My perfect itinerary for exploring the best of Lyon in 3 days takes you on a culinary and cultural journey. History buffs will appreciate the variety of architecture Lyon presents (like the ancient Roman amphitheatre located on Fourvière hill). Foodies will delight in the gastronomy scene like the bouchons serving classic lyonnaise dishes.
But Is Lyon worth visiting? Should you take the 2 hour train ride from Paris to escape to the tranquility of Lyon? Absolutely you should. Lyon is easy to get around on foot, especially with the myriad of passerelles (foot bridges) spanning the Saône river. How much time you should spend in Lyon depends on your travel style, but this 3 day travel guide will cover some must-see attractions to help you get the best out of your trip.
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Essentials
Language: French.
Currency: EURO (€)
Voltage: 230 V. See my post on Essential Items to Pack in your Carry-on for tips on what plug adapters to buy.
Major Train Stations: The main train stations are Lyon Part Dieu and Lyon Perrache. They’re both high-speed rail, but which one you arrive at will depend on your point of departure. For example, Lyon Perrache is your only choice if you’re coming from Geneva. See Rail Europe for more information.
Major Airport: Lyon Saint-Exupéry is the main international airport in Lyon, but check out Lyon Aeroports for details.
Getting There
Buy tours with Viator to explore Lyon with local guides. A good, curated tour saves you the hassle of commuting and planning. Check out my list of curated Viator tours to Lyon.
Fly into Saint-Exupéry airport if that works for your itinerary, but the high-speed trains of TGV or SNCF are comfortable and easy ways to get around France. Snag a first class seat if you book early to enjoy spacious seats and to get more room for your luggage. Lyon Part Dieu and Lyon Perrache are the two major train stations, so see which one is closer to where you’re staying. Check to see if there’s a shuttle bus from the train station you’re arriving to that’ll take you to downtown Lyon.
Where to Stay
I always recommend staying near the city centre so you have an easier time finding the top things to do in Lyon.
Hôtel de l’Abbaye (Ainay)
Website: https://hotelabbayelyon.com/en/
This hotel makes it easy for exploring the best of Lyon in 3 days. It’s a former presbytery and the Saint-Martin d’Ainay basilica is located literally next door. It’s been totally redesigned with a modern interior and the Abbey bells start ringing at 9 AM. It rings every 15 minutes, so this place might not be the optimal choice if you’re planning to sleep in.
Other than the bells, the hotel room itself is spacious and L’occitane products are provided as amenities (as of October 2024) and they are a delight to use. There is a breakfast option you can purchase with your reservation and I think it’s worth it. The breakfast has a nice selection of yogurt, fruits, waffles, pastries, and good coffee.
What to See and Do
Explore Lyon like a local in 3 days by seeing some historical landmarks and discovering some hidden gems along the way.
Marvel at Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica
There are several unique things to do in Lyon for first-timers, like hiking up the Fourvière hill to find the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica. Construction started in 1870 and took 25 years to complete, but it’s the crown jewel of churches in Lyon. It’s built in a byzantine, gothic, and roman architectural style with 4 enormous towers. Each tower represents one of the following: Prudence, Temperance, Strength, and Justice. Take the escalators or funicular from the town square if hiking isn’t an option. The church is dedicated to being accessible to all, so there is public transport that goes straight to the front doors of the basilica.
Stroll through the Roman Amphitheatre
Lyon was founded in 43 BC by the Romans and it’s astounding that you can walk past the French baroque buildings and walk right into an ancient roman theatre. The theatre is still in use today where shows are held on special occasions. There are large, white columns on stage and each column commemorates an emperor who has their ashes buried at the base.Visit the Lugdunum museum built into the side of the hill for €7. It houses an impressive collection of ancient relics and is worth a visit to get out of the baking heat.
