Knowing that Lyon is France’s renowned food capital, I desperately wanted to eat like a local in Lyon as much as possible. And, I also wanted to explore Lyon’s lesser known side to learn about her rich historic past dating back to Roman times.
I had only 2 days to visit Lyon after just spending 5 amazing weeks exploring France’s southwestern corner. So I was determined to cover as much ground as possible in the short time I had.
Author’s Note: If you’re on a time budget and only have a couple days in Lyon, the city is still well worth a stop-over. After enjoying just a `taste’ of the beautiful and delicious city, I’ll likely return to stay longer at some time in the near future.
Discover Lyon’s Top 10 Cultural Tours
Explore and Eat Like a Local in Lyon
The first time I walked out of my hotel, I think my jaw must have dropped as I caught a glimpse of the city’s two meandering rivers (Rhone and Saone) with graceful bridges connecting to Lyon’s other quarters.
Dominating the skyline was the beautiful white Basilique Notre-Dame perched atop the Fourviere hill overlooking Lyon’s old town. I could also see the attractive buildings scattered along the river banks with a few boats on the Rhone and Saone rivers.
It was just a short walk across the wide bridge to reach the Lyon “peninsula” (the area between the 2 rivers known as Presqu’il) and another short bridge crossing to arrive at the old town where you’ll find most of the historic spots and famous bouchons (small bistros).
I found that Lyon’s most enchanting part of the day is sunset when the beautiful town melts into the background as the city lights dance over the rivers. Along the river banks there are walking paths, park benches and grassy areas where you can view the sunset spectacle.
Go On Wine & Food Tours and Eat Like a Local in Lyon
See the Main Sights in Lyon
Between the Rhone and Saone rivers sits the main city center known as Presqu’il, the peninsula. This is where you’ll find wide pedestrianized streets for an elaborate shopping area, outdoor cafes and bouchons. Also worth a visit are sights such as the Hotel de Ville, Place des Terreaux and museums.
On the Presqu’il, you’ll find the popular Place Bellecour, one of the largest public squares in Europe. The Tourist Information Office (which is great!) is located here as well as some shops and cafes. You can grab a city tour bus here to get a good overview of the city’s various quarters.
Take a Walking Tour Through the City
Medieval Old Town: Best Place to Eat Like a Local in Lyon
As you meander through UNESCO-listed cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (old town), you’ll encounter a charming bouchon or other colorful eatery around almost every corner. Look for the most popular ones with the red & white checkered table cloths. I have to say that I had the best onion soup, sausage plate and crème brulee that I’ve ever had in France at a Lyonnais bouchon (and that’s saying a lot!).
Old town is famous for their labyrinth of medieval secretive passageways, known as traboules. You can tour them (like a hidden city within a city) with a local guide. You’ll see surprising examples of how medieval Lyon lived in the past, and still lives today, in the intriguing historic center.
Eat Like a Local in Lyon: Old Town Food Tour with Tasting in a Bouchon Lyonnais
To reach the Roman ruins on the slopes of Fourviere hill above the old town, you can take a funicular that goes to the top. Once there, you can explore the roman amphitheaters, the 19th c. Basilica and archaeological museum.
Needless to say, the panoramic views from here are breathtaking.
Discover Lyon Through Its Hills Like Fourviere
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