What to do in 3 days in Lyon

 

Before setting out on this first walk — and if you haven’t already done so — try the view from the terrace of Vieux Lyon HI Youth Hostel. It’s like being suspended above the city — once the Roman capital of Gaul. And since you’re already in Old Lyons, why not start your visit here, in this historic UNESCO world heritage-classified site? 

 

The area is full of treasures. Start at the Basilica of Fourvière, symbol of Lyon. As you leave the church, make your way down through the Parc des Hauteurs (Park of Heights), a series of gardens running down Fourvière hill. Next, take the time to stroll through the picturesque streets of Old Lyon and discover its Renaissance dwellings, its cathedral, and especially its inner courtyards and remarkable traboules: these are secret passageways leading from one street to the next. The pink tower traboule (where Molière put on plays) is at 1 rue du Bœuf; the longest is at 27 rue Bœuf and brings you out at 54 rue Saint-Jean. Another traboule to explore runs from 60 rue Saint-Jean to rue de la Bombarde. Easier still, download the iPhone app! 

 

Another day, another walk for lovers of art, architecture and shopping: visit the Presqu’île. This is the centre of Lyon and it lies on a tongue of land between the Rivers Rhône and Saône. Here you’ll find the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (Lyon Fine Arts Museum) at Place des Terreaux. It’s France’s second most important museum after the Louvre in Paris. This is also the business district and it is home to many very fine 19th-century buildings and important monuments. Further to the south, continue your walk through the Confluence, a new district of contemporary architecture. Here you will find work by leading architects including the Hôtel de Région (seat of regional government), the orange cube and the pôle de loisirs (leisure centre). If you want a break to see the nature, that’s possible too: there are green spaces, and walks along the River Saône and around the place nautique, an enclosed harbour. The promenade along the banks to the Parc de la Tête d’Or with its incredible tropical greenhouses and rose gardens is amazing. At the edge of the park, if you still have a little time, take in an exhibition at the Modern Art Museum. 

 

 

They take cuisine seriously in Lyon. The Bouchon Lyonnais® brand guarantees an authentic, quality experience. When you’ve chosen, ask them why they give this name to restaurants with that authentic local ambiance… They’ll tell you better than we can! You can also stop by in a brasserie (large café serving light meals and beer), of which there are many, and the cuisine is no less traditional. Lastly, the region is also famous for its wines. Consume in moderation, of course! Look in at a wine bar for a small glass and some of the local sausage. 

 

There are plenty of local specialities to be tried – Lyonnaise salad, rosette (a salami), cervelle de canut (creamy cheese with herbs), bugnes lyonnaises (fried dough), quenelles (light dumplings of fish or meat), coussin de Lyon (a chocolate and marzipan sweet)…

 

 

An excellent way to open doors in this bright, enchanting city is to buy a Lyon City Card—it will get you onto and into almost everything in town. It’s just one of the great deals the city has to offer. For starters, with your Lyon City Card you’ll find public transport is free! And you can enter 22 museums and their temporary exhibitions, book a guided tour, take a cruise on the River Saône, hire a Vélo’v bicycle or a Cyclopolitain rickshaw ... Comes in 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour versions, so you needn’t miss a thing in Lyon!

 

Every part of Lyon has its own atmosphere for you to discover. You’ll remember Lyon as one more of France’s many delights: Paris, the glamorous city, Marseille the multicultural.