Lyon is a Feast for the Eyes and Stomach
Lyon is the third largest city in France and is considered France’s gastronomic capital. In Roman times, it was the capital of its province and has been an economic (and banking) hub since.
I found Lyon absolutely lovely. Many times when I go to a city’s touristy sites, they can feel overwrought - too decadent. Lyon consistently walks the line of having ornate pieces but never taking them too far - always stunning but never overwhelming. The result is that the city seamlessly moves between sections - between houses and ruins, between churches and cafes. It just seemed like a really great place to live - and for a few days, I really enjoyed doing just that.
EXPLORE HISTORICAL LYON
Lyon has several sections that are UNESCO sites - but the two that are must-dos in my mind are Fourvière Hill and Old Lyon. Fourvière Hill is home to a basilica that you can see throughout the city - Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière. The interior is free and quietly stunning; the walls are decorated in tile murals with gold highlights that are absolutely beautiful while also feeling consistently understated. It’s one of the few basilicas I’ve been too where I didn’t have the feeling “I don’t know where to look.” It was unique memorable. The Hill also has an ancient Roman theater that is well preserved, free to walk around, and still in use (once a year for a concert series). On my first night, Gorrilaz were playing there (though I didn’t splurge to buy tickets). Fourvière Hill also provides panoramic views of the city.
Old Lyon is at the bottom of Fourvière and is a vibrant, cobble street filled, Renaissance-era section of town. It’s here you’ll find the heaviest concentration of local foods - an opportunity to stuff yourself on many of the local delicacies. I found the section particularly charming from the other side of the river - and I just sat watching the sun set over it for a couple of hours.
SPEND A DAY IN PARC DE LA TETE D’OR
Parc de la Tete d’Or (Golden Head Park) is the largest urban park in France (117 hectares). It offers a lake with a small island, and plenty of grassy space to sit and relax. I’d budget a few hours to explore the park; it’s a great space to escape the busyness of the city and to have a small picnic.
STROLL ALONG THE RIVERS
Lyon is built along two rivers - the Saône and the Rhône - which is why it was a natural point for the Romans to build a city. Both rivers offer beautiful views of the city as you walk along and plenty of places to sit and savor the sights.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
I really enjoyed just walking through Lyon - and honestly there wasn’t a section I didn’t enjoy. Here are some of the other common-to-dos:
Walk up the Slopes of Croix-Rousse: These short stairs up to Croix-Rousse offer good views of Lyon and are packed with cute cafes and restaurants. It’s here where I found my local vegan haunt, so I spent some time here each day.
Visit La Place Bellacour: Centrally located in Lyon, this enormous plaza is a good place to start your visit as it is a short walk from pretty much every major site.
Shop Along Presqu'île: Located near Place Bellacour, this is the central district of modern Lyon (though it is itself historic). It has wide streets full of stores, restaurants, and cafes - and is easy to get lost in wandering around.