I’ve been living in France for more than six years and I spent three of those years in Paris. During that time, I used it as a base to explore nearby cities.
One of my favorite day trips was to Lyon, so much so that I’ve visited several times since then.
It’s known for its delicious food, fascinating landmarks, secret passageways, and charming Old Town.
And, best of all, it’s only two hours from Paris by train.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect Lyon day trip from Paris itinerary, this guide has you covered. I’ll help you make the most of your time and share with you the best things to do, see, and eat in one day.
Overview
If you’re short on time, here is an overview of my helpful guide.
- Morning: Vieux Lyon (Old Town), Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Musée Cinéma et Miniature, Fourvière Basilica, Roman Ruins, Jardin des Curiosités
- Afternoon: Lunch at Boulangerie Du Palais, Fresque des Lyonnais, La Croix-Rousse, Cour des Voraces, Escalier Mermet, Place des Terreaux, Parc de la Tete d’Or, Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse
- Evening: Return to Paris
Getting to Lyon from Paris
While there are a ton of ways to get to Lyon from Paris, for this day trip, the best option is to take a high-speed TGV train.
These trains leave from Gare de Lyon in Paris and take about two hours. You’ll arrive at Lyon’s Part-Dieu station, which is near the center, so you can start your visit right away.
I also recommend leaving early in the morning, so you don’t have to rush through this itinerary.
Train tickets can be bought online or at the train station. But this is a very popular route, so I recommend buying them in advance to secure your seat.
Helpful Tip: I’ve driven from Paris to Lyon, and it takes about five hours, which is why I don’t recommend renting a car for this day trip.
One Day in Lyon – 15 Things to Do
Now that you know how to get to Lyon, let’s look at 15 amazing things you can do in one day.
Helpful Tip: Lyon is the third largest city in France, so the distance between some sites can be far. While you can walk, I recommend using public transport for this itinerary.
1. Walk Around Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon is Lyon’s oldest neighborhood, and it was one of my favorite areas to explore on foot.
Here you’ll find colorful buildings lined along cobbled streets, secret passageways, and tons of quaint shops. It’s also incredibly safe.
Most of the architecture here dates to the Renaissance era and it has been beautifully preserved. In fact, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
I loved walking down Rue Saint-Jean and popping into all the little shops.
It’s also where I found the entry to the longest traboule (secret passageway) in Lyon.
I saw a bronze plaque next to a door and realized it was the entrance. I walked through and ended up on Rue du Boeuf, another spectacular street.
Helpful Tip: The entrance to the longest traboule is at 54 Rue Saint-Jean.
Nearest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
2. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Located in the heart of Vieux Lyon is one of its most beautiful cathedrals, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Construction started in 1175 and wasn’t completed until 1480, some 300 years later. And once you see the size of it, it’s easy to see why it took so long.
It’s a beautiful mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, and the inside is as spectacular. It houses stunning stained-glass windows and a 14th-century astronomical clock.
I’ve been to a lot of churches in France. From the Amiens Cathedral to the Strasbourg Cathedral, each one has been more impressive than the last. And the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste holds its own.
Address: Place Saint-Jean
Nearest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
3. Discover the Musée Cinéma et Miniature
I visited a lot of museums in Lyon and the Musée Cinéma et Miniature was my favorite.
It’s dedicated to the art of cinema and miniatures, showcasing hundreds of objects from various films and TV shows.
They had replicas from iconic films including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, and Mrs. Doubtfire. I loved learning how explosion scenes were created, and special effects were added.
They look so lifelike in the movie, and it was fascinating to see how they pulled it off.
I also enjoyed the exhibits dedicated to miniature scenes. From alleyways to grocery stores, each detail was meticulously crafted. And it was amazing to see the level of skill and patience that went into these pieces.
Address: 60 Rue Saint-Jean
Nearest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
4. Marvel at the Fourvière Basilica
The Fourvière Basilica towers over Vieux Lyon and is easily one of the most breathtaking architectural masterpieces in town.
It was built in the late 19th century as a symbol of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for sparing Lyon from the bubonic plague. Its most striking feature is its white exterior, much like Paris’ Sacre Coeur.
But, for me, the interior was far more impressive. The giant mosaics on the ceiling were so detailed and the way the light hit the altar made it feel almost ethereal.
The views from its courtyard were also incredible. I visited on a clear day and could see the entire city.
Helpful Tip: The easiest way to get there is to take a funicular, but if you have time, I recommend walking along Montée du Gourguillon. It’s a picturesque alleyway with tons of colorful doors and windowsills.
Address: 8 Place de Fourvière
Nearest Metro Station: Fourvière (Funiculars F2)
5. Tour Ancient Roman Ruins
Lyon is home to several ancient Roman ruins, with the most notable ones located on Fourvière Hill, not far from the Fourvière Basilica.
There are three sites, Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière, Odeon of Lyon, and Thermes Antiques de Lyon. They were built around 15 BC during a period of rapid growth and prosperity, and they’ve remained remarkably intact.
Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière and Odeon of Lyon are next to each other, and they are impossible to miss.
But I had a hard time finding the Thermes Antiques de Lyon.
The entrance is at 12 Rue des Farges in the courtyard behind the residential-looking building.
Helpful Tip: Admission is free for all three sites.
Nearest Metro Station: Minimes Théâtres Romains (Funiculars F1)
6. Take in the Views from Jardin des Curiosités
Jardin des Curiosités is a small park that is also located on Fourvière Hill.
It offers stunning panoramic views of Lyon and is a great spot for a picnic or a peaceful escape from the busy city.
