Why Go to Lyon
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Lyon may be France's third-largest city, but when it comes to food, it's second to none. Many call it the gastronomic capital of France, and it offers an authentic taste of French culture without the crowds of Paris. Eat at a traditional bouchon, Lyon's classic cozy bistros, and browse the gourmet stalls of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, named for the city's legendary chef.
Founded by the Romans in 43 B.C. where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, Lyon wears its long history proudly. Explore the ancient Roman Theatre of Fourviere, climb to the gleaming Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere for city views, and wander the Renaissance lanes of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, searching for its hidden passageways called traboules. Lyon also looks to the future, with the modern Confluence district and a lively music scene.
Lyon is a gateway to the vineyards of Beaujolais and the Rhone Valley, and it's a highlight on Rhone River cruises. It's about two hours from Paris by high-speed train. I'll plan your stay, food tours and wine country day trips.
BEST FOR
Foodies, architecture lovers, museumgoers and city-break travelers
BEST MONTHS
April–June and September–October
EXPLORE
Vieux Lyon has Renaissance streets; Presqu’île is central for shopping and dining; Croix-Rousse has a creative hillside atmosphere; Fourvière holds historic viewpoints.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Lyon
Europe › Western Europe › France › Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes
Renaissance lanes and a celebrated culinary heritage
Historical & Heritage
Culinary
Gastronomy
Silk
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Explore Vieux Lyon and Fourvière together, then devote another outing to Croix-Rousse and the rivers.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Use the funicular to save the uphill climb.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Hilltop basilica commands sweeping views across Lyon.
Look for signed passages and respect private entrances.
Vieux Lyon
The Renaissance old quarter features cobbled lanes, courtyards and historic buildings.
Enter only those marked open to the public.
Traboules
Historic covered passageways connect streets through courtyards in selected districts.
Wear stable shoes on stone steps.
Théâtres Romains de Fourvière
Ancient Roman theaters recall Lyon's Gallo-Roman origins.
Check current exhibitions and ticket times.
Musée des Confluences
A striking modern museum examines science, societies and natural history.
A luxury hotel in the historic Grand Hôtel-Dieu complex beside the Rhône River.
InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu
Presqu’île
Hotel Tags
A hillside luxury hotel with sweeping views over Lyon’s historic center.
Villa Florentine
Fourvière / Vieux Lyon
Hotel Tags
A distinctive heritage hotel among the Renaissance-era streets of Old Lyon.
Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Vieux Lyon
Hotel Tags
An upscale city hotel near central shopping, museums and river walks.
Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa
Presqu’île / Rhône riverfront
Hotel Tags
An intimate luxury hotel on Fourvière hill with panoramic views across the city.
Villa Maïa
Fourvière
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Lyon
High 52°F · Low 40°F · Rain 3.5 in
Beaujolais Nouveau arrives on the third Thursday of November.
Spring and early autumn are pleasant for walking; summer can be hot and popular.
Best Times to Visit Lyon
WHEN TO GO
06
Regional Rhône and Beaujolais trips
Build extra flexibility around regional rhône and beaujolais trips when visiting Lyon. Verify access, cancellations, road or sea conditions and the return journey before committing to an excursion.
05
Vieux Lyon and Fourvière walking
Plan time for vieux lyon and fourvière walking in Lyon. Check terrain, weather, accessibility and local restrictions; allow an alternate transfer where walking is impractical.
04
Licensed taxis and ride apps
For more flexible journeys, licensed taxis and ride apps may be relevant in Lyon. Use authorized providers, confirm the pickup location and agree on payment arrangements before travel.
03
Lyon Part-Dieu and Perrache stations
Consider lyon part-dieu and perrache stations when organizing trips beyond your accommodation. Confirm the exact boarding location, advance booking requirements and any transfer between terminals.
02
TCL metro, tram and buses
For travel within Lyon, investigate tcl metro, tram and buses. Verify route coverage, ticket rules, operating dates and the last return service before relying on it for sightseeing.
01
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is about 25 km east of the city. The Rhônexpress tram reaches Part-Dieu station in about 30 minutes.
Métro, trams, buses and funiculars connect the city. The historic center is walkable, though some routes involve steep hills.
Getting Around Lyon