Spending a weekend in Lyon and not sure where to start? Lyon is one of France’s richest cities for cultural, gastronomic and architectural experiences — but you need to know where to look. Here is our guide to the 10 absolute must-dos in Lyon for a weekend, written by locals.
1. Visit the vaulted cellars of Le Petit Musée du Vin — the off-the-beaten-track experience
For something beyond the usual tourist circuit, Le Petit Musée du Vin is one of Lyon’s most original addresses. Hidden in the heart of the Guillotière neighbourhood (Lyon 7th), it offers an immersive journey through 18th-century vaulted cellars — one hour of sensory discovery covering the history of wine, terroirs, winemaking and the trades of the vine.
The highlight: the tour ends with a self-guided tasting of up to 8 selected wines — and you leave with your glass as a gift.
- Price: €25 / person, all inclusive
- Duration: approximately 1 hour
- Open: Thursday to Sunday — practical info
- Address: 3 rue Passet, Lyon 7th (5 min walk from Bellecour)
Perfect for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon — an experience your travel companions will ask you to repeat.
2. Get lost in the traboules of Vieux-Lyon
The traboules are Lyon’s best-kept secret — these covered passageways cut through Renaissance buildings to link two streets via interior courtyards. About forty are accessible to the public in Vieux-Lyon (5th arrondissement) and La Croix-Rousse (4th).
Best done with a guide or by following the Tourist Office map.
3. Take the funicular up to Fourvière
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière dominates Lyon from the heights. The funicular (departing from Vieux-Lyon) climbs in a few minutes to the forecourt, with a sweeping panoramic view over the entire city.
Not to miss: the basilica’s interior mosaics, and the Roman ruins of the ancient theatre right next door.
4. Browse the Halles Paul Bocuse — the belly of Lyon
The Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (Lyon 3rd) is the temple of Lyonnais gastronomy. Fromageries, charcutiers, pâtissiers, chocolatiers, fishmongers — everything Lyon does best is gathered under one roof. Perfect for a Saturday morning.
Tip: arrive before 10am to avoid the crowds and take time to taste on the spot.
5. Explore the Croix-Rousse neighbourhood
La Croix-Rousse (“the hill that works”) is the neighbourhood of the Canuts — the silk workers who built Lyon’s fortune. Today it’s the city’s bohemian and creative district, with its markets, artists’ studios and pétanque grounds.
To do: the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse market on Saturday or Sunday morning, and the Canut traboules.
6. Dinner in a Lyonnais bouchon
Lyon without a bouchon is like Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Lyonnais bouchons are the city’s traditional restaurants, with their checked tablecloths, tabliers de sapeur and pike quenelles. A few well-regarded addresses: Le Garet, Chez Hugon, Le Bouchon des Carnivores.
Book ahead, especially at the weekend — the best tables fill up fast.
7. Take a cruise on the Saône or the Rhône
Lyon is built between two rivers — the Saône and the Rhône — and it’s from the water that you best understand its geography. The Les Bateaux Lyonnais commentary cruises depart from Quai des Célestins and last between 1 and 2 hours.
A romantic option for a couples’ weekend — or simply a way to see the city from a different angle.
8. Visit the Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences (Lyon 2nd), with its spectacular glass and steel architecture at the tip of the peninsula, hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions on science, societies and cultures. Free on the first Sunday of the month.
9. Walk along the Banks of the Rhône
The Banks of the Rhône (left bank, Lyon 7th) are one of France’s most beautiful promenades. Developed as a 5km greenway, they run along the river between the Pont de la Guillotière and the Parc de Gerland.
On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s the ideal spot for a picnic, cycling or a simple stroll by the water.
10. Discover the street art of the Guillotière neighbourhood
The Guillotière neighbourhood (Lyon 7th), often overlooked by tourists, is one of Lyon’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas. It’s home to numerous street art works, colourful food markets and restaurants from around the world.
It’s also where Le Petit Musée du Vin is located — the perfect opportunity to combine both.
Planning your Lyon weekend: practical tips
- How to get here: Lyon is accessible by TGV from Paris (2h), Marseille (1h45) or Bordeaux (3h15). Lyon Part-Dieu station is the main hub.
- Getting around: The TCL network (metro, tram, bus, Vélo’v) covers the whole city. A 24h Pass is available at the airport and at the station.
- Book ahead: many experiences (wine museum, bouchons, cruises) fill up at weekends. Book in advance via Smeetz for Le Petit Musée du Vin.
Lyon is waiting for you — and so are its cellars.