Group Tour Operator for holidays to Lyon, France
Lyon: Capital of Gastronomy
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Lyon, France
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Lyon Town Hall, France
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Roman Theatre in Lyon, France
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Lyon, France
Take a group tour to Lyon, France’s capital of lights and gastronomy. France’s third-largest city boasts a fantastic array of experiences and activities, from its well-deserved culinary reputation and its distinct Bouchon cooking to the impressive Fête des Lumières.
Travel through the Lyon’s history, from its early days as a Roman refugee settlement to its reinvention as industrial, banking and culinary centre. Take in the impressive local museums and galleries and revel in the buzzing cafe and bar culture.
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Capital of Gastronomy
Lyon has a deserved reputation as the country’s ‘Capital of Gastronomy’. From the silk workers’ mâchon to the contents of the cooking pots of the ‘mères lyonnaises,’ the town has earned itself the firm reputation of a town in which the art of cooking has become a veritable religion.
For a quintessentially Lyonnais experience, sample some specialities in a bouchon and be sure to indulge in the delicious cuisine. During this tour, you’ll be treated to these traditional dishes on the secrets of Lyonnais Gastronomy guided tour as well as impressive architecture.
Lyon; City of Silk
However, this sophisticated riverside city isn’t just about food. Lyon also boasts a rich variety of history as traditional home of France’s silk weaving industry, impressive architecture and many more cultural gems waiting to be discovered. There’s plenty on offer in France’s second city. Lyon has a host of outstanding museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Featuring France’s finest collection of sculptures and paintings outside of Paris, this stunning museum is well worth a visit. Admire works from Monet, Matisse and Picasso.
Another masterpiece is the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. Intricate mosaics line this impressive work of late-19th-century French ecclesiastical architecture. There are also fantastic views from the terrace and you can climb to the roof for even better views. Furthermore there’s a free tour on offer, to discover more about the basilica and the crypt. Whatever your interests, Lyon makes for a fascinating city break.
Travelling to Lyon by train is highly convenient and allows you to make the most of your journey. Enquire for more details on travelling my EUROSTAR.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Travel to Lyon
Travel to Lyon via a Dover – Calais crossing stopping for an overnight in the Reims area. Upon arrival in Lyon on day 2, enjoy some free time to explore.
Day 3
Explore Old Lyon and discover the ‘traboules’
This morning we take a guided walking tour to hear stories and discover more than a few secrets. We visit Vieux-Lyon, the Old Town, seeking out the remarkable ‘traboules’, the famous covered passageways that weave their way between courtyards and through buildings. Now partially open to the public (if you know where to look!) they once provided safe and efficient passage for silk workers to get their wares to and from market.
Inner courtyards reveal hidden architectural treasures and ancient spiral staircases. In the afternoon, perhaps take the funicular up to Fourvière Hill to see the impressive Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The views are spectacular and you can walk along to the Roman amphitheatre.
Day 4
Capitale de la Gastronomie
Lyon sits at the confluence of two great rivers, the Rhône and the Saône. Here, you may want to find out more on a guided river cruise (optional) to see the new modern Lyon, including the Musee des Confluences, an innovative science and anthropology museum.
Perhaps you’d prefer to take a specialist gastronomic tour (optional) taking you to the Presqu’île district and Old Lyon, this visit includes culinary anecdotes, food tasting and a historical presentation of the UNESCO site, and will enable you to discover Lyon’s heritage as well as its gastronomy.
Or if you’d prefer just to have some free time to discover at your leisure, why not visit the Croix-Rousse district, the traditional home of Lyon’s silk weaving industry.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Lyonnais meal in a local Bouchon and celebrate your final night in Lyon.
Day 5-6
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Lyon and travel back to the UK via an overnight stop in the Reims area.
Suggested Hotels
Hotel Charlemagne ****
Located in Lyon’s 2nd arr. this hotel is only 5 km from the gardens of Parc de la Tête d’Or and close to the Gare Lyon Perrache train station in the heart of the city. The hotel offers a restaurant, as well as a bar/lounge with a garden terrace and rooms, some with private balconies, feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus work desks, tea and coffee making facilities, and room service. Paid coach parking available nearby.
Hotel Axotel Lyon ***
Located a 5-minute walk from the Sainte-Blandine tram stop, an 8-minute walk from the Gare de Lyon-Perrache train station. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, plus flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and desk. There’s a casual seafood restaurant with terrace seating and private dining spaces, as well as a bar with a pool table. Paid coach parking available a 4 minutes walk away.
Ibis Lyon Gare La Part Dieu *** – Inspected by Greatdays Staff
Just 300m from Lyon’s Part Dieu Station, where you will also find metro, bus, tram and Rhônexpress Airport shuttle. The 144 air conditioned rooms feature a desk, satellite TV and hairdryer. The hotel offers a bar, computer station, free Wi-Fi and terrace in summer. A continental buffet breakfast is served each morning and evening dinners can be arranged in its Courtepaille restaurant.
Mercure Lyon Gare La Part Dieu **** – Inspected by Greatdays Staff
Located 3 minutes from Lyon Part Dieu train station, this 4-star hotel offers you a comfortable stay in the heart of the business district. The hotel’s 108 spacious and air-conditioned rooms each have a private bathroom, LCD TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and free WIFI. The hotel also has a wine bar where you can relax.
Looking for alternative tours to France? See some of suggestions below:
| 6 days / 5 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
Please enquire for price by EUROSTAR.
