Lyon in 2 days

Lyon, France's third-largest city, is a magnificent destination renowned as the country's gastronomic capital. Its elegant streets and rich history are a perfect balance of Roman ruins, medieval lanes, baroque squares, and contemporary architecture. The city's layout, divided into nine districts, is defined by the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, creating a unique urban landscape.

Getting There and Around

If you're traveling from Geneva, Lyon is a great weekend getaway, just a two-hour, non-stop bus ride away. The bus is a very affordable option, with round-trip tickets costing around 30 euros.

Once you arrive, a fantastic way to navigate the city is with a 24 or 48-hour transport pass, which gives you unlimited access to the extensive network of buses, trams, and metro lines. While a hop-on/hop-off bus is available, the best way to explore Lyon's charming streets is on foot.

A great place to stay is the Centre Jean Bosco, a very clean and organized hotel located on a hill with a fantastic view of the city. To get there, you can take the funicular from the Vieux Lyon metro station.

Day 1: History, Gastronomy, and Old World Charm

Start your day by heading up Fourvière Hill, the historical and religious heart of Lyon. The funicular ride up offers an initial glimpse of the city's beauty. Your first stop should be the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an architectural masterpiece that provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the city and even the snow-capped Alps on a clear day.

Just a short walk from the basilica, you can explore the well-preserved Gallo-Roman Theaters, which are remnants of ancient Lugdunum, the Roman city that once stood here. In the afternoon, descend to Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most charming Renaissance neighborhoods. This area is famous for its traboules, a network of hidden passageways and courtyards that were used by silk workers. Exploring these feels like a true treasure hunt.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Lyon’s legendary food scene. Be sure to dine at a traditional bouchon, a cozy restaurant that serves classic Lyonnaise cuisine. A typical meal starts with a Lyonnais salad (bacon and a poached egg), followed by a main course like sausage with vegetables, and finishes with a plate of local cheeses.

Day 2: City Center and Silk Heritage

Today, explore the Presqu'île, the elegant peninsula located between the two rivers. Start at the sprawling Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest public squares, and make your way to the Musée des Beaux-Arts at the beautiful Place des Terreaux, where you can find works by artists like Matisse. The Presqu'île is also home to wonderful shopping, from modern designer boutiques to one of France's oldest shopping arcades, Passage de l’Argue.

Next, head north to the Croix-Rousse district, known as the "hill that works" and the historical center of Lyon's silk industry. This area has a distinct bohemian feel and is perfect for discovering more traboules and visiting silk workshops like L’Atelier de Soierie.

For a final stop, visit the Musée de la Confluence, a modern ethnology museum located at the junction of the two rivers.

If you are visiting in June or July, try to catch a performance at the Les Nuits de Fourvière festival, which features music, theater, and cinema in the ancient Roman amphitheaters. If you’re here in early December, the city lights up for the spectacular Fête des Lumières, where over 200 sites are illuminated each evening.