Where the Rhône and Saône rivers join you’ll find the busy city of Lyon, France, in the southeastern part of the country - so busy, in fact, that it is the sixth most densely populated city in the EU. Home to historical gems and a legacy that dates back thousands of years, renaissance architecture highlights the old town (Vieux Lyon). What was once a city known for its contributions to silk production has now become a hotspot for foodies and the de facto gastronomy capital of France.
Foodies & Wine Lovers rejoice in the menu that Lyon has prepared for you. From local flavors to national delicacies and hot new international dishes, you can find it all in any of the trendy or traditional restaurants or eateries that flavor the city of Lyon. There are even some places that will teach you how to prepare the food yourself! The local vineyards are happy to invite connoisseurs and wine-lovers alike to tour their facilities and try their perfected vintages, unique to the region.
Relax in the parks and stroll the riverside promenades. Parks like Tête d'Or Park and Gerland Park are popular spots to enjoy the scenic beauty of Lyon at a slower pace. You won’t get very far on a walk along the Saône without encountering some of the beautiful contemporary art that adorns the paths.
Historic Sites
As you explore the city of Lyon, you’ll quickly realize why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everywhere you go there are monuments and sites that remind you of the city’s millennia-old heritage.
A few of the top sites include:
- The Old Lyon district (Vieux Lyon)
- Basilica of Fourviere
- Grand Théâtre (Roman architecture)
- Les Traboules du Vieux Lyon (old passageways between buildings)
- Saint John's Cathedral (construction started in 1180 AD!)
- Opéra de Lyon
- Place Bellecour (France’s third-biggest square)
- The Confluence district
- The Presqu'Ile district
- Palais du Commerce & Bourse
Museums
No visit to Lyon is complete without a stop in at least a few of the unique and fascinating museums, like:
- The Fine Arts Museum
- Musée des Confluences (contemporary and natural history)
- Lugdunum - Musée et Théâtres romains
- Modern Art Museum
- Museum of the History of Lyon - Gadagne Museums
- Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication
- Textile and Decorative Art Museum
- Musée Lumière
- Soierie Saint-Georges (silk museum)
- Automobile Museum Henri Malartre
It’s a great city for kids too! From the Puppetry Museum to the Cinema & Miniature Museum, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and hotels to bookend a river cruise, this is a fantastic place to travel with the whole family.
Talk to one of our Trip Planners today to find the perfect France river cruise for you!
