Lyon is France’s 3rd largest city and is home to some finest architectural & historic marvels. The city is loaded with things to do for art lovers, foodies, and history lovers who love cobbled streets, ancient ruins and medieval houses. Lyon offers so much that you can easily spend a week here and still not see everything. However, it has been seen that the majority of people who visit France on vacation usually have a day or two to explore Lyon. The ones with just 24 hours have no option but to visit only selective attractions, otherwise it gets too overwhelming. In this blog we are presenting a one day itinerary which will help make the best of your 24 hours in Lyon.
This day tour can be easily completed using a rental car and if possible book one that comes with a GPS. (Lyon airport is a really popular car hire pickup location. To pick a pre-booked rental car one usually needs a payment card, driver’s license and an identity proof. Still, do check the rental voucher for more)
Start your tour at Square Bellecour
Square Bellecour is a large square in the heart of Presqu’île de Lyon, the place where people of Lyon come together for various events throughout the year.
The square is a great place to start the day with a coffee and a light breakfast. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants where you can have a bite and a cup of coffee to get you started. Café Français is a great option and it opens everyday at 8 AM. Make sure you take a picture in front of the famous Louis XIV statue; it is the major highlight of the square. Spend 1 or 1.5 hours here.
Square of the Jacobins
Next stop is Jacobin’s square which is about 1.2 km away by car from Square Bellecour. It is the most beautiful square in Lyon. Constructed in 1556, it is now part of the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, a zone which is also classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The beautiful fountain in the middle was added in 1856. Stay for 30 to 45 minutes.
Square of Célestins & Theater of Célestins
Drive for approximately 7 minutes via Quai Saint-Antoine from Jacobin’s square, you will reach Square of Célestins. This square is also located in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon; as per history records, in the 1300s, the land on which the square stands today belonged to the Knights Templar.
After the Knight Templars, the place had a Celestines monastery which was demolished in 1778, in its place an estate of the Celestines and a theater were constructed. Interestingly it is said that the square has not changed much since the 1800s. It has an underground car park. Recommended stay duration: 1 hour.
Have lunch & spend the afternoon exploring the Old Lyon Neighborhood
Sitting on the River Saône quayside, Vieux Lyon aka Old Lyon is the most impressive part of Lyon. The neighborhood has been UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 1998. The drive to Old Lyon from Celestines Square can be completed within 8 minutes time via Quai Saint-Antoineonto.
Its main attraction is the medieval Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and its famous astronomical clock; it is also noted for its bigger than life rose windows, gargoyles and Gothic architecture that makes it a must see Old Lyon attraction. If you like miniature art, do visit Movies & Miniature Museum. Its medieval streets are home to some of the best restaurants, have lunch in one of the many establishments like Restaurant Le Vieux Lyon.
Coline de Fourvière is another marvel located in the Old Lyon neighborhood. It is where you will have the privilege to see the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière which has been gracing the skyline of Lyon since the 19th Century. We also recommend that you visit the basilica’s esplanade from where you will be able to enjoy the panoramic views of Lyon.
Explore Lugdunum museum
This museum closes down at 6 PM so make sure you visit it around 4: 30 PM or 5 PM. The entry is free and what you see here will be the highlight of your trip.
Here you will get the opportunity to visit historic sites like Gallo-Roman theatre (it dates back to 15th century BC), the Temple of Cybèle followed by the Odeon. If you feel like eating something afterwards, visit the Restaurant Christian Têtedoie, it is located just a few minutes away by car.
Ascent of the Gourguillon
Montée du Gourguillon is the oldest street on the hill of Fourvière. After visiting the museum, go for a stroll and explore this old street which at one time was the only link between Roman hill city and the riverside districts. People find the descend more appealing than the ascent because of the lovely views. The walk through the cobbled street flanked by medieval houses will make your evening extra special.
Don’t forget to checkout a few traboules of old Lyon
Traboule is a unique occurrence you see only in France. They are the small passages that allow the people to go from one street to another (or from one district to another). It is interesting to note that Lyon has about 300 traboules.
Book yourself a dinner cruise at the Hermès restaurant
Give your day tour a fitting end with a dinner cruise. Make sure you book this 2 hour 30 minutes dinner cruise beforehand; they usually open their gates at 8:10 PM and the boat departs at 8:30 PM.
Where to stay the night in Lyon?
Give your day tour a fitting end with a dinner cruise. Make the booking of a 2 hour 30 minutes dinner cruise beforehand. They usually open their gates at 8:10 PM and the boat departs at 8:30 PM.
Slo living hostel & Hôtel 21Royale are the two budget stay options we recommend.