A Long Weekend In Lyon

The Restaurant Scene in Lyon

Lyon is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant restaurant scene. The city's cuisine reflects ablend of traditional French cooking and innovative modern techniques, with an emphasis on quality ingredients sourced from the surrounding Rhône-Alpesregion.

Bouchons, the traditional Lyonnais restaurants, are central to the city's dining culture. These establishments serve hearty, rustic dishes that showcase local specialties suchas quenelles, andouillette, and coq au vin. The atmosphere in a bouchon is typically warm and convivial, making them popular spots for both locals and visitors looking to experience authentic Lyonnais cuisine.

In addition to bouchons, Lyon boasts a diverse array of dining options, from Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to casual eateries and food markets. The city's culinary scene has been influenced by its history as a silk manufacturing hub and a crossroads for trade, which has led to a fusion of flavours and techniques from various regions.

La Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is a must-visit for food lovers, featuring a wide variety of stalls offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. This food market pays homage to the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, who played a significant role in elevating Lyon's culinary reputation.

Tip:  Check the opening times of the dining restaurants here - they tend to be more lunch focused than dinner.

In recent years, Lyon has seen a rise in contemporary restaurants that push the boundaries of traditional cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients and innovative presentations. Chefs in the city often emphasize sustainability, sourcing local produce and promoting farm-to-table dining experiences.

Overall, the cuisine and restaurant scene in Lyon is a vibrant tapestry of tradition and innovation, making it a culinary destination that continues to thrive.

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The Top 5 Attractions in Lyon

1.       Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: This iconic basilica, perched on a hill, offers stunning views of the city. Its ornate interior features intricate mosaics and beautiful stained glass, making it a must-visit for both architecture and history enthusiasts.

2.      Vieux Lyon: The old town of Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Renaissance architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant traboules (hidden passageways). Visitors can explore charming boutiques, cafes, and historical landmarks.

3.      Parc de la Tête d'Or: This expansive urban park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It features a large lake, beautiful gardens, a botanical garden, and even a zoo, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4.      Musée des Confluences: This modern museum, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, focuses on the intersection of natural and human history. Its striking design and diverse exhibitions make it a fascinating place to explore.

5.      Place des Terreaux: A central square in Lyon, known for its impressive architecture, including the City Hall and the Fine Arts Museum. The square features a stunning fountain by Bartholdi, making it a lively spot for social gatherings and events.

Getting Around

Getting around Lyon is convenient and efficient, thanks to its well-developed public transport system.The city offers a range of options, including trams, buses, and the metro,making it easy to navigate its various districts. The Lyon Metro consists of four lines that connect key areas, while trams and buses complement the network, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

The Only Lyon card is highly recommended and is a valuable asset for tourists . It provides access to public transport, allowing unlimited travel on the metro, trams, and buses for a specified duration. In addition to transport, the card offers a variety of extras that enhance the experience of exploring the city.

Some versions of the card also provide inclusive walking tours and access to riverboat cruises on the Rhône and Saône, offering a unique perspective of the city from the water. 

Overall, the 'Only Lyon' card not only simplifies travel around the city but also enhances the overall experience by bundling together transport and cultural activities, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore Lyon in depth.  Available on-line and throughout the city, including many hotels.

This is where chefs come to worship. The bouchons, the market stalls, the tasting menus — it’s all done with passion and precision. Don’t ask for a quick lunch; in Lyon, meals are an artform. Visit Les Halles de Lyon for oysters and champagne at noon or find yourself tucked in a side street with duck confit and a carafe of red you’ve never heard of (but will never forget).

"Come to Lyon hungry —you’ll leave full of stories, as well as food."

Lose the map. Let the city guide you. Maybe you’ll find a silk mural in Croix-Rousse or hear jazz spilling from an open window in Presqu’île. Maybe you’ll sit by the Rhône and watch students cycling past or strike up a conversation over wine in a leafy square.

"In Lyon, it’s not about how much you see — it’s about what you feel."

As the sun slips behind the rooftops, the city softens. Rooftop bars buzz with laughter. Twinkling lights shimmer on the river. Whether you’re sipping craft cocktails in Confluence or sharing crème brûlée under vines in Vieux Lyon, the city becomes a poem written in candlelight.

"When night falls, Lyon becomes a love letter — and you’re the lucky recipient."

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A Long Weekend in Lyon - Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Old Town, Views, Local Flavours

·       Start your journey in Vieux Lyon, the city’s atmospheric old town, with its cobbled streets and Renaissance buildings.1

·       Take the Funicular to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views and breathtaking interiors.

·       Explore hidden traboules and discover Lyon’s Resistance-era history.

·       Enjoy a gourmet seafood lunch at Les Halles de Lyon

·       Indulge in a rooftop aperitif followed by a classic bouchon dinner with Lyonnais specialties and local wine - excellent quality and value

Day 2: Creative Quarters & Riverside Calm

·       Begin in the bohemian Croix-Rousse district, known for silk workshops, markets, and street art.

·       Grab coffee and pastries from an artisan bakery and stroll through leafy lanes.

·       Pick up picnic supplies and unwind in Parc de laTête d’Or — a local favourite.

·       Visit the Musée des Confluences for interactive exhibits and striking architecture.

·       Stop by Bernachon for artisan chocolate or pastries.

·       Dine at a chef-led hidden gem and unwind with a nightcap by the Rhône

Lyon is the kind of place that lingers. Long after you’ve left, you’ll remember the scent of baking bread drifting through the old town, or the sound of church bells echoing through narrow lanes. You’ll think about going back — not to see more, but to feel it all again.