Charming Journey from Paris to Lyon: A 2-Day Travel and Exploration Itinerary

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Paris, France to Lyon, France on May 9, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a quintessential Parisian breakfast at Café de Flore with fresh croissants and café au lait before departing. Open from 7:30am to 1am.
EUR18, 1h0m

10:30am

Train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu

Board a high-speed TGV train for a 2-hour journey from Paris to Lyon, offering comfortable seating and scenic views.
EUR50-70, 2h0m

12:30pm

Check-in at hotel and freshen up

Settle into your accommodation in Lyon city center to prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
Varies, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Taste Lyonnaise specialties like quenelles and saucisson at this famous indoor food market, open from 10am to 7pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:45pm

Explore Vieux Lyon

Stroll through the Renaissance district with its traboules (hidden passageways) and colorful buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free, 2h0m

4:45pm

Visit Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste)

Admire the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of this historic cathedral, open from 8am to 7pm.
Free, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles

Experience Lyon’s renowned bouchon cuisine with traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Open from 6pm to 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Lyon Sightseeing

Lyon, France on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with organic bread, pastries, and coffee at this relaxed bakery, open from 7am to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:15am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Take a funicular up to this stunning basilica offering panoramic views over Lyon. Open from 7am to 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Roman Theatres of Fourvière

Nearby ancient Roman ruins showcasing Lyon’s rich history, open from 9am to 7pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Café Comptoir Abel

Savor classic Lyonnaise dishes in one of the city’s oldest bistros, open from noon to 2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:45pm

Walk along the Rhône riverbanks

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride on the scenic river paths, perfect for relaxing.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Explore one of France’s premier fine arts museums in a former 17th-century abbey, open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR8, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Mère Brazier

Dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant known for exquisite Lyonnaise cuisine, open from 7pm to 9:30pm.
EUR80+, 2h0m