Top Things to Do in Lyon: The Ultimate Guide for Food Lovers and Culture Seekers

September 2, 2024

Located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, Lyon is often overlooked by tourists in favor of Paris or the French Riviera. However, France’s third largest city has plenty to offer visitors, especially those who love food. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon’s bouchon restaurants serve up traditional Lyonnaise fare while the city’s atmospheric traboules tunnels and Roman ruins tell the story of its rich history. This blog uncovers the top things for tourists to do in Lyon – from tasting world-famous Lyonnaise cuisine to wandering scenic neighborhoods like Vieux Lyon and Fourvière. So, plan your London to Lyon trip today and read this guide to enjoy the best of Lyon!

What is the Best Time for Visiting London to Lyon France?

The best time of year to visit Lyon is from late spring through early fall when the weather is warm and mild. Popular months to go are May, June, September, and October when there are fewer tourists. Summers here can get hot while winters are cold and rainy. Aim for shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and extreme weather. So, what are you waiting for? Book your France Visa appointment today to get started!

Best Places to Visit & Top Things to Do in Lyon, France

Vieux Lyon: Wandering the medieval and Renaissance cobblestone lanes of Old Lyon is like taking a walk back in time. In addition to gothic cathedrals and hidden traboules, there’s also a lively dining scene!

• Fourvière Hill: Rising above Lyon, this hill provides panoramic vistas across the city. In addition to the striking 19th century Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière, there are ruins of two Roman theaters built around 15 BC.
• Cathédrale Saint-Jean: Constructed between the 12th-16th centuries, Gothic architecture abounds at Lyon’s main cathedral located in Vieux Lyon. Marvel at the striking astronomical clock and 15th century stained glass!
• Parc De La Tête D’or: Spanning 117 hectares, Lyon’s largest park offers a relaxing green escape. Attractions include a lake, botanic gardens, zoo, velodrome cycling track, and museums.
• Musée Des Beaux-Arts: One of Europe’s most important fine art museums, it houses works spanning antiquity to the 20th century. See paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso!
• Musée Des Confluences: Focusing on science and social issues, this modern crystal-shaped museum has thought-provoking exhibits on topics like origins, sharing, and the future. The rooftop outlook has great city views, so don’t miss it while visiting!
• Croix-Rousse: Once center of Lyon’s silk industry, this uphill district now captivates with its village vibe and charming cafés. Wander the cobblestone streets and passageways while admiring the vibrant street art.
• Presqu’île: Lyon’s lively Presqu’île peninsula buzzes with shops, restaurants, theaters, and nightlife. Must-see sights include the gorgeous opera house, the Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

All you need to do is Apply for France Visa to experience these amazing locations. So, don’t wait! Apply now to get started!

10 Incredible Foods of Lyon You Must Try

As France’s capital of gastronomy, Lyon’s culinary scene dazzles visitors with an array of delicious regional specialties and classic French fare. Food-focused travelers will want to sample some of these iconic Lyon dishes during their visit:

• Coq au vin: This classic French dish features chicken braised in red wine, mushrooms, bacon and pearl onions. It was invented in the Burgundy region neighboring Lyon!
• Quenelles: These feather-light flour, egg and cream dumplings can contain fish or meat and are a specialty of Lyon. They’re served in a creamy crayfish sauce. Get your French Visa London to relish these iconic dishes!
• Andouillette: Tripe sausage is the key ingredient in these acquired-taste cylindrical sausages mingling onions and wine. They’re best enjoyed with a hearty Burgundy wine!
• Cervelle de canut: This spread of fresh cheese, herbs, oil, shallots and vinegar goes great with bread or crackers alongside a crisp white Rhône wine!
• Gratin dauphinoise: Potatoes baked in cream are comforting food, especially when topped with cheese and browned. It pairs beautifully with Beaujolais reds!
• Gougères: These savoury pastries made of choux pastry and cheese originated in Burgundy but are beloved bouchon fare in Lyon. Enjoy them with aperitifs or light wines!
• Salade Lyonnaise: Frisée lettuce, bacon lardons, croutons and a poached egg star in this iconic Lyon salad fittingly matched with local white wines.
• Sabodet: Sausage stuffed brioche is a Lyon speciality typically enjoyed during grape harvest season in Beaujolais wine country. Beaujolais Nouveau is its ideal partner.

These iconic dishes of Lyon are calling you out. Plan your France city break in Lyon to relish these mouth-watering delights with your loved ones!

Tips for Getting from London to Lyon

Lyon makes an excellent getaway from London. Here are some tips for making the trip:

• Flights – Over a dozen airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Vueling operate regular nonstop flights from London airports to Lyon. Flight time is around 1.5 hours.
• Eurostar to Lyon (Train) – Eurostar operates high-speed rail service from London to Lyon (London to Paris, then TGV to Lyon). Expect a travel time of roughly 5 hours.
• Transportation in Lyon – Lyon has an extensive public transport network comprised of metro, trams, buses and two public funiculars. Buy passes at metro stations or the TCL agency downtown. Taxis are also plentiful!

So, plan your Lyon trip, get your France Schengen Visa and jet off to France for a memorable vacation!

Also check, Best 7-day itinerary for Paris and the South of France

Conclusion

As the world’s top gastronomic capital, Lyon dazzles visitors with a mouthwatering culinary scene, charming cobblestone lanes, iconic landmarks, outstanding museums, superb wines, and authentic local experiences.

With summertime festivals and events, this riverfront city truly comes alive in its glorious setting between the Rhône and Saône rivers lined with historic buildings.

So, indulge in a famous Lyonnaise bouchon, soak up the skyline from Fourvière Hill, savour fine art at grand museums, meander charming traboules, relax at a scenic riverside café, or explore medieval and Renaissance architecture in Old Lyon. All you need is a France visa to kickstart your Lyon holiday!

FAQ’s