Discover the Painted Staircases (Escaliers montée des Carmélites)
Another unique thing to do for first-timers in Lyon is to get some pictures next to the painted staircases. The colourful Escaliers montée des Carmélites in the 1st arrondissement is painted with bright flowers. Promoting art, and beautifying the streets with it, is a mandate of the local government and it’s fun to find these lovely works of art around town. It’s definitely a must-visit spot during a 3-day trip.
Emilie Ettori Illustrations
The perfect itinerary for 3 days in Lyon, France, definitely means getting some artsy souvenirs from local businesses. I’m always on the lookout for postcards and magnets when I travel. Lately, I’ve been more conscious about seeking out local artists to buy souvenirs from. Emilie Ettori is located in the heart of Lyon and her illustrations are detailed and charming. I got some great postcards from her depicting major sights in Lyon and Paris and other pieces of artwork that’s easy to frame. She sells art for framing, but also posters, and even wallpaper if you want to redo your home with illustrations of France. It’s an absolutely adorable store and I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of great artwork and of supporting local businesses.
Where to Eat
A perfect 3 day travel guide isn’t complete without some scrumptious food recommendations! There are delicious restaurants everywhere in Lyon and yes, some are located in so-called tourist districts. I find that it’s important to be open-minded about where to eat because hidden gems can be found anywhere. Some are even hidden in plain sight! My Lyon 3 day itinerary recommends some best affordable restaurants all the way to Michelin-star establishments.
PAUL Bakery in Gare Part-Dieu Train Station
Website: https://www.paul.fr/
Make sure to look for PAUL bakery when you’re at the train station if you’re fan of buttery croissants. It’s a high-quality bakery chain where you can get some fluffy pastries and sandwiches while you wait for your train to depart.
Restaurant Paul Bocuse (L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges)
Website: https://bocuse.fr/fr/
Style: Michelin star super-fine dining.
Price range (as of October 2024): Prix fixe menus range from €225 to over €600 depending on which menu you choose. Wine pairings are either optional or might be included in the set menu depending on the menu you choose. À la carte menu options are available starting at about €100 per plate.
Chef Paul Bocuse’s legendary 2-Michelin-star restaurant is the finest of fine French dining. The restaurant is housed in a vibrant red-and-orange building adorned with roosters and famous dishes. Highlight dishes include truffle-stuffed chicken poached in stock, carved tableside by experienced servers. There’s a magical cheese trolley with endless options and a sumptuous dessert cart. The wine list is extraordinary, featuring reds from 1992 or a port from 1969. It’s a decadent and lavish culinary experience. Don’t forget to make reservations if you’re serious about dining here!
Le Café des Fédérations
Website: https://restaurant-cafedesfederations-lyon.fr
Style: Casual family-style dining.
Price range (as of October): €34 for an evening set menu. Lunch menu has prix fixe and à la carte options.
Believe it or not, a great way to discover new restaurants is to read cookbooks! A lot of the time the chefs reminisce about their favourite restaurants and you can always Google it to see if the restaurants are still there. Chef Daniel Boulud mentions Le Café des Fédérations as his ideal bouchon — and it’s been operating since the early 1900s! This bouchon serves traditional dishes like oeuf meurette, gâteau de foie de volaille, civet de joue de porc, and quenelle. Plates are served family-style and the dishes are rich and satisfying. You’ll leave full and content.
Les Infidèles
Website: https://lesinfideles-restaurant.com/
Style: Casual atmosphere with fine dishes.
Price range: About €30 for a set menu and about €20 to €30 for à la carte options.
Les Infidèles is located on Lyon’s historic rue Mercière. This street was once home to printers, merchants, and brothels, which inspired the restaurant’s name to honour the neighborhood’s scandalous past. In the heart of touristy Lyon, this spot offers a fusion of French and global flavors in a casual yet refined setting. We tried an innovative French toast dish, duck breast with macaroni and cheese, and a citrus-inspired dessert. It’s a delicious and affordable joint that is on your Lyon 3-day itinerary where you do a mix of high and low dining.
And that’s how to spend 3 days in marvellous Lyon.
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