Kathy Hamilton Today we’re talking about how to spend 24 hours in Lyon. One of my favourite pit-stops during a French Road trip was Lyon. I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t expecting this city to be so, well, fabulous. It’s a city you’ve heard of, but know nothing about. Or at least that’s how I felt. But after spending some time there I think it might be one of France’s best kept secrets.Lyon has been inhabited for close to 2000 years, and in that time the city has seen it all. I’m talking, Roman invasions, The St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre (the original Red Wedding!), Revolutions, The French Resistance and much more!
These days, you might be less likely to see scenes from Le Mis and more likely to see Tourists charging up the Rue de La Republique, but Lyon is still a bustling and cosmopolitan city with plenty going on. It’s a microcosm of French culture and history and deserves to get more attention.
Making the most of your time
So, you have 24 hours in Lyon? No fear, I have split this guide into handy categories so that you can plan your activities around interests. And, because no trip to Lyon would be complete without sampling some of their world-famous cuisines, I’ve also added a small food guide too!
Don’t worry about seeing everything. I learned on my trip, that when I settled on just a few activities that really appealed to me, I was able to enjoy myself much more than running around like a headless chicken, trying to do it all. Slowing the pace helped me feel as though I had plenty of time to experience a taste of Lyonnaise life, instead of leaving the city with my head in a whirl.
So, with that said, I hope you enjoy the suggestions below:
What to See
Lyon is packed with things to see that cater to almost every interest. The City is like Paris’s little sister and even just taking time to walk around the grand boulevards and rues is an experience in itself. But for those who want a little more purpose to their trip I have some suggestions:
If you want history
Luckily for you, Lyon is packed to the rafters with history and archaeology, from Roman through to the Twentieth Century. It’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site! So, if seeing old stuff is your jam (and honestly, it’s totally mine) you need to make a bee-line for the Old Town, or Vieux Lyon as it’s known. The old town is made up of two areas ‘Quartier Saint-Jean’ and ‘Quartier Saint-Georges’ and the old, tumbledown houses here will make your history-loving heart happy. However, if you have 24 hours in Lyon, you may want to be more focused on your history hunting. So here are some handy tips:
Roman Lyon
Let’s start with the really old, if ancient history is what you’re looking for then Lyon’s got you covered. Head towards the magnificent Basilique de Notre Dame de Fourvière (you can’t miss it, the church dominates the Lyon skyline). The church occupies the site of the original Roman city, which was built at the top of Fourvière. Here you can see the remains of an amazing amphitheatre that is still in use and explore the free museum dedicated to Roman Lyon.
TIP: Fourvière is a perfect place to take in stunning views of Lyon. So get your cameras and selfie sticks ready!
I recommend taking the world’s first funicular railway (found near Place de Saint-Jean) up to the top of Fourvière. Alternatively, you can walk, if you’re feeling brave and time is in your favour. Word to the wise though, this hill is not for the faint of heart! We decided to walk down it and it was a struggle! We even had to make a wine pit stop (although this wasn’t such a bad thing!)
Old Streets and Charming Photo Ops
Alternatively, if climbing hills and exploring ruins aren’t your thing, you can use the ornate Hotel de Ville in the city centre as your starting point. This beautiful town hall, a perfect example of baroque splendour, is an impressive introduction to Lyonnaise Architecture. There’s also a secure car park here, so if you’re driving it’s is a safe place to leave your car.
From the Hotel de Ville, it’s a short walk across the river Saône to the Old Town. Here you can wend your way down the Rue de Saint-Jean past all the tourist shops and bouchons to the beautiful Place de Saint-Jean and be inspired by the twelfth-century cathedral hidden amongst the streets. Honestly, if I had has to spend 24 hours in Lyon again, this is what I’d spend my time doing. It’s not a UNESCO heritage site for nothing!
Modern History
Amongst many other things, Lyon can also call itself the home of cinema so, for modern history aficionados, a trip to the Lumiere museum is a must. The famous brothers, Auguste and Louis Lumière, invented the cinematographe in Lyon and launched the multi-billion-dollar industry we know and love today.
