Visit Lyon
Lyon, the 3rd biggest city in France, is full of history and incredible food, so much so that it’s known as the World Capital of Gastronomy (claimed in 1935!). The centre of Lyon was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, including the protection of four of its key districts: Fourvière Hill, Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), Croix-Rousse Slopes and the Presqu‘île.
Founded by the Roman in the 1st Century B.C., the city has played a huge role in the political, cultural and economic changes in Europe ever since. Mixing world-class gastronomy, an incredibly rich history and a relaxed, walkable atmosphere, Lyon is definitely a bucket-list city to visit in France!
Things to see in Lyon : Monuments
Notre-Dame of Fourvière Basilica
The Basilica was built between 1872 and 1896, overlooking the entire city. It contains a Museum of Sacred Art, receives 2 million visitors annually, and at certain times, members of the public may access the basilica’s north tower for a spectacular 180-degree view of Lyon and its suburbs. On a clear day, Mont Blanc, the highest point in western Europe, can be seen in the distance
The cities historic ‘traboules’
‘Traboules’, from the Latin meaning of pass through, are shortcuts linking streets through one or more buildings. Originally created in 4 Century Lyon for residents living on the steep hill of Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon to reach the river for fresh water when Roman aqueducts failed, they also were used during revolts in the 19th century and by the French Resistance during WW2. There are about 500 in Lyon, however only 80 are open to the public!
Things to do in Lyon : Museums
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (Lyon’s Fine Arts Museum) is one of France’s largest art museums, housed in a former Benedictine convent. It spans from antiquity to contemporary art, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso.
Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation (Centre for the History of Resistance and Deportation) is a museum dedicated to the French Resistance and deportation during World War 2.
The Best Tours and Excursions
Visit Lyon
Local Produce and Food in Lyon
Lyon is generally thought of as the gastronomic capital of France and even the world! It’s home to around 4,000 restaurants, where you can try a range of both sweet and savory dishes. Traditional Lyonnaise restaurants, known as Bouchons, are rustic, casual and the perfect place to test out Lyonnais dishes.
Savoury dishes
Quenelle de Brochet: Light, airy pike dumplings baked and drowned in rich, savory Nantua crayfish sauce.
Salade Lyonnaise: Crunchy frisée greens tossed with warm bacon lardons, garlic croutons, and a runny poached egg.
Pâté en Croûte: Finely layered seasoned meat baked inside a delicate, buttery pastry crust.
Saucisson Brioché: A whole local pork sausage cooked inside a warm, sweet-savory loaf of brioche.
Tablier de Sapeur: Battered, pan-fried beef tripe served with a sharp gribiche or tartar sauce
Sweet treats:
Tarte aux Pralines: A rich tart filled with bright pink, crunchy sugar-coated almonds.
Bugnes: Light, crispy fried sweet pastry ribbons dusted with powdered sugar
