Things to do in  Lyon

Silk-making traditions and UNESCO neighborhoods aside, Lyon is best known as the French gastronomic capital. Home of the lauded chef Paul Bocuse, the city is acclaimed for its rustic and rich cuisine, its cozy bouchon Lyonnais eateries, and impressive food markets like the historic Les Halles de Lyon.

Browse Les Halles de Lyon early to see the food market with fewer people. Sit-down bistro fare or food-to-go are your lunch options; picnic-perfect Tête d'Or Park is a stroll away. After lingering at the in-park zoo, cross town to Vieux Lyon, where traboules and bouchon Lyonnais eateries await.

An easy hop by train from Paris or plane from London, Lyon is ideal for a long weekend getaway. Spend two full days to see the city’s markets and museums and your nights reveling in the city's abundant evening food and drink options.

One of Lyon’s main attractions is the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, which offers history and views in one fell swoop. Built around 17 BC, the site is one of the oldest Roman theaters in France with seating for some 10,000 people. Impressive history aside, the views alone wow.

There are two explanations behind the meaning of Lyon. Some believe the name derived from the French word for lion—meaning courageous warrior—while others suggest that the city’s original Roman name Lugdunum, the Latin form of a word for hill fortress, evolved to become Lyon.

Yes. Less touristy than Paris, the city offers both authentic French culture and cuisine and is worth making a part of your European trip. Lyon is also a good jumping-off point for wine and scenery lovers, as the Beaujolais wine region and Lake Annecy are within easy reach.