It’s the beginning of spring and the beginning of a new adventure. Sven and I decided to start our two month stay in France with a visit to Lyon. And I have to say, the city had me at “bonjour”.
Even though we were only in Lyon for a weekend (which was hardly enough time) we made the best of our visit and discovered so many wonderful places.
With an abundancy of beautiful buildings, streets rich in history, shopping galore, and endless restaurants, the city of Lyon has something for every soul. So if a visit to Lyon France is on your mind, here are eight ideas to help you discover the city and make the most of your adventure.
Eight things to do in Lyon France
1. Explore Vieux Lyon
Walking throughout Lyon’s old town is like peering into a window from the past. The colorful cobblestone streets are lined with many inviting restaurants and quant storefronts. We spent our afternoon searching for hidden passageways and appreciating the charm of this cozy and beautiful district.
2. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
This beautiful basilica sits high atop the tallest hill and looks over the city of Lyon. However, it’s simply not enough to see it from afar. Sven and I climbed the many steps to Notre-Dame de Fourvière so that we could appreciate its magnificence up close. The interior architecture is absolutely stunning and embellished floor to ceiling with detailed mosaics.
3. Meander through Parc des Hauteurs
Parc des Hauteurs is positioned between Vieux Lyon and the Basilica. This beautiful green space is quite, peaceful, and offers many beautiful views of the city. Even though not much was in bloom while we were there, Sven and I still enjoyed wandering through the rose gardens.
4. Shop the Saône River Market
Sunday mornings are a great shopping opportunity in Lyon. We found many market stalls along side the Saône River near the old town. The charming booths are fills with all types of things such as books, food, and handmade jewelry.
5. Relax by the Fountain at Place des Jacobins
This lovely fountain stands in the center of a beautiful open square. It’s the perfect place to soak up the afternoon sun and watch the people as they pass by. The surrounding area of Place des Jacobins is nice to explore too as the streets are lined with many high-end shops.
6. Sip wine along side the Rhône
There are many beautiful places to relax alongside both rivers, the Saône and Rhône. Sven and I stopped by a market and picked up a bottle of wine which we enjoyed along side the Rhône river at dusk – such a romantic way to spend the evening.
7. Take in the view from La Croix-Rousse
Throughout the city of Lyon, there are many places which offer impeccable views of the cityscape. We enjoyed discovering these views and seeing the city from different perspectives. The higher you climb, the better. We found our favorite view of Lyon north of the old town while exploring the hills of Croix-Rousse.
8. Eat the menu at Brasserie Georges
It’s not secret that Lyon is know as the culinary capital of France (but don’t tell the Parisians). With that being said, there’s no shortage of incredible dinning options throughout the entire city. But if you’re looking to dine at a city landmark, be sure to give Brasserie Georges a try. The atmosphere is totally lively and the food is quite tasty without being too pricy.
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