When you think of France you think of the French capital – Paris. Known for its fashion, the Eiffel Tower and great food it is no wonder 44 million tourists flock to the destination each year.
So, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds why not give another French city a go where it is slightly cheaper but just as nice.
Lyon is a place for foodies to enjoy thanks to it being called “France’s global gastronomy capital” according to the Michelin Guide.
Sitting between the Rhône and Saône rivers there are an impressive 91 Michelin guide restaurants in Lyon alone.
So if you’re tempted to take a trip to Lyon this is what you need to know.
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Things to do in Lyon
If you’re looking for quaint streets then Lyon is the place for you. At Fourvière Hill you can find hidden courtyards, Renaissance-era mansions, as well as Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
There are some great places to eat in this part of the city too including Les Adrets, Bouchon Les Lyonnais and Chez Grand-Mère.
Lyon has some great delicacies to enjoy too! There’s andouillette (spiced pork sausage and wine), quenelle (a fish croquette), fromage blanc (a cheese spread with oil, herbs and vinegar) and Lyonnaise salad.
Let’s not forget you can go and visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière where you’ll find some great views from the top; just be warned it is at the top of a steep hill.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is an indoor food market where you can find pretty much any local delicacy. Even better the traders prepare the food right in front of your eyes.
For those looking to get some culture why not try the Museum of Fine Arts, Musée Cinéma et Miniature, and Musée des Confluences?
However, if you’re looking to go on a weekend then you’ll need to take into account that most things in Lyon are closed on a Sunday.
This is due to Lyon being a traditional French city where citizens take a rest after a long week of work.
Some places will be open like bars and restaurants, so make sure to do your research before you go.
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
If you’re looking to go during the warmer months of June, July and August are your best bet thanks to temperatures averaging between 24C and 27C.
Yet, spring is just as nice in March and April where you can see weather reaching between 13C and 16C.
What is the best way to get to Lyon?
Thankfully the city isn’t far from the UK at all.
You can get direct flights from London Luton to Lyon-Saint Exupéry taking 1 hour 40 minutes on average. Airlines such as British Airways and EasyJet both go there.
If flying isn’t your thing then you can always hop on the Eurostar. You can get the Eurostar there from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare de Nord and from Gare de Lyon there is a direct train down to Lyon which takes around two hours.
