Your Comprehensive Lyon Travel Guide to the Best of the City

Lyon is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in France. Often compared to Paris, a "smaller" Paris, Lyon has its own character and history, having taken a different trajectory from Paris.

Many visitors bypass this fabulous destination on their way from Paris to Provence − that is a mistake! Even if you only have a day, you won't regret a quick tour of the Old Town, a climb to the Basilica, lunch in a bouchon and a stop in a world-class museum.

It is, after all, the former capital of Rome in France, not to mention the gastronomical capital of the world.

Best things to do in Lyon

Here are my favorite things to do or see whenever I'm in town:

• 33 Irresistible Things To Do In Lyon (by a local)
• Uncover Famous Secret Passages: The Traboules Of Lyon
• Lyon Murals: Monumental Naïve Art In Public Places
• Halles Paul Bocuse Lyon Food Market (Where Top Chefs Love To Shop)
• Journey To Lugdunum: How To Explore Antique Lyon Roman Ruins

More about Lyon

• Weird, Whimsical And Wonderful Facts About Lyon, France
• Bordeaux vs Lyon: Which city would you choose?
• What is Lyon famous for?

Lyon neighborhoods

Like Paris, Lyon is divided into arrondissements (9 rather than the 20 in Paris), but they're usually known by name, not by number.

• Fourviere Hill: Basilica, Ruins, And The Best View Of Lyon
• Ode To Croix-Rousse, Lyon's Bohemian Silk Weaving Hill

Getting around Lyon

Lyon is a tremendously walkable city. But you don't have to.

• Lyon Metro, Bus And How To Use Public Transportation
• Hotels Near Lyon Train Station

Best time to visit Lyon

Like many parts of France, the most beautiful seasons are the spring and fall, or April-May and September-October. But there are other great times to visit:

• Lyon In December Or – What Is Lyon In Winter Really Like?
• Lyon Light Festival: The Exhilarating Fête Des Lumières 

Beyond Lyon

Lyon is extremely central and you can get to many places from here:

• 16 Terrific Day Trips From Lyon Into The Heart Of France
• Perouges, The Medieval Village They Almost Razed
• What To Do In Annecy, France's Prettiest Town
• How Queen Victoria Put Aix-Les-Bains On The Map

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

Read more!

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