Travel to Lyon, France – Episode 921

Hear about traveling to Lyon as the Amateur Traveler talks to Audra Morris from TheNerdTraveler.com about France’s third-largest city.

Why should you go to Lyon?

Audra says, “It’s a magical town. It is a little bit like Paris in the fact that it has, in fact, two rivers, so maybe a little bit better than Paris, two rivers running through it, a beautiful church on a hill, beautiful French architecture, wonderful museums, wonderful cathedrals, and it’s also known as the Culinary Capital of France.”

Audra’s 7-day itinerary for visiting Lyon, France, is as follows:

Day 1: Fourvière Hill and Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière:
  • Start at this iconic hilltop basilica, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and panoramic views of Lyon.
  • Take the funicular to the top and enjoy a guided or night tour (available in specific months).
• Metallic Tower of Fourvière:
  • View the “mini Eiffel Tower” built as a secular counterbalance to the basilica.
• Lugdunum Museum and Roman Theatres:
  • Explore the Roman history of Lyon with exhibits, a Roman theatre, and ruins.
• Vieux Lyon:
  • Stroll through the Old City to admire its medieval architecture.
  • Lunch at a Bouchon to try traditional Lyonnaise cuisine like fish dumplings, charcuterie, and potatoes.
• Lyon’s Musée Miniature et Cinéma:
  • Discover props, miniatures, and memorabilia from iconic movies.
• Lyon Cathedral (St. Jean Baptiste):
  • Visit this Gothic and Romanesque cathedral, known for its Lyon astronomical clock (currently under renovation).
  • If visiting in December, join the Fête des Lumières.

Day 2: Presqu’île (Between the Rivers)

• Opéra Nouvel:
  • Admire the mix of historic and modern architecture.
• Hôtel de Ville, Lyon:
  • Learn about this French architectural gem with its UNESCO-designated belfry.
• École des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts):
  • Explore art from ancient Egypt to modern masters like Monet, Van Gogh, and Rodin.
• Palais de la Bourse (Stock Exchange):
  • Walk by this historic building tied to Lyon’s industrial history.
• Saint-Nizier Church:
  • Visit this Gothic cathedral with Renaissance elements.
• Place Bellecour:
  • Relax at France’s largest pedestrian square, surrounded by cafes and shops.
• Musée des Confluences:
  • End the day at this modern science and anthropology museum at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers.

Day 3: Croix-Rousse (The Hill That Works)

• Maison des Canuts:
  • Learn about Lyon’s silk industry, see demonstrations, and shop for silk products.
• Courtyards and Traboules of Croix-Rousse:
  • Explore the historic passageways used by silk workers and French Resistance fighters during WWII (guided tour recommended).
• Fresque des Canuts:
  • Admire this massive mural depicting the silk workers’ history.
• Garden of the Curiosities:
  • Return to Fourvière Hill in the evening for sunset views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 4: Parc de la Tête d’or and Food Markets

• Parc de la Tête d’or:
  • Relax at one of Europe’s largest city parks with botanical gardens, a zoo, and boat rides.
• Cité Internationale:
  • Visit this modern residential and commercial complex, including the Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon.
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (Lyon Indoor Food Market):
  • Enjoy lunch at this famous food market named after Lyon’s legendary chef.
• Institut Lumière:
  • Explore the history of cinema and the contributions of Auguste and Louis Lumière.
• Les Bateaux Lyonnais – Boat Cruises:
  • End the day with a scenic cruise along the Rhône or Saône Rivers.

Day 5: Day Trip to Annecy

• Annecy:
  • Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” this charming town features canals, medieval architecture, and Lake Annecy.
  • Visit the Château d’Annecy for stunning views.
  • Enjoy Alpine dishes like fondue and raclette.
  • Swim, kayak, or bike around the lake in summer.

Day 6: Day Trip to Beaujolais

• Beaujolais Wine Region:
  • Take a train to explore vineyards and picturesque villages.
  • Taste Beaujolais wine (made from the Gamay grape) and enjoy local specialties like coq au vin.
  • Option for hot air balloon rides over the vineyards.
  • Visit Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, such as Oingt, near Lyon.

Day 7: Day Trip to Dijon

• Dijon:
  • Discover the capital of Burgundy with its medieval and Renaissance architecture.
  • Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Follow the Dijon Owl Trail, a self-guided walking tour of historic sites.
  • Sample Burgundy wines, beef bourguignon, and escargot.
  • Try the local gingerbread for a sweet treat.

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Show Notes

The Nerd Traveler
Lyon
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Metallic tower of Fourvière
Lugdunum
Lugdunum Museum and Roman Theatres
Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
Bouchon
Lyon’s Musée Miniature et Cinéma
Lyon Cathedral
Lyon astronomical clock
Fete des lumieres
Opéra Nouvel
Hôtel de Ville, Lyon
Museum of Fine Art
Industrial history of Lyon
Nicetius of Lyon
Saint-Nizier Church
Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon
Booking.com: Hotels in Lyon. Book your hotel now!
InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel, Lyon (updated prices 2024)
Place Bellecour
Musée des Confluences
La Croix-Rousse
Maison des Canut
Courtyards and Traboules of Croix-Rousse
Garden of the Curiosities
Parc de la Tête d’or
Cité Internationale
Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (- )Lyon Indoor Food Market)
Institut Lumière
Auguste and Louis Lumière
Les Bateaux Lyonnais – Boat cruises
Annecy
Château d’Annecy
Beaujolais
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Dijon
Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
The Dijon Owl Trail
Catherine de Medici
The Magic of Lyon France – 7 Day Itinerary

Community

On Trips from Manila, Philippines – Episode 920:

You mentioned Banaue Rice Terraces. Don’t forget Sagada hanging coffins and the caves! Worth the adventure!

On Travel to Door County, Wisconsin – Episode 917:

I loved the episode on part of my home state Wisconsin. I have been there a couple times for vacation. I highly recommend the ferry to Washington Island. They have a maritime museum, one of few smooth rock beaches, and a tower overlook of the island and surrounding water that is beautiful. For the food, Fish Creek Inn is very nice and known for its cherry-stuffed french toast. Fish boils are also fun. For kids there are many cherry orchards, a very nice petting zoo called the Farm, and Hands On, an art studio where kids or adults can make a wide variety of art projects. I would also suggest a side trip to Green Bay, WI just under an hour from Door County. Thanks for your show I listen while working in my laboratory job and dream of fun vacations!

Jason

Patron Peter O:

My bad for not doing it sooner. I have been listening for 8 years. Love the show whether I am traveling or just dreaming. Thank you for all the great content. Look forward to being an AT member on Patreon.

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