How to Plan Your Lyon Highlights and Secrets Tour
Are you planning on visiting Lyon anytime soon? Look no further than the Lyon Highlights and Secrets Tour, which will give you an in-depth look at the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.This small-group walking tour is the best way to explore Lyon’s landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vieux Lyon, and Fourvière Hill. With a maximum of 10 attendees, you can guarantee a personalized experience and ample time for questions and discussions with your knowledgeable guide.Below is all the information you need to plan your own Lyon Highlights and Secrets Tour.
Overview
The Lyon Highlights and Secrets Tour is a fantastic way to discover the best of what the city has to offer. The tour begins in the afternoon at the Bartholdi Fountain, where you’ll meet your guide before setting off on foot.Over the next few hours, your guide will lead you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, showcasing its fascinating history and culture. You’ll visit Vieux Lyon, its old town, travel up Fourvière Hill by funicular, and much more.
Highlights
This tour is jam-packed with incredible sights and experiences. Here are just a few of the highlights you can look forward to:
Bartholdi Fountain
This fountain is just one of Lyon’s many stunning landmarks. It features four horses and honors the French sculptor Bartholdi, who created the Statue of Liberty.
Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Explore Lyon’s old town, filled with stunning medieval and Renaissance-era architecture, interesting shops, and wonderful places to eat.
Fourvière Hill
Travel up Fourvière Hill on the funicular to take in the stunning views of the city from above.
Local Landmarks
There are plenty more fun sights to see and things to do on the tour, including stops at the Palace of Justice, the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and much more.
What’s Included
As part of the tour, you’ll get to ride the funicular and learn all about the city and its history from your guide’s informative commentary. The meeting point is the Bartholdi Fountain, and the end point is Vieux Lyon.
Funicular
The tour includes a funicular ride up Fourvière Hill, where you’ll get incredible views of the city below.
Meeting Point
The Bartholdi Fountain is located in Place des Terreaux, which is the square outside City Hall.
End Point
The tour ends in Vieux Lyon, which is a fantastic spot to continue exploring the city even further.
How to Book
Ready to book the Lyon Highlights and Secrets Tour? Head to Viator.com to book your spot today.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best way to explore Lyon and all that the city has to offer, the Lyon Highlights and Secrets Tour is an excellent choice. With a knowledgeable guide, small group sizes, and stunning landmarks, this tour is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Lyon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyon
Lyon is a city located in the Rhône-Alpes region in the southeast of France. It is known for its rich history, gastronomy, and architectural beauty. As a popular tourist destination, there are several questions that travellers ask when planning a trip to Lyon. In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Lyon.
1. What is the best time to visit Lyon?
The best time to visit Lyon is during the mild seasons of spring (between March and May) and fall (between September and November). During this time, the temperatures are usually mild, and there are fewer tourists. The summer months (June to August) tend to be quite hot, while winter is generally cold and sometimes snowy.
2. What is the currency used in Lyon?
Like the rest of France, the currency used in Lyon is the euro. ATMs are easily accessible, and most businesses accept credit cards, making it easy for visitors to access cash.
3. What is the best way to get around in Lyon?
The best way to get around Lyon is by public transportation. There are several options available, including buses, trams, and metros. Lyon also has an extensive bike-sharing network with over 5,000 bikes available for rent at various stations throughout the city. In addition to public transportation, walking is also an excellent way to explore the city.
4. What are some of the must-see attractions in Lyon?
Lyon has several must-see attractions, including:
- The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière – a stunning church located atop Fourvière Hill that offers breathtaking views of the city
- The Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features Renaissance-era architecture and narrow winding alleyways that are perfect for exploring
- The Musée des Confluences – a science and anthropology museum that showcases exhibits on human evolution and natural history
- The Parc de la Tête d’Or – a massive public park with beautiful gardens, a lake, a zoo, and several playgrounds.
5. What is Lyon known for?
Lyon is known for its rich history, gastronomy, and architectural beauty. It is home to several world-renowned restaurants that serve some of the best French cuisine, including traditional dishes like coq au vin and escargots. The city also has a rich history, and it is home to many historic landmarks, such as the Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules and the Hotel de Ville.
6. What are some of the best food options in Lyon?
Lyon is known for its gastronomy, and there are several must-try dishes when visiting the city. Some of the best food options include:
- Coq au Vin – a classic French dish made with chicken that is cooked in red wine and served with mushrooms and bacon
- Salade Lyonnaise – a salad made with frisée lettuce, bacon, croutons, and a poached egg on top
- Andouillette – a sausage made with pork tripe that is seasoned with spices and served with mustard
- Tarte Tatin – an upside-down apple tart that is drizzled with caramel sauce
7. Is Lyon expensive?
Lyon can be relatively expensive compared to some other French cities. However, there are several budget-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions available. Visitors can save money by utilizing public transportation and eating at local brasseries and cafes rather than high-end restaurants.
