Born and raised in south east France, you would think that I know Lyon like the back of my hand but surprisingly it was only my second stay in this city. Of course I had previously done the basics such as shopping at “La part Dieu”, strolling “Le parc de la tête d’or”, crossing the “Place Bellecour” and visiting a couple of “Traboules” which I all recommend; but this time around we really took the time to live a la Lyonnaise.
Where to stay:
- 3rd Arrondissement, we stayed at Apart'hotel Lyon Lumiere.
This hotel is ideal located, 2 min walk to the Lumiere institute and 3 min to the metro.
15 min to Part Dieu train station, 40 min to the airport. Delicious buffet breakfast with all you need and you even get a small kitchen in your room for when you need a break from delicious restaurants.
I would generally recommend this area, close to the main transportation hub and shopping streets.
Lyon is the capital city of french gastronomie so what you will mainly be doing there is visiting market halls, enjoying delicious food, eating in Bouchons (restaurants in Lyon serving traditionnal food), and eating some more. One tip bring comfortable clothes with elastic waistbands 😉
Les Garçons Bouchers 
Terre Adélice 
Market Hall Grand Hotel Dieu 
Momotaro 
Market Hall Paul Bocuse 
Market Hall Paul Bocuse 
Place Ambroise 3rd arr 
Rooftop Maison Nô 
Tarte à la praline – Les garçons Bouchers
Market Halls:
- Les halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse
- Les halles du Grand Hotel Dieu
- Les halles de la Martinière
This last one sells 100% organic food, vegetables, oysters, lobtsers and my favourite granolas of all time the numorning ones (among other things).
If you feel a bit overwhelmed in these food meccas, go for traditional food such as saucisson, oysters, quenelles, saucisson brioché, caillette, cheese, tarte à la praline, chocolate from Voisin and patisseries from Seve, they never disappoint.
Restaurants and other foodie places:
- Les garçons bouchers
- Les Apothicaires (I have not tested this one but it has been recommend by several friends - one thing though it is closed during the weekend!)
- Momotaro (If you feel like you need to eat something else beside cheese and saucisson, try this japanese restaurant best one I tried in the region!)
- Maison Nô (for a cool rooftop with a view - only had drinks there)
- Ice cream parlour Terre Adelice (I have never seen as many flavours anywhere else!)
You will definitely have plenty of things to do; museums, shopping, walks (some very steep ones) before heading to another restaurants.
Shopping:
- Grand Hôtel Dieu
A must visit even if you are not a shopping addict - beautifully converted hospital in the middle of the city.
- Rue de la République
- Centre La part Dieu
Museums:
- Musée des Confluences
- Institut Lumière
Dont miss the library opposite the location of the very first movie, I challenge you not to buy anything !!!
- Lugdunum, roman theater (free on sundays!)
Walks:
- La fresque des Lyonnais (and other fresque around the city)
- Les traboules
- Croix Rousse - Espace Gros Cailloux - La cour des Voraces
- Funicular to Fourvière (amazing view from the top)
- Along the river
Fourvière 
Fourvière 
The Saône or The Rhône (I never know) 
At the bottom of Fourvière 
Le vieux Lyon 
Grand Hôtel Dieu 
Grand Hôtel Dieu 
La cour des Voraces
One of the things that stroke me the most is how much Lyon changed since my last visit especially with the new Confluence neighborhood, the museum is brilliant,very interesting exhibitions with playful installations. The building itself is worth the visit.
Musée des Confluences 
Musée des Confluences 
Musée des Confluences
There is no best season to visit Lyon but you are probably aware that Lyon organises on December 8th the largest light show all over the city, this is one more cool reason to visit this city!
Feel free to ask me anything about Lyon in the comment section below, are you planning a trip there soon ?
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