Lyon holidays

Holidays to Lyon mix UNESCO-listed streets, riverside strolls, and a food scene you’ll be raving about with the locals.

Lyon in a nutshell

Sitting right where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet is where you’ll find Lyon – France’s third largest city. The city packs personality into every corner, from its proud food scene to its UNESCO-listed districts. Vieux Lyon is the medieval heart – a tangle of narrow lanes, Renaissance townhouses and secret passageways known as traboules. Across the river, the Presqu’île buzzes with cafés, boutiques and grand squares. Climb Fourvière Hill for basilicas and sweeping views, or wander Croix-Rousse, the old silk-weaving district with arty, village-like charm. And, compared with Paris? You get fewer crowds, better food – the locals will insist on it – and a tad more of a laidback vibe.

Cathedrals and churches

Lyon does churches with a bit of ‘ooh-la-la’. The big star is Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a 19th-century basilica mixing Romanesque and Byzantine styles – think mosaics, gold details, and soaring arches. It sits high on a hill with some of the best views in the city, and you can either walk up or hop on the funicular if you’d rather keep things easy. Down in Vieux Lyon, Saint-Jean Cathedral brings all the Gothic drama you could want, plus a quirky astronomical clock. Wander a little more and you’ll spot smaller chapels and bell towers tucked into neighbourhood streets, too.

Taste your way through the bouchons

Move over, baguettes and brie. In Lyon, it’s all about the bouchon. Food is the city’s love language, and these cosy, traditional spots are where it all comes to life, serving up hearty Lyonnaise favourites like slow-cooked meats, quenelles – light, airy dumplings made with fish or chicken – and plenty of pink praline, all in a warm, no-fuss setting. And beyond the bouchons, Lyon’s food scene stretches from artisan bakeries to wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Gateway to green

Think Lyon is all cobbles and cafés? Think again. It’s a green city, with parks and open spaces to match its reputation. Parc de la Tête d’Or steals the show with a lake, botanical gardens, and a free zoo, while Parc de Gerland, Mont d’Or, and the pedestrianised riversides are perfect for walking or cycling. In fact, Lyon has more bike paths than Amsterdam. Or, swap green for blue with a river cruise or a kayaking trip along the Rhône and Saône, and see where the rivers meet at the Musée des Confluences – part landmark, part museum, with a funky exterior and fascinating exhibits inside.