Itinerary for 5 day trip to Lyon in 2025 with kids and family

December 17, 2024

One of the most captivating cities is Lyon in the country of France. This is because the place has a great amount of historical background with lively culture and plenty of delicious gastronomy. The main highlight of this place is that it is surrounded by a mix of the Rhone and Saone rivers. If you visit this place, you will see it is filled with ancient charm and a vibe of modern atmosphere. Lyon is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the amazing architecture of the Renaissance building that is there, right from the Vieux Lyon to the Roman amphitheater at Fourviere Hill. Hence, today, we will be discussing what you can do if you are on a 5-day trip itinerary to Lyon.

Also, if you have any concerns about applying for the France Visa Application, we will talk about that before the end of this blog. So relax and keep reading.

Why is Lyon so famous?

If you want to know what Lyon is so famous for, then the only word that is prevalent is fascinating gastronomy. Due to this, Lyon attracts food lovers from all over the world. So, during your 5-day itinerary to Lyon, keep your stomach craving for different kinds of dishes. You can try the traditional bouchons. There are even other authentic French dishes such as quenelles, coq au vin, and praline tarts.

Now, apart from the food, Lyon has also attained UNESCO World Heritage status, as it has many places that have historical significance. Some of the major landmarks are the Roman amphitheater, Fourviere Basilica, and Vieux Lyon. Did you know Lyon is also the birthplace of cinema? It was first started by the Lumiere brothers, which rose to great cultural prominence.

Talking about festivals, one of the legendary ones is the Fete des Lumieres, also known as the Festival of Lights. The entire city glows with the extraordinary light displays in the month of December.

Now, if you consider the natural picturesque landscapes, it has a confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. That background is absolutely amazing, and you can take a lot of photos with your loved ones. Don’t miss out on the bustling markets.

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Travel Tips for visiting Lyon

If you can plan a 5-day Itinerary to Lyon, then it will be enough to experience the great historic city and immerse yourself in the vibrant life. We recommend that you start your day exploring UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon. You will have to walk to enjoy the entire landmark on foot. There will even be hidden traboules, which are hidden passageways to explore. Head to Fourviere Hill to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. There is even a funicular railway available to help you go to the top.

Try to allocate around 2 to 3 days so that you can explore the main attractions in Lyon. Along the way, savor the tasty culinary delights, such as the traditional Bouchon. Most of the city is highly walkable, but you can take advantage of the efficient transport system. That includes trams and metros as well to travel to longer distances.

How many days in Lyon is enough?

As we have mentioned before, if you plan a 5-day itinerary to Lyon, then out of that, around 2 to 3 days is enough to experience the city’s key attractions without feeling rushed. Go to the Vieux Lyon, followed by Saint Jean Cathedral, along with the unique traboules. Then, the next day, visit the Fourviere Basilica to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, then go to the Roman ruins on Fourviere Hill.

Walk around the Presqu’ile district to enjoy the lively squares, do so shopping in luxury arenas, and have great dining experiences. Our recommendation is that food lovers should keep some extra time to have a traditional Bouchon. There is even another option to take a stroll through the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, which is Lyon’s famous indoor food market. Then you should visit the Parc de la Tete d’Or or reserve a river cruise tour. Rest of the days you can relax and soak in the cultural atmosphere of Lyon.

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Is Lyon a walkable city?

You can consider walking most of the city in your 5-day Itinerary to Lyon as the city is compact in size and the neighborhoods are well preserved. Like the famous UNESCO heritage Vieux Lyon, it can be best experienced if you explore everywhere on foot. Do not miss out on the traboules, which are interesting hidden passageways in Lyon.

Coming to the Presqu’ile district, which is located between the Rhone and Saone rivers, is very pedestrian-friendly. The place is filled with crowded squares, lots of shops, and cafes to relax. If you want to view good scenery while walking, then just head to the Rhone riverbanks. There is even a park called Parc de la Tête d’Or, where you just stroll leisurely. If you have kids and can’t walk more freely, then use the transport facilities of funicular and trams. It shouldn’t be an issue.

