties such as saucisson chaud (hot sausage) or andouillette.
Average Price: €15-€25 per person

4:00 PM – Cross the Saône River to Presqu’île

Crossing the Saône River to Presqu’île in Lyon opens up a world of vibrant streets, shops, and cultural landmarks.

Here’s a suggested path to make the most of your journey - Saône River to Presqu’île Exploration Path:

Start at Vieux Lyon:
- Begin your journey in Vieux Lyon, near the Saône River. Explore the charming Old Town’s narrow streets and historical sites.
Saône River Crossing – Pont Bonaparte:
- Head towards Pont Bonaparte, a picturesque pedestrian bridge that connects Vieux Lyon to the Presqu’île.
Place Bellecour:
- Upon crossing the bridge, arrive at Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest squares. Admire the equestrian statue of Louis XIV.
Rue de la République:
- Walk along Rue de la République, a bustling shopping street with a mix of high-end and local stores.
Place des Terreaux:
- Reach Place des Terreaux, a lively square surrounded by the City Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts. Take in the architectural beauty.
Hôtel de Ville (City Hall):
- Explore Hôtel de Ville, Lyon’s City Hall, known for its impressive facade and role in the city’s civic life.
Opera House (Opéra de Lyon):
- Continue to the Opera House, a grand building with a rich cultural history. Admire the architecture from the exterior.
Shopping on Rue Victor Hugo:
- Stroll down Rue Victor Hugo, another popular shopping street with a mix of boutiques and international brands.
Place des Jacobins:
- Visit Place des Jacobins, a square surrounded by elegant buildings and home to the Fountain of Jacobins.
Cross the Rhône River:
- Continue your exploration by crossing the Rhône River, either via Pont La Fayette or Pont Morand, depending on your preference.
Confluence District:
- Explore the Confluence district, known for its modern architecture and the Confluence Museum.

Evening Stroll: Explore Place Bellecour

Head to Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest squares, and enjoy the open space and iconic equestrian statue.

8:00 PM – Experience dinner at Le Saint Amour

Overview: A cozy bistro with a warm ambiance, offering French and Lyonnais specialties.
Address: 6 Rue Bellecordière, 69002 Lyon, France
Suggested Orders: Try their traditional Lyonnais dishes such as quenelles or coq au vin.
Average Price: €15-€25 per person.

Day 2: Culinary Workshops and Parc de la Tête d’Or

Morning Cooking Class: L’Atelier des Chefs

9:00 AM – Participate in a morning cooking class at L’Atelier des Chefs

Engage in a hands-on experience to learn the art of creating Lyonnais delicacies. From crafting the perfect quenelle to mastering the art of sauces, enhance your culinary skills.
Address: L’Atelier des Chefs, 3 Rue Pleney, 69001 Lyon, France

1:00 PM – Lunch at Le Canut et les Gones

Overview: A traditional Lyonnais bouchon with a charming atmosphere.
Address: 29 Rue Royale, 69001 Lyon, France
Suggested Orders: Try Lyonnais specialties like quenelles or andouillette.
Average Price: €15-€25 per person.

Afternoon Relaxation: Parc de la Tête d’Or

3:00 PM – Unwind at Parc de la Tête d’Or

Explore the largest urban park in France. Stroll through botanical gardens, visit the zoo, or take a boat ride on the lake. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.

Suggested Path:

Enter through the Main Gates:
- Start your journey by entering through the main gates of Parc de la Tête d’Or, located near the Cité Internationale.
Rose Garden (Roseraie):
- Begin with a visit to the Rose Garden, a vibrant and fragrant space featuring numerous rose varieties.
Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique):
- Explore the Botanical Garden, home to a diverse collection of plants, trees, and themed gardens.
Avenue Verguin:
- Take a leisurely stroll along Avenue Verguin, a tree-lined path offering shade and scenic views.
Lake and Boathouse:
- Head towards the picturesque lake and Boathouse. Consider a boat ride for a serene experience.
Zoo Area:
- Visit the zoo area, home to a variety of animals, including deer, peacocks, and exotic birds.
Greenhouses (Serres):
- Discover the Greenhouses, housing tropical plants and a beautiful orchid collection.
Children’s Playground:
- If traveling with children, explore the playground area with fun amenities for young visitors.
Open Spaces and Picnic Areas:
- Enjoy the park’s open spaces and designated picnic areas for a relaxing break.
Botanical School Garden (Jardin des Écoles Botaniques):
- Conclude your visit at the Botanical School Garden, an educational space with themed gardens.

