Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Lyon

Gastronomy, Roman ruins and the gateway to the Alps

Lyon is France's food capital and one of its most underrated cities. The Renaissance old town, Roman theatres and traboule passageways sit at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône, while the surrounding region offers Beaujolais vineyards, Annecy's lake, and the first slopes of the Alps. It is a superb base for food lovers and for anyone heading south to Provence or east to the mountains.

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Highlights of Lyon

Vieux Lyon & traboules

Renaissance lanes, hidden passageways and the hilltop basilica.

Bouchon dining

Traditional Lyonnaise restaurants serving quenelles, andouillette and tarte tatin.

Beaujolais day trip

Vineyard villages and crus from north of the city.

Annecy & the Alps

Turquoise lake, mountain views and easy access to Chamonix.

Know before you go

Best time to visit

March–June and September–November for city walking and market days. December brings the famous Festival of Lights. Summer is warm but lively along the riverbanks.

Getting there & around

Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport has a direct tram. The city centre is compact between the two rivers; use the funicular to reach Fourvière.

Where to stay

Design hotels in Presqu'île, silk-worker's apartments in Vieux Lyon, or vineyard guesthouses in the Beaujolais.

Eating & drinking

Bouchons, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, local wine bars and the finest patisseries outside Paris.

Local tips

Book bouchons in advance — the best ones fill quickly at lunch and dinner.
The Festival of Lights in December draws huge crowds; reserve accommodation early.
Annecy is an hour by road; Chamonix and Mont Blanc are about two hours.