If you want to go shopping
Lyon, unsurprisingly, is a shopper’s paradise. Shopping in France is an experience full stop. So, if you are ready to indulge in a little retail therapy during your trip, Lyon’s got you covered. From designer shops to tourist nick-nacks through to food markets to drool over, if retail therapy is the main agenda you’re going to love Lyon.
Quai San Antoine Market (Marche St Antoine)
If you love to explore markets then you should head straight for Quai San Antoine. Here you will find what might possibly be the most scenic setting for a market in France! It sits beside the bank of the Soane River on the Presqu’île (the peninsula) side of Lyon, only a few minutes walk from Place Bellecour. While you browse the stalls, you can soak up the pastel houses, Fourverie Hill and life on the river.
The market itself is a foodie paradise. As well as an incredible variety of meats, cheese and wine be sure to look out for the array of pork products, including saucisson brioche. If you have 24 hours in Lyon, a visit here around lunchtime could be the perfect way to try local food and experience a cultural highlight.
**Bonus: You’ll find plenty of opportunities to try free samples here, so it’s a perfect opportunity to eat some good local produce.
Quai de Bondy Art Market
If you happen to be in Lyon on a Sunday you have an extra treat, the art market runs along Quai de Bondy just across the bridge from the food market in Quai San Antoine.
Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse
Les Halles is a remarkable indoor food market offering the very finest produce available anywhere. If you are a true foodie, you simply can’t spend 24 hours in Lyon without visiting this fabled food destination.
Antiques
If you want to kick off your 24 Hours in Lyon early then head to the Canal Flea Market in Villeurbanne. Haggling for good deals starts at the opening time, which is 6 o’clock in the morning!
If you want to soak up the atmosphere
What could be better after eating a hearty Lyonnaise meal (scroll down for more on that!) than strolling alongside a beautiful river taking in the city at its best? How about strolling along two Rivers? Flanked by the Rhône on in the East and the Saône in the West, Lyon is home to two beautiful rivers, which makes it pretty unique.
If you dare, take a look in the windows of the estate agents who advertise here and gasp at the prices of housing in this beautiful city!
Alternatively, you can always hop on one of the open top tours buses that zip around the city. This is an easy way to cover the most ground and get a feeling for Lyon, all from the comfort of your seat! These tours depart from Place Bellecour right next to the Hotel de Ville.
What to Eat
When in Lyon it would be a shame not to try out the famous Lyonnaise cuisine. The city is packed to the rafters with great restaurants or Bouchons as they are known locally and you really can’t go wrong if you pick any one of these. Nevertheless, here are some things to look out for:
If you want traditional French Cuisine
Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France and a trip to the city won’t be complete without experiencing a quintessential Lyonnaise meal. These traditional restaurants are the place to find an abundance of amazing food to tempt your foodie taste buds. But a word to the wise, some of the local delicacies will challenge even the most dedicated foodie – Tripe sausages anyone?
- Coq Au Vin: Chicken in a rich wine sauce with vegetables
- Quenelles: A mixture of fish or meat, almost like a Croquet.
- Lyonnaise Potatoes: pan-fried in butter with thinly sliced onions, and parsley
- Andouillette: Here it is folks…tripe sausage! Much more delicious than you’d think!
- French Onion Soup: Lyon is said to be the home of this quintessential French treat.
If you want something a little different
If traditional Lyonnaise food doesn’t float your fancy, there’s plenty of other options to try out instead. The city boasts a vibrant alternative food scene that caters to almost every taste.
If you want sweet treats
Lyon isn’t just the home of savoury delights. It’s also famous for its patisserie. You can easily stand for an hour looking into the glass cabinets of these bakeries, but if you want to try some truly Lyonnaise treats opt for Tarte de Praline or Bugnes Lyonnaises.
How will you spend 24 hours in Lyon?
Hopefully, this post has given you plenty of inspiration about how to spend 24 hours in Lyon. It’s a wonderful city, with some much to see and do.
