Cheap city break Lyon
Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France, with the largest Renaissance quarter in Europe, two rivers, hidden traboules and a basilica with a panorama. Direct from Schiphol in 1 hour 30. 3 days from €260 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Lyon →When is the best time to go?
May, June, September and October are ideal: 20 to 26 degrees and terraces along the Rhône and the Saône without the crowds. July and August are warm, but many locals are away then so some bouchons close. Early December is special thanks to the Fête des Lumières, the famous light festival around 8 December.
The best areas in Lyon
- Vieux Lyon The largest continuous Renaissance quarter in Europe (UNESCO), with the Saint-Jean cathedral and the secret passageways called traboules.
- Presqu'île The peninsula between the two rivers with Place Bellecour, smart shops and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
- Croix-Rousse The hill of the silk weavers (canuts): bohemian, with markets, workshops and yet more traboules.
- Confluence The modern south where the Rhône and Saône meet, with the futuristic Musée des Confluences.
- Part-Dieu The business centre around the main railway station, handy and with the big covered market nearby.
Top 5 things to do in Lyon
- Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica A white basilica high on the hill with free entry and a free panorama over the city (the funicular up costs a standard TCL ticket).
- Vieux Lyon and the traboules Wander the Renaissance lanes and slip through the free traboules from courtyard to courtyard.
- Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse The covered market hall and temple of Lyonnais cuisine, for quenelles, cheese and oysters.
- Musée des Confluences A striking science and anthropology museum in a cloud of steel and glass (€16).
- Parc de la Tête d'Or The largest urban park in France (117 hectares) with a lake, a free zoo and a botanical garden (free).
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
There is no direct flight from Eindhoven, but from Schiphol you fly direct to Lyon (LYS) in about 1 hour 30 with KLM, and cheaply in season with Transavia from around €25 one way. The Rhônexpress tram takes you from the airport to the centre in 30 minutes. In the city you travel with TCL: a single ticket costs €2 (valid 1 hour on metro, tram, bus and the funicular), a day pass about €6.20. Insider: the two Roman theatres next to the Fourvière basilica are free to visit and offer the same view as the busy steps.
What does a Lyon city break cost?
Hostels from €25, mid-range hotels €70 to 120 per night. Eating in a bouchon: lunch menu €17, a plat du jour €14, a glass of Côtes du Rhône €4. For 3 days budget from €260 per person including the flight.
Plan better with these guides
Practical tips to get more travel value from the same budget:
Frequently asked questions about Lyon
When is the best time for a Lyon city break?
May, June, September and October: 20 to 26 degrees and terraces along the rivers without the crowds. Early December is special thanks to the Fête des Lumières light festival.
Which area is best to stay in Lyon?
Vieux Lyon and the Presqu'île: central, atmospheric and within walking distance of most sights and bouchons.
How do I get to Lyon from the Netherlands?
There is no direct flight from Eindhoven; from Schiphol you fly direct to Lyon (LYS) in about 1 hour 30 with KLM, and cheaply in season with Transavia.
What does a Lyon city break cost?
From €260 per person for 3 days including the flight; hostels from €25 and mid-range hotels €70 to 120 per night.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Lyon?
Hotels, holiday homes and hostels in Lyon on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
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