If Hills taught us that you never want to be “the girl who never went to Paris.” True – especially if Paris is still on your bucket list – but we’d argue that France has more than one showman. Enter: Lyon, the country’s third largest city and its undisputed gastronomic capital.
In addition to a rich food scene, Lyon also has beautiful museums, spacious green spaces, vibrant neighborhoods, unique boutique hotels (stay there). The Abbey Hotel), and the same je ne sais quoi – without the crowds and exorbitant prices. In addition, with day trips to the Beaujolais wine region and even Switzerland, Lyon is a city that turns “just a weekend away” into “how can I move here?”
👟 No visit to Lyon is complete without a stroll through the Vieux-Lyon – an ancient historical city. Amidst the maze of cobbled Renaissance streets, you’ll find 15th and 16th century buildings, secret passagesand decorative Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
From there, take the funicular to the top of Fourviere Hill, where the main attractions are. Our Lady of Fourviere19th century basilica with Byzantine style mosaics, stained glass windows and the best panoramic views of the city. Be sure to stop on the way back down Lyon Museumwhich includes three archaeological sites and a 10,000-seat Roman amphitheater that now hosts musical, opera and dance performances.
🏛️ Immerse yourself in the culture of Lyon with a tour its prominent museums: In Museum of Fine Arts – located in a former Benedictine abbey – contains 5000 years of history, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to the works of Rodin and Picasso. In Museum of Confluences combines anthropology, science, and natural history to address life’s biggest questions. Movie buffs will love it Museum of lightthe family home of the brothers Louis and Auguste Lumière, the inventors of cinematography and the pioneers who put Lyon on the map as the birthplace of cinema.
Finally, House of Canutes Chronicle of the silk industry of the city and in the modern neighborhood of Croix-Rousse (literally, the Lyonnais equivalent of Montmartre), so it’s great to browse the small boutiques, vintage shops and The best outdoor market in Lyon.
🍴 Come hungry because Food is a major attraction in Lyon. Start in Saint Paul Bakerywhere the minimum order must include a croissant and a pink praline brioche (Lyon’s specialty). For lunch, to Work device to enjoy an incredibly affordable menu featuring seasonal dishes, amazing bread and some surprises along the way.
And while you have to have fun Michelin-starred Lyon restaurants (we recommend that it is inspired by Japan Takao Takano), dining in one of its famous structures (a bistro serving Lyonnais specialties) is a must. So order here Le Café Comptoir Abel and order the pique quenelle, chicken with morels and pate en crout.
