Keep exploring

Here is a quick break in your visit to introduce some other points of interest that couldn’t be included in the itinerary. To discover the modern side of Lyon, head to the Confluence, at the southern end of the Presqu’île. This rapidly changing district focuses on contemporary architecture, including the Musée des Confluences, recognizable by its striking shape and appreciated for its exhibitions. Before you leave, be sure to take a walk along the banks of the Rhône. As you cross the Pont de la Guillotière, you’ll already enjoy a beautiful view of the Hôtel-Dieu. For food lovers, make your way to the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: this large glass-covered market has been home since 2006 to around sixty vendors offering the finest products from the region. It takes its name from Paul Bocuse, one of Lyon’s greatest chefs of the 20th century, whose restaurant, Auberge du Pont de Collonges, is located a few miles from the city. To taste Lyon’s cuisine at a more affordable price, step into one of the traditional bouchons in the city center. There are many of these restaurants, but a special label helps visitors identify establishments that guarantee authenticity and quality. In the Croix-Rousse district, don’t miss the Jardin Rosa Mir, an unusual creation by Jules Senis Mir, a Spanish refugee who settled in France after the Spanish Civil War. Made with shells and stones, it offers a truly surprising visit. In the same neighborhood, the Maison des Canuts will introduce you to the history of Lyon’s silk industry through exhibitions and demonstrations. For breathtaking views over the city, several gardens offer exceptional panoramas: the Jardin des Curiosités near Fourvière, as well as the Chartreux and Villemanzy gardens on the heights of Croix-Rousse. If you would like to explore beyond the city, climb Mont Thou in Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or for an extraordinary view of Lyon, the Ain plain, and the Alps. For a getaway by the water, the lakes of Sapins, Aiguebelette, Paladru, Nantua, and Cormoranche can all be reached in less than 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Finally, the area around Lyon offers many more discoveries: the villages of the Monts du Lyonnais, the Pilat Regional Natural Park, and the Gallo-Roman city of Vienne to the west and south; Pérouges, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, as well as Grand Parc Miribel Jonage to the east; and the stone villages of the Monts d’Or to the north. These are just some of the many ways to extend your stay in the Lyon region.