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Say Bonjour to Lyon: France’s Underrated Gem 💫
Bouchons, basilicas, secret passageways — why Lyon should be your next French adventure.
Take More Adventures
April 24, 2025
Hey Adventurer! 🌲❄️
Tucked between the Alps and the Rhône, Lyon is the French city that never brags… but absolutely should. With cobbled streets, secret tunnels, a food scene that gives Paris a run for its money, and a Roman theater perched on a hill — this place is the real deal.
🗳️ TMA TRIVIA TIME:
📬 Click to vote and we’ll share the answer in the outro.
13 Best Things to Do in Lyon
Whether you’re here for history, wine, or to casually say “Oh yes, I once cruised the Saône at sunset…”, we’ve got 13 of the best things to do in Lyon — from grand basilicas to puppet shows and pastel de natas.
🏞 Stroll Parc de la Tête d’Or
One of France’s largest parks and free to enter — perfect for lazy picnics, boat rentals, botanical gardens, and spotting giraffes. Yes, giraffes.
🧵 Silk Shops & Puppets Catch a Guignol puppet show or visit the last silk workshops in town for a true taste of Lyon’s craft history. ⚡ Ampère Museum A charming, underrated science museum dedicated to electricity and named after that Ampère. Expect cool experiments and hands-on history. 🏛️ Presqu’île & Vieux Lyon Wander through a UNESCO-listed maze of traboules (secret passageways), Renaissance buildings, and some of the best shopping streets in France. Take in the city views from this hilltop basilica. It’s ornate, jaw-dropping, and a peaceful spot to pause. |
🏺 Gallo-Roman Museum Ancient amphitheaters, mosaics, and an underground museum that tells the story of Lyon’s Roman roots. 🎭 Nuits de Fourvière Festival If you’re here in summer, this iconic arts festival brings opera, circus, and music under the stars. This indoor gourmet market is heaven for foodies — think truffle cheese, perfect croissants, and everything Lyonnaise cuisine is known for. 🎨 Musée des Beaux-Arts Art lovers, don’t miss this. From Egyptian artifacts to Monet masterpieces — it’s France’s second biggest fine arts museum after the Louvre. |
🕵️♀️ Traboule Treasure Hunt Sneak through Lyon’s hidden passageways, once used by silk workers (and later by the Resistance in WWII). Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. 🕍 Vieux Lyon & Old Cathedrals Explore the city’s medieval heart, visit Lyon Cathedral, and watch the astronomical clock do its thing. 🎨 Lyon Street Art The city’s walls are a gallery — look out for massive murals and tile art in unexpected places (even the hospitals get artsy). 🚤 Sunset River Cruise Hop on a boat and float past the old town with a glass of wine in hand. Très romantique. |
👉 Pro tip: The Lyon City Card gets you free access to most museums, public transport, and even river cruises. Worth it!
🧐 FAQ: Quick Tips for Visiting Lyon
Q: What is Lyon best known for?
A: Food! Lyon is France’s culinary capital—think bouchons, coq au vin, and silk history. It’s also home to traboules (hidden alleyways), Roman ruins, and epic festivals like the Festival of Lights.
Q: Is Lyon worth visiting?
A: Absolutely. Whether you’re into food, architecture, or festivals, Lyon delivers.
Q: How long should I stay?
A:
2–3 days for highlights
4–5 days for deeper dives
A week+ if you want food tours, museums, and nearby day trips like Beaujolais or Annecy.
🇫🇷 Until Next Time: Lyon Left Us Hungry for More
From secret passageways to riverside cruises and rose-filled parks to Paul Bocuse-worthy bites, Lyon knows how to charm. Whether you’re into history, food, art, or architecture, this city’s got layers—like a perfect pastry. ✈️ Stay curious. Stay adventurous. Stay tuned. —Team TMA 🧠 Answer Reveal: It’s C!A traboule is a covered passageway that cuts through buildings and courtyards, allowing people to move between streets more quickly—especially useful back when Lyon’s silk workers needed secret shortcuts. Today, they’re one of the city’s most fascinating hidden gems. 🕵️♀️ |
🌍 More Travel Inspiration!
If you’re dreaming of budget-friendly adventures, we’ve got plenty more guides to help you plan your next trip:
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Wherever you’re headed, we’re here to help you Take More Adventures! ✈️🌎 🚀