Lyon is a large city and is full of diverse and spectacular districts. Among the ten most popular districts of Lyon, we can find the famous Vieux Lyon.
For an efficient and complete visit, discover how to visit Vieux Lyon in one day with our detailed guide.
The morning in Vieux Lyon
You can start your visit to Vieux Lyon, one of the most picturesque districts of the city of Lyon, as early as 8:30 a.m. by enjoying a delicious breakfast at Café 203, accessible in 1 minute from the exit of Metro line D “Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean.”
After gathering strength for the whole morning, you can walk up along Quai Fulchiron and Quai Romain Rolland while enjoying the Saône. After a 5-minute walk, you arrive at the back of the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Visit of the cathedral
You can admire this magnificent cathedral combining the Gothic style and the Romanesque style. Also called Primatiale Saint-Jean, the cathedral is one of the emblematic monuments of Vieux Lyon. From the outside, you can marvel at its impressive architecture, its colorful stained glass windows, and its astronomical clock.
After admiring the exterior, do not hesitate to go inside to understand why so many people come to visit Vieux Lyon and this magnificent cathedral. You can also admire the refined interior architecture with its immense columns, its paintings, and its sculptures.
Once your visit to the Cathédrale Saint-Jean is over, you can take the street of the same name and walk up to number 68 to begin a tour of the city through the famous traboules of Lyon.
The traboules of Vieux Lyon
The traboules, secret passageways that make the decision to visit Vieux Lyon so unique and memorable, are unique and typical passageways of Lyon dating from the medieval period.
The district of Vieux Lyon houses many interesting traboules to explore. These narrow passageways between buildings will allow you to discover the hidden charm of Vieux Lyon. Stroll through its cobbled streets and discover these secret passages that will lead you to inner courtyards, art galleries, craft shops, spiral staircases, and old facades.
We have prepared a route passing through the most interesting traboules to visit in Vieux Lyon and leading to Place Saint-Jean.
1st stage: the Saint-Jean district
You can begin by taking the traboule at 68 rue Saint-Jean, which will bring you out onto rue des Antonins. Once outside, continue to the Maison des Avocats where you can enjoy the courtyard and the Bombarde gardens. In this house is located the Musée Cinéma et Miniature. You will also find your 2nd traboule at 10–14 rue de la Bombarde, which leads back onto rue Saint-Jean.
Go to “La Longue Traboule” at 54 rue Saint-Jean, which is connected to 27 rue du Bœuf. This traboule is the longest and crosses four courtyards and four buildings. Then go up rue du Bœuf, passing in front of Place Neuve Saint-Jean. Do not hesitate to stop to discover the Maison du Crible and its Tour Rose at 16 rue du Bœuf.
Continue going up rue du Bœuf until the traboule at 24 rue Saint-Jean, which will bring you out on the other side of the street of the same name. This traboule is connected to the “Vive la Couleur” traboule at 6 rue des Trois Maries, which will bring you out on the other side of the same street.
2nd stage: Quai Romain-Rolland
To continue your visit of Vieux Lyon, go to the traboule at 20 quai Romain-Rolland, which brings you out on the other side of the quay, then take the one at 18 quai Romain-Rolland, which leads out onto rue des Trois Maries.
Continue with the traboule at 17 quai Romain-Rolland, which once again brings you out on the other side of the quay, and go up to 11–12 quai Romain-Rolland, which leads out onto rue Saint-Jean.
Take the traboule at 10 quai Romain-Rolland, connected to the traboule at 2 place du Gouvernement. The 16th-century building once housed the Hostellerie de Saint-Christophe, which welcomed travelers. The building has preserved some Gothic decorative elements. The traboule leads to the upper courtyard, then located above the stable, and then rejoins Quai Romain Rolland.
3rd stage: Place Saint-Paul
To finish the traboules along the Saône, take the traboule at 7 quai Romain-Rolland, which will bring you out onto Place du Change.
Then go up rue de la Juiverie to the Philibert de l’Orme gallery, which connects to the Maison Bullioud and comes out at 8 rue Juiverie.
Take the last traboule at 3 place Saint-Paul, which leads out onto rue François Vernay, and finally go up the street to finish at Place Saint-Paul.
The lunch break in a small bouchon lyonnais
After this busy morning of sightseeing, it is time to fill your stomach. For that, you can discover a true bouchon lyonnais near Place Saint-Paul where the traboules have led you. The bouchon Les Fines Gueules will delight your taste buds thanks to its traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
If, however, you wish to return to Place Saint-Jean, you can go back there on foot by walking along the street of the same name. You will be able to enjoy the many shops of all kinds as well as the bouchons lyonnais that line it.