8. What are some popular day trips from Lyon?
There are several popular day trips from Lyon, including:
- The Beaujolais wine region – located less than an hour from Lyon, this area is known for producing fruity red wines, and visitors can take wine tours to sample the local vintages
- The walled city of Pérouges – a medieval town located just 20 minutes from Lyon that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The ancient Roman city of Vienne – situated about 30 minutes from Lyon, this city is home to several historic ruins, including a Roman theater and a temple
Conclusion
Lyon is an excellent destination for travelers who are interested in history, gastronomy, and architecture. The city offers several must-see attractions, delicious cuisine, and easy access to several popular day trips. With this guide, travelers to Lyon will have all the information they need to plan a memorable trip to this beautiful French city.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Lyon
As one of France’s largest and most important cities, Lyon has no shortage of attractions and activities for tourists. From its rich culinary scene to its impressive cultural offerings, there is something to suit every taste and interest. In this guide, we will explore some of the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Lyon, with detailed step-by-step instructions and tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Savor the Local Cuisine
As the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is renowned for its culinary scene, which is steeped in tradition and history. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the local cuisine:
A. Try the Local Specialties
One of the best ways to experience the local cuisine is to sample some of the city’s signature dishes, such as:
- Bouchons Lyonnais: These are traditional Lyon-style bistros that serve hearty, rustic dishes such as sausages, tripe, and pâtés.
- Quenelles: These are light, fluffy dumplings made with fish or chicken.
- Cervelle de Canut: This is a creamy cheese spread that is perfect for enjoying with bread and wine.
- Andouillette: This is a type of sausage made from pigs’ intestines, flavored with onions and mustard.
B. Take a Food Tour
To get a deeper understanding of Lyon’s culinary traditions and specialties, consider taking a food tour with a knowledgeable guide. Some tour operators to consider include:
- Lyon Food Tour: This company offers a range of food tours that explore the city’s markets, bakeries, and restaurants.
- Cooking with Class: This is a hands-on cooking class that teaches you how to prepare some of Lyon’s classic dishes.
- The Food Trip: This tour company offers a range of food-centric tours, including visits to local farms and vineyards.
2. Discover the City’s Historic Sites
Lyon has a rich history that can be seen in its many historic sites and landmarks. Here are some of the top sites to explore:
A. Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
This stunning basilica is located on a hilltop overlooking the city and offers breathtaking views of Lyon. Inside, you’ll find ornate stained glass windows and intricate mosaics.
B. Explore the Ancient Roman Theatre
Lyon was once an important Roman settlement, and the ruins of an ancient theatre can still be seen today. The theatre was built in the 1st century AD and could seat up to 10,000 people.
C. Wander the Historic Old Town
Lyon’s Old Town is a maze of narrow, winding streets that date back to the Middle Ages. Here, you’ll find grand Renaissance buildings, quaint shops, and charming cafes.
3. Discover Lyon’s Cultural Offerings
Lyon is home to a vibrant arts scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing everything from contemporary art to historical artifacts. Here are some of the top cultural attractions to explore:
A. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
This world-class museum is home to an impressive collection of artwork from around the world, including works by Monet, Picasso, and van Gogh.
B. Catch a Show at the Opéra National de Lyon
The Opéra National de Lyon is one of France’s premier opera houses, with a packed schedule of shows and performances throughout the year.
C. Explore the Musée Lumière
This museum is dedicated to the history of cinema and has exhibits on the Lumière brothers, who invented the first successful movie camera.
4. Experience Lyon’s Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Lyon comes to life, with a range of bars, clubs, and late-night venues to explore. Here are some of the best places to check out:
A. Visit the Rooftop Bars
Lyon has several rooftop bars with stunning views of the city skyline. Some top picks include:
- Le Sucre: This trendy rooftop bar is located on top of a former sugar factory and is known for its DJ sets and parties.
- Le Bellini: This classy bar is located on the roof of the Radisson Blu hotel and offers panoramic views of the city.
- Les Terrasses de Lyon: This chic rooftop bar is located on the top floor of the Villa Florentine hotel and offers a more laid-back atmosphere.
B. Go Dancing in the Croix-Rousse District
The Croix-Rousse district is home to several clubs and bars that cater to a younger, more alternative crowd. Some top picks include:
- L’Epicerie Comptoir: This vintage-themed bar is known for its live music and DJ sets.
- La Maison M: This converted house has multiple bars and rooms, each with its own unique atmosphere.
- Le Sonic: This iconic Lyon club has been around since the 1980s and is known for its indie and alternative music.
Conclusion
Lyon is a city that truly has it all – from its rich history and culture to its world-class culinary scene and thriving nightlife. By following the suggestions in this guide, you can make the most of your time as a tourist in Lyon and experience all that this incredible city has to offer.
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