Lyon
Lyon is France's culinary capital and a UNESCO-listed city of Roman ruins, Renaissance traboules, and world-class museums, all at prices noticeably lower than Paris. Flights, hotels, and even restaurant bills run 20-35% cheaper than the French capital, making it one of Europe's best-value big cities.
Why go to Lyon
Vieux-Lyon & the Traboules
Wander a labyrinth of secret Renaissance passageways that locals have used as shortcuts for 500 years.
Musée des Confluences
A jaw-dropping sci-fi titanium-and-glass museum where science, anthropology, and the cosmos collide.
Fourvière Basilica & Roman Theatres
Climb to a gilded hilltop basilica then step into 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatres still used for concerts.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
One of France's finest art collections, Rodin, Rubens, Monet, inside a grand 17th-century abbey.
Fête des Lumières (December)
A free four-night festival that transforms the entire city into a breathtaking open-air light-art gallery.
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Good to know in Lyon
- Transit: A single TCL metro/tram/bus ticket costs about $2; a 24-hour pass is ~$6 and covers the funicular up to Fourvière, skip taxis entirely for city sightseeing.
- Tipping: Tipping is not expected in France; service is included by law. Rounding up or leaving 1-2 euros for good service is generous and appreciated.
- Tap water: Tap water is perfectly safe and free everywhere in Lyon, always ask for 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants to avoid paying for bottled water.
- Free-entry days: The Musée des Beaux-Arts is free every Sunday morning (9am-12pm) and on the first Sunday of each month; the Musée des Confluences is free the first Sunday of the month.