Top 3 Itineraries in Lyon

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Lyon.

If you only have a few days, Lyon weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Lyon offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Lyon are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Lyon’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Lyon offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover France's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Lyon truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Lyon belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Lyon are just a quick search away.

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Discover the perfect Lyon itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Lyon for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Lyon without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Lyon!

A scenic 4-day road trip through Lyon, Arles, Gordes, Pérouges, and Avignon is one of the best ways to experience France. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 4-day itinerary means that Lyon can easily be combined with other top destinations in France without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Lyon, Arles, Gordes, Pérouges, and Avignon by public transport, renting a car in France opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 4 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Lyon

• Arrival city: Lyon, Arles, Gordes, Pérouges, and Avignon
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Lyon, e.g., Intercontinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Lyon. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Arles and Avignon

• Destinations: Arles and Avignon
• Driving distance: 267.36 km, approx. 3 hours and 23 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Arles, e.g., Mas Fandelou
• Sightseeing: Jardin des Doms, Palais des Papes, Arles Amphitheatre, Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon), and Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles
• Recommended tour: 4x4 Camargue Safari 4h - Departure from Arles

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Jardin des Doms, Palais des Papes, Arles Amphitheatre, Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon), and Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Arles and Avignon, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Arles.

Day 3: Discover Gordes, Pérouges, and Carpentras

• Destinations: Gordes, Pérouges, and Carpentras
• Driving distance: 450.13 km, approx. 6 hours and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Lyon, e.g., Intercontinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu
• Sightseeing: Lavender Trail, Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, and Village des Bories
• Recommended tour: Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English)

Spend the day exploring Lavender Trail, Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, and Village des Bories. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Lyon.

Day 4: Bid Farewell to Lyon

• Departure city: Lyon
• Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds
• Sightseeing: Place Bellecour

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Lyon. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 493 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Lyon.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Lyon for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Lyon with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Lyon and Lyon's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Lyon without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Lyon

Arrive in Lyon and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Place Bellecour.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Nuage café is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Lyon's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Lyon by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Musée Cinéma et Miniature, Parc des Hauteurs, Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Lyon. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Lyon in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Lyon

Use this day to discover more of Lyon’s top sights. We recommend visiting Mur des Canuts, Parc de la Tête d'Or, La Maison des Canuts, and Porte des Enfants du Rhône.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Lyon in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Lyon's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Lyon’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Lyon

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Palais de la Bourse de Lyon, Fresco "The library of the city", Musée de l'imprimerie et de la communication graphique, Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, and Bartholdi Fountain are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Lyon.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Lyon. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of France!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Lyon

Spend your last few hours in Lyon soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Lyon in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Lyon, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Lyon travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Lyon offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life. But with so many things to see and do in Lyon, fitting it all into a short visit can easily feel overwhelming.

However, with a well-planned Lyon itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Lyon weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Lyon

Arrive in Lyon around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Lyon’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Lyon with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Musée Cinéma et Miniature early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, stopping by Parc de la Tête d'Or for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Lyon and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Lyon

Make the most of your last few hours in Lyon before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Lyon. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Lyon itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Lyon, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered. For those curious about the city’s highlights, our guide to the best things to do in Lyon offers plenty of inspiration.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Lyon for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Lyon. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Lyon in a way that feels truly unforgettable!