On this street, we can recommend most of the bouchons, but to help you, here are a few:
Le Bouchon des Cordeliers
Nestled in the heart of Lyon’s historic district, Le Bouchon des Cordeliers is an unmissable stop for gourmets eager to discover the authenticity of Lyonnaise cuisine. Ranked among the best tables in the city, this emblematic restaurant offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, ideal for those who wish to visit Lyon.
With its typically Lyonnaise décor and welcoming service, each dish served is a celebration of traditional flavors, making every visit a memorable experience. Whether for a quick lunch or an extended dinner, Le Bouchon des Cordeliers is the promise of an authentic culinary journey in the heart of the capital of gastronomy.
Le Tire-Bouchon
Le Tire-Bouchon, located in the picturesque Vieux Lyon, is more than a restaurant, it is a true culinary institution that attracts lovers of fine food from all over the world. In this intimate and welcoming setting, guests are invited to discover a menu rich in Lyonnaise specialties, prepared with expertise and passion.
Le Tire-Bouchon stands out not only for the quality of its cuisine, but also for its warm atmosphere and attentive service. Perfect for a gastronomic stop when visiting Lyon in one day, this bouchon offers a memorable experience, where tradition and conviviality meet for the greatest pleasure of gourmets.
Le Bouchon Bât-d’Argent
Le Bouchon Bât-d’Argent is an emblematic address in Lyon, renowned for its traditional Lyonnaise cuisine and its warm atmosphere. Located in the lively city center, this typical bouchon offers a gourmet escape for those who wish to visit Lyon. With its authentic setting and friendly welcome, Le Bouchon Bât-d’Argent is the ideal place to soak up the Lyonnaise spirit while savoring regional dishes prepared with care and passion. A stop at Bouchon Bât-d’Argent is synonymous with a rich culinary experience, a true invitation to discover Lyon’s gastronomic heritage.
Le Bouchon Tupin
Le Bouchon Tupin, located in the heart of the lively Cordeliers district of Lyon, is a popular address for its warm atmosphere and generous cuisine. This establishment offers a true immersion in Lyonnaise culinary tradition, with dishes skillfully prepared to delight the most demanding palates.
Renowned for its attentive service and authentic setting, Le Bouchon Tupin is the ideal place for those who wish to visit Lyon in one day and discover the essence of the region’s gastronomy. A stop in this bouchon is synonymous with an unforgettable culinary journey, where tradition blends perfectly with quality and authenticity.
Do not hesitate to book and to look at the traditional dishes, which do not always appeal to the little ones or to the grown-ups.
The afternoon on a walk
After enjoying your meal, why not digest by taking a walk through the streets of Vieux Lyon to the Saint-Georges district? This district of Vieux Lyon is located further south of the Cathédrale Saint-Jean and is full of cobbled alleys, craft shops, colorful houses, Gothic churches, and picturesque little squares.
You can then walk up along Quai Fulchiron while enjoying the Saône to reach the funicular and discover the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. In addition to admiring and visiting this neo-Gothic work, you can enjoy the panorama offered by the hill overlooking the city of Lyon.
To continue with a more cultural visit of Vieux Lyon, you can look at the museums that Vieux Lyon offers. You can find the Musée Cinéma et Miniature previously mentioned, but also the Petit Musée de Guignol, the Musée d’Histoire de Lyon, and the Musée Gadagne.
Dinner
To continue this day dedicated to Vieux Lyon, we can only recommend that you cross the Passerelle Saint-Georges of Lyon, rue Sala, and finally the Pont de l’Université of Lyon to arrive at the boat restaurant Hermès.
You can thus enjoy a delicious meal while taking a beautiful cruise on the Rhône and discovering illuminated monuments that you did not have time to see during your day.
The evening
To end your day beautifully, and if you still have energy, the Guignol puppet shows are a must when you decide to visit Vieux Lyon. At La Maison du Guignol, you can attend a puppet show of the famous character Guignol, an emblematic figure of Lyonnais folklore. These short, funny, and interactive shows will allow you to immerse yourself in Lyon’s culture.
You can finish with a night walk through the illuminated and lively streets of Vieux Lyon to reach the metro station.
And to rest at the end of this exciting day, you can enjoy the Campsite des Barolles, its proximity to Lyon, and its peacefulness. Accessible in less than 20 minutes by car and in less than 40 minutes by public transport, the campsite is the ideal place to rest before visiting another district of Lyon. And if you wish to discover other calmer activities around the Camping des Barolles, there are a large number of open-air markets, public swimming pools, and forest walks.