Best month to go to Lyon

If you are going for a 5-day Itinerary to Lyon, then visit during the months of May, June, September, and October. This is because the weather will be very pleasant and the city will be very lively. The temperatures will be between 15 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius, which makes it ideal to explore Lyon’s streets, outdoor markets, and all the historic landmarks.

If you go during the Spring season in the months of May and June, the flowers will bloom everywhere; festivals will be happening with a welcoming atmosphere. And during the autumn season in the months of September and October offers stunning scenery with quieter crowds of people. Though December will be very cold, you should definitely watch the Fete des Lumieres, also known as the Festival of Lights.

What is the rainiest month in Lyon?

If you plan your 5-day itinerary to Lyon during the month of November, then prepare to face rainfall and cooler temperatures. Usually, during this time, the city experiences an average of 10 to 12 rainy days. This is why the humidity levels will also go high compared to other months.

Well, the outdoor activities will be a little difficult to visit, there are a lot of indoor attractions to explore. You can go to the Musee des Beaux-Arts to indulge in Kyon’s culinary delights at traditional bouchons. If you like shopping, go to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.

Keep in mind that you will have to pack waterproof gear such as raincoats and sturdy shoes to have a comfortable stay.

Most Places visited in Lyon

Now coming to the main topic of this blog. This can help you in planning a 5-day itinerary to Lyon in common places that are visited in Lyon. One of the most famous landmarks which you should visit is the Vieux Lyon. It is considered a historic old town and is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a place that you should also visit right at the foot of Fourviere Hill. The entire place is filled with cobblestone streets where you can enjoy taking a stroll around. While walking, enjoy the view of Renaissance architecture and a calm, vibrant atmosphere. Proceed next to the Saint Jean Cathedral, which is a stunning architectural marvel featuring both Gothic and Romanesque styles. It is even famous for an astronomical clock that truly amazes viewers.

Now, the main highlight of exploring Vieux Lyon is not complete without seeing the traboules. They are the hidden passageways that were used by the silk workers once to transport goods. You will find that these secret alleys offer a feeling of mystery and adventure. It will even take you through the beautifully preserved courtyards and narrow corridors.

The entire district has lines of traditional bouchons restaurants that serve famous dishes such as quenelles and coq au vin. Food lovers will find this place an absolute paradise.

Apart from this, the area of Vieux Lyon consists of fantastic boutique shops, markets filled with artisanal products, and plenty of street performers to create a lively atmosphere. Thus, Vieux Lyon is a must-visit place to go when you are coming to Lyon.

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Best famous shopping street in Lyon

You can consider going to La Rep, also known as Rue de la Republique, in your 5-day itinerary to Lyon. It is one of the famous shopping streets and is considered as the haven for shoppers. It is located right in the Presquile district. You get everything, starting from high street brands, splendid luxury boutiques, and charming cafes. Just walk from Place Bellecour to Place de la Comedie, and you will get everything from fashion, beauty, or home decoration.

After you are done with shopping , head to the nearby cafes to sit,eat and relax.

Is Lyon cheaper than Paris?

If you consider the cost for a 5-day itinerary in Lyon compared to Paris, then it is very much cheap. That includes accommodation, dining, and transportation. You can even enjoy high-quality meals without paying a hefty price. Public transports are very much decent and less expensive. You have options of traveling in trams, buses, and metro to travel the entire city. Lastly, the popular attractions that are mentioned before, like Vieux and Fourviere Basilica, are either free or come with minimal entry fees.

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Conclusion

Thus, to conclude your visit for a 5-day itinerary to Lyon will surely be an unforgettable experience. Lyon is quite diverse, right from its UNESCO Heritage Sites to splendid shopping streets and world-class food. Whatever your interest is, such as taking a stroll in the cobblestone streets, eating delicious foods at bouchons, or enjoying the spectacular views from Fourviere Hill, the city has something for everyone. You can choose to walk or use the great public transport system makes it an ideal destination for all kinds of travelers.

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