Lyon, France’s third largest city and reputed gastronomic capital of the world, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Founded by the Romans, Lyon flourished in the late Middle Ages and has been a major centre for industry, commerce and banking for the last 500 years. The legacy of this wealth is on show through the fine set of buildings.
Highlights
Vieux Lyon - wander through the cobbled streets of one of the most extensive Renaissance areas in Europe
Explore the traboulles - secret passageways which allowed the Lyonnais to move around the old town. Over 40 are free and open to the public
Food - inspect the fresh produce in Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse or have some hearty local fare in a traditional 'bouchon' restaurant including a Michelin starred experience at Daniel et Denise with it's reasonably priced lunchtime set menu
Musée du Cinéma et de la Miniature - quirky museum featuring movie sets, artifacts and special effects created by the use of miniatures
Station stroll ideas
If you have an hour or two to spare waiting for a train, why not go for a wander?
You can get a map and other information from Tourist information here.
I've also made a downloadable PDF and accompanying google map which will give you a feel for the place and take in the sights.
Guided tours
Tourist info provide a series of guided tours here.
There is also a greeter group for Lyon, where you can meet a local who will show you their town for free. You can get more details here.
Luggage
If you want to stroll without a care in the world, including your luggage, you could try using the nannybag app to find a place that will take your bags.
Alternatively, you could use a Casebook locker here
Getting there
It takes around two hours to get here from Paris, with train leaving from, unsurprisingly, Gare de Lyon.
Useful links
Tourist information: https://en.lyon-france.com/who-we-are/l-office-de-tourisme
UNESCO - historic site of Lyon: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/872
The Bouchons Lyonnais Association: https://lesbouchonslyonnais.org/en/