Dinner: Diving into Traditional French Cuisine

8:00 PM – Dine at Chez Grand-Mère

Overview: A cozy restaurant with a focus on traditional French cuisine.
Address: 15 Rue du Port du Temple, 69002 Lyon, France
Suggested Orders: Explore their menu for daily specials and classic French dishes.
Average Price: €15-€20 per person.

Day 3: Croix-Rousse Exploration and Gastronomic Finale

Morning Climb: Croix-Rousse District

9:00 AM – Ascend to the Croix-Rousse district

Explore the bohemian Croix-Rousse, known for its traboules and silk-weaving history. Climb the famous Montée de la Grande Côte for panoramic views of the city.

Getting There:

Starting Point: Place des Terreaux in Lyon city center.
Transportation Options:
- Walking: Croix-Rousse is within walking distance from Place des Terreaux. It’s approximately a 15-20 minute walk.
- Public Transport: Take a metro (Line C) from Place des Terreaux to Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel. From there, you can transfer to a bus (e.g., Bus C13) that goes to Croix-Rousse.

Highlights in Croix-Rousse:

Traboules:
- Croix-Rousse is famous for its traboules, hidden passageways that connect streets and courtyards. Explore these secret passages to discover the district’s unique architecture.
Silk-Weaving History:
- Learn about the silk-weaving history of Croix-Rousse, once the center of Lyon’s silk industry. Visit the Maison des Canuts, a museum dedicated to the silk-weaving trade.
Place de la Croix-Rousse:
- Reach Place de la Croix-Rousse, the central square, surrounded by cafes and shops. It’s a vibrant spot to soak in the local atmosphere.
Montée de la Grande Côte:
- Begin the ascent of Montée de la Grande Côte, a historic and steep street. Enjoy the charming architecture, boutiques, and cafes as you climb.
Panoramic Views:
- Reach the top of Montée de la Grande Côte to be rewarded with panoramic views of Lyon. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking perspective of the city and the Rhône River.

12:00 PM – Enjoy lunch at La Canaille

Overview: A cozy bistro offering a mix of French and Lyonnais cuisine.
Address: 34 Rue Sergent Blandan, 69001 Lyon, France
Suggested Orders: Explore their daily specials for a taste of local flavors.
Average Price: €15-€20 per person.

Afternoon Shopping: Croix-Rousse Market

2:00 PM – Explore the Croix-Rousse Market

Discover local produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods. Engage with vendors and take home some authentic Lyonnais flavors.

Highlights: – Here’s a list of items to consider tasting/shopping for:

Local Cheeses:
- Lyon is renowned for its cheese, and you can find a variety of local options. Look for Saint-Marcellin, Cervelle de Canut (a creamy cheese spread), or Tomme de Savoie.
Fresh Produce:
- Explore the market stalls for fresh fruits and vegetables. Seasonal produce from local farmers will add a touch of authenticity to your culinary endeavors.
Lyonnaise Sausages:
- Delight in the savory flavors of Lyonnaise sausages. Choose from different varieties such as Rosette de Lyon or Saucisson Sec.
Artisanal Breads:
- Visit local bakeries or market stalls for artisanal bread, including the iconic Poilâne-style loaves or traditional baguettes.
Preserves and Condiments:
- Pick up jars of local preserves, jams, and condiments. Look for specialties like chestnut spread (crème de marrons) or Dijon mustard.
Wines:
- Lyon is situated in a renowned wine region. Explore local wines such as Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône. Consider consulting with vendors for recommendations.
Handcrafted Chocolates:
- Treat yourself to handmade chocolates from local chocolatiers. Look for unique flavors and beautifully crafted confections.
Regional Honey:
- Sample and purchase honey produced in the region. Each variety will offer distinct flavors based on the flowers the bees have visited.
Traditional Lyonnais Pottery:
- Consider picking up traditional Lyonnais pottery or ceramics as souvenirs. Look for hand-painted items with local motifs.
Lyon Silk Products:
- Lyon has a rich history of silk production. Explore stalls offering silk scarves, ties, or accessories that showcase the city’s heritage.