Compared to the other viewpoints that I visited in Lyon, Jardin des Curiosités was far less crowded. I had the entire park to myself, which is a rarity in such a popular tourist destination.
Address: 8 Place de l’Abbé Larue
Nearest Metro Station: Minimes Théatres Romains (Funiculars F2)
7. Stroll Along the Saône River
Lyon has two main rivers, the Saône and the Rhône, that divide the city into three sections.
I walked up and down the banks of both rivers, and they each offered beautiful views. But I found the ones from the Saône River to be particularly charming.
My favorite area was along Quai Tilsitt between Passerelle Saint Georges de Lyon and Pont Bonaparte. That’s where I took the photo above.
I was there early and caught the sun’s rays hitting Saint George’s Church.
8. Grab a Sandwich at Boulangerie Du Palais
If there is one thing Lyon is known for its food, so much so that it’s referred to as the gastronomic capital of France.
But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
One place that stood out to me was Boulangerie Du Palais.
This bakery offers a variety of delicious sandwiches and pastries, perfect for a quick lunch.
Every time I’ve gone, there have been a lot of people, so try to get there before noon.
Address: 8 Rue du Palais de Justice
Nearest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
9. Admire the Fresque des Lyonnais
The Fresque des Lyonnais is an impressive 800-square-meter (8611-square-foot) mural in Lyon’s first arrondissement.
It was commissioned by the city in the mid-1990s and showcases 30 prominent individuals from Lyon.
When I first saw it, I thought it was real and I walked right passed it. That’s how lifelike it looked.
Lyon has two other murals that are painted in a similar style – Mur des Canuts and Bibliothèque de la Cité.
If you have time extra time, I recommend checking them out. They are as spectacular as the Fresque des Lyonnais.
Address: 2 Rue de la Martinière
Nearest Metro Station: Hôtel de Ville L. Pradel (Lines A and C)
10. Walk Around La Croix-Rousse
La Croix-Rousse is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Lyon. It’s known for its sherbet-colored buildings stacked along Montée de la Grande-Côte and its spectacular views over Lyon.
The district’s name, which means ‘Red Cross,’ comes from a 16th-century stone cross that once stood there.
But what I found most interesting about this part of Lyon was its history. It was once a bustling hub of silk workers, known as canuts, in the 19th century, giving it the nickname ‘the hill that works.’
Today, the spirit of these canuts still lingers and there’s a lively, bohemian atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.
Nearest Metro Station: Croix-Rousse (Line C)
11. Check Out the Cour des Voraces
One of the coolest attractions in Lyon is the hidden passageways known as traboules.
Over the years they’ve served several different roles.
At first, they were used by silk workers to transport their goods. But when their working conditions deteriorated it became the epicenter of the 19th-century Canuts Revolts.
Not long after they were used to escape the Nazis and plan resistance operations during World War II.
Today, they provide shortcuts between streets, neighborhoods, and buildings.
And Cour des Voraces is one of the most well-known traboules, particularly for its monumental six-story staircase.
It stands as a symbol of resistance and attracts Instagrammers from all over the world.
It’s also the start of a circuit of traboules in this part of Lyon. The photo I took above is of the symbol that is used to mark the path.
It starts at the Cour des Voraces and goes to Escalier Mermet, which is the next activity on this list.
Address: 9 Place Colbert
Nearest Metro Station: Croix Paquet (Line C)
12. Climb Escalier Mermet
Escalier Mermet is an 80-step staircase that has been turned into a piece of art. It’s the result of a collaborative effort between the artist WENC and the local community.
And, since the painting is on the stairs themselves, you have to be standing in front of it to see it.
Since I was coming from Cour des Voraces, at first, I only saw the staircase from the top.
But once I got to the bottom, I was blown away by the colors and geometric shapes.
Nearest Metro Station: Croix Paquet (Line C)
13. Hang Out in Place des Terreaux
Place des Terreaux is a large square in the center of Lyon and every time I’ve been, it’s always buzzing with life.
It’s a popular spot for locals to hang out. So, if you want to catch a glimpse of what life is like in here, this is the place to do it.
The square is also surrounded by magnificent buildings including the Hôtel de Ville and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Then, in the middle stands the famous Fontaine Bartholdi, a large fountain designed by the creator of the Statue of Liberty.
Nearest Metro Station: Hôtel de Ville L. Pradel (Lines A and C)
14. Relax in Parc de la Tête d’Or
After a full day of exploring, there’s no better place to take a break than Parc de la Tête d’Or. This is the largest urban park in France and it’s full of beautiful gardens and green spaces.
Take a stroll around the lake or have a picnic under the trees – it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Of the things to see here, the International Rose Garden was my favorite. I love photographing flowers, so, for me, this was heaven on earth.
Nearest Metro Station: Masséna (Line A)
15. Shop at Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse
Of course, no trip to Lyon is complete without stopping by Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse.
This lively indoor market is known for its high-quality food and local specialties. You’ll find everything from fresh produce, cheese, meats, and even ready-to-eat meals.
Plus, it’s not far from the Part-Dieu train station, so you can grab a snack for the trip back to Paris. At least, that’s what I did!
Address: 102 Cr Lafayette F
Nearest Metro Station: Gare Part-Dieu V. Merle (Line B)
Conclusion
Lyon is a beautiful city full of history, art, and delicious food. It’s also the perfect destination for a day trip from Paris.
From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this itinerary.
Now that you have your day planned, it’s time to book your trip. Why not start by reserving your train tickets with the companies I use?
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