Visit Lyon in 3 days: a complete guide to the capital of Gaul

Activities

Panoramic,View,Of,Old,Town,(vieux,Lyon),With,The,Saint

Frédéric

Published on 05/08/2025

Lyon, France’s third-largest city, is well worth a three-day visit to appreciate all its charms. With its exceptional heritage, renowned gastronomy and unique atmosphere, the capital of the Gauls offers visitors an unforgettable experience. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to this magnificent city.

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What to see in Lyon in 3 days

Day 1: Old Lyon and Fourvière Begin your stay in the historic heart of Lyon. In the morning, explore Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Renaissance district, the largest in Europe after Venice, is packed with architectural wonders.

Don’t miss the famous traboules, the hidden passageways through the buildings. The Longue Traboule is a particularly impressive 215 metres long, linking rue Saint-Jean to rue du Bœuf.

In the afternoon, climb the Fourvière hill to discover the Basilique de Fourvière, a true symbol of the city. This 19th-century basilica offers an exceptional panoramic view of Lyon and its surroundings.

Day 2: The Presqu’île and its treasures Start at Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest pedestrian squares. This emblematic 62,000 m² square is the ideal starting point for exploring the Presqu’île.

Then head for the Place des Terreaux with its magnificent Bartholdi fountain, before discovering the Opéra de Lyon and its remarkable facades. In the afternoon, wander along the Rue Mercière and its many traditional restaurants.

Day 3: Croix-Rousse and modernity End your stay with a visit to Croix-Rousse, the historic district of the canuts (silk workers). This authentic district still bears many traces of Lyon’s textile industry.

In the afternoon, explore the modern Confluence district with its contemporary architecture and the Musée des Confluences (2 Avenue Leclerc, 69002 Lyon, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 15,200 reviews).

See also the Lyon guide:

How do you plan your day in Lyon?

1. Plan your journeys

Lyon has an excellent public transport network. The metro, trams and buses make it easy to travel between the different districts. Consider buying a day pass or the Lyon City Card to make the most of your visits.

2. Booking restaurants

Lyon’s gastronomy is renowned, so it’s essential to book in advance, especially in the traditional bouchons. Daniel et Denise (156 rue de Créqui, 69003 Lyon, tel. 04 78 60 66 53) or Le Poêlon d’Or (29 rue des Remparts d’Ainay, 69002 Lyon, tel. 04 78 37 65 60) are the places to go.

3. Adapting your pace

Lyon can be enjoyed without rushing. Plan to take breaks in the city’s many parks or on the café terraces to soak up the atmosphere.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lyon on foot and on your own

To enhance your visit, the Navaway application offers a complete 7.9 km audio tour of Lyon, with 26 points of interest. This innovative solution lets you explore the city on your own, thanks to detailed historical commentaries and captivating anecdotes. The route guides you through must-see sites such as the Basilique de Fourvière, the traboules of Vieux Lyon, Place Bellecour and many other emblematic sites. Let yourself be guided by this intelligent itinerary that adapts to your pace and turns your smartphone into a personal guide!

What’s not to be missed?

1. Old Lyon and its traboules

The Renaissance district of Vieux Lyon is home to more than 215 listed traboules. These secret passageways, remnants of the silk-making era, are a unique part of Lyon’s heritage. A visit to the Vieux Lyon district reveals the fascinating history of these special architectural features.

2. Fourvière Basilica

Dominating the city from the hill of the same name, this neo-Byzantine basilica offers one of the most beautiful views in Lyon. Its 19th-century construction bears witness to the religious fervour of the time.

3. Place Bellecour

This emblematic square is the scene of many events, regularly hosting markets, concerts and cultural events. Its Louis XIV status makes it a symbolic place in the town.

4. Lyon’s bouchons

A veritable culinary institution, the bouchons offer generous traditional cuisine. Le Bouchon Sully (20 rue Sully, 69006 Lyon, tel. 04 86 41 07 97) continues this tradition with authenticity.

Where to eat during your 3-day stay?

1. Authentic corks

Lyon’s bouchons are the city’s gastronomic soul. These traditional establishments offer local specialities such as quenelles, tablier de sapeur and cervelles de canut. Look out for the “Bouchons Lyonnais” label, which guarantees the authenticity of the cuisine.

2. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

These halles gourmandes bring together around sixty quality traders (102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 8,200 reviews). Cheesemongers, pork butchers, patissiers and restaurants offer the best of Lyon’s gastronomy.

3. Michelin-starred restaurants

Lyon boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants. Paul Bocuse’s Auberge du Pont de Collonges remains a must for lovers of fine dining.

How can I get around Lyon efficiently?

1. Public transport

The TCL (Transport en Commun Lyonnais) network serves the city perfectly, with 4 metro lines, 7 tram lines and numerous bus routes. The Fourvière and Saint-Just funiculars provide easy access to the hills.

2. Soft modes of transport

Lyon is actively developing soft mobility with Vélo’v, its self-service bicycle system. More than 4,000 bikes are available at 340 stations throughout the city.

3. Walking

Lyon’s city centre is perfect for exploring on foot. The distances between the main tourist sites make it easy to visit Lyon on foot.

What cultural activities are there to discover?

1. Must-see museums

The Musée des Beaux-Arts (20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 4,100 reviews) has one of the finest collections in France. The Musée Gadagne traces the history of Lyon and houses the Musée des Marionnettes du Monde.

2. Architectural heritage

Lyon is a melting pot of architecture from every era. From the Gallo-Roman theatre of Fourvière to the contemporary creations of Confluence, the city tells the story of 2,000 years of history.

3. Cultural events

Lyon hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Festival des Lumières in December, Nuits Sonores in May and the Nuits de Fourvière in summer.

What souvenirs can you bring back from Lyon?

1. Culinary specialities

Lyon cushions, pink pralines, sausages and local cheeses are all excellent gourmet souvenirs. The Halles Paul Bocuse are home to the best craftsmen.

2. Textiles and silks

Lyon has preserved its exceptional textile expertise. La Maison des Canuts (10-12 rue d’Ivry, 69004 Lyon, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 600 reviews) offers contemporary creations inspired by this tradition.

3. Local crafts

Lyon’s designers are developing modern and original crafts in the Croix-Rousse and Pentes districts.

In conclusion, three days in Lyon offers a complete overview of this extraordinary city, which harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. From discovering centuries-old traboules to tasting in authentic bouchons, exploring the hills and contemporary districts, Lyon reveals its many facets to curious visitors. Don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided by theNavaway itinerary for the best possible and most rewarding experience of this magnificent capital of the Gauls.

FAQ

Is it possible to visit Lyon in 3 days?

Yes, three days means you can explore Lyon’s main sights while taking time to appreciate its gastronomy and special atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Lyon?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) offer ideal weather conditions and fewer tourists.

How do I get to the city centre from the station?

Lyon-Part-Dieu station is directly linked to the city centre by metro line A (Bellecour stop) and trams T1 and T4.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially in traditional bouchons and well-known restaurants, particularly in the evenings and at weekends.