Cities We Love: Lyon

France will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first country I ever visited abroad—and the one I’ve returned to more than any other.

And when people ask me about my favorite destinations in France? Lyon is always one of the first places I mention.

But here’s the thing: it’s hard to explain exactly why.

Yes, it has world-class food. Yes, it’s beautiful, historic, and walkable. And yes, there are Roman ruins, riverside cafés, and leafy parks straight out of a postcard. But what really makes Lyon special isn’t always easy to define.

Some say Lyon is like a smaller, more approachable version of Paris—but the Lyonnais would definitely bristle at that comparison. Personally, I think Lyon's magic lies in its “Second City” energy.

It reminds me of my hometown, Chicago—another food-loving, centrally located city that often lives in the shadow of its flashier neighbor. Like Chicago, Lyon has a confident, quietly cool identity. It’s a city that doesn’t need to shout to be heard.

Both cities are built around rivers (Lyon has two—the Rhône and the Saône), and while the public transportation may not be as expansive as in Paris or New York, it’s easy to navigate on foot, by train, or by bike. It’s a city made for wandering—and for eating.

The Culinary Capital of France

Lyon is often called the gastronomic capital of France, and it lives up to the title. Located between wine regions and surrounded by farms, it has access to the best of everything.

The city is famous for its bouchons—traditional Lyonnais restaurants serving hearty dishes like salade lyonnaise, coq au vin, and sausages in Beaujolais sauce. There are around 70 bouchons in Lyon, but only 24 are officially accredited by Les Bouchons Lyonnais. Look for the clown logo outside the door—yes, really.

And while many travelers know the name Paul Bocuse, who helped usher in the nouvelle cuisine movement, you’ll also hear whispers (and accolades) for La Mère Brazier—Eugénie Brazier, the trailblazing female chef who came before him and trained many of France’s greats. Her legacy runs deep in Lyon’s culinary DNA.

A City That Invites You to Stay a While

When you’re not feasting on Lyonnais cuisine, stroll through Parc de la Tête d’Or—a vast urban park with a lake, botanical gardens, and even a small zoo. It’s especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves light up in golden reds and yellows.

Or wander through Lyon’s traboules, the secret passageways used by silk workers centuries ago. They’re a little hidden, a little mysterious, and incredibly fun to discover.

And then there are the Roman ruins—just tucked casually into neighborhoods and hillsides. It’s a bit surreal to stumble upon a 2,000-year-old amphitheater while on your morning walk.

How to Experience Lyon

You can see Lyon as part of a Rhône River cruise—but if you can, I highly recommend staying longer. The rhythm of the city, the food, the people, the light… it all reveals itself slowly and generously.

Thanks to its central location, Lyon also pairs beautifully with other destinations like Paris, Burgundy, Alsace, or Provence. Whether it’s your first time in France or your fifth, Lyon is a place that deserves to be experienced—not just seen.

Ready to add Lyon to your travel plans? Let’s chat.