9-Day Lyon Trip: Copy This Itinerary

Day 1 starts at Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore. Take a 15-minute funicular ride (~€2) down to Vieux Lyon for lunch and stroll, starting at 11 AM for 2 hours. At 1:30 PM, enjoy Parc de la Tête d'Or; take a 10-minute metro ride (~€2) from Vieux Lyon to the park entrance.

Attractions

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

Perched high above Lyon, this basilica offers stunning views of the city and breathtaking architectural beauty, making it a must-see for every visitor.

Vieux Lyon

Explore the charming Renaissance district filled with narrow streets, traboules, and vibrant architecture that tell the story of Lyon's rich history.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

This beautiful urban park is perfect for a relaxing stroll, jogging, or a picnic, featuring a lake, botanical gardens, and a small zoo.

Start Day 2 at Musée des Confluences at 9 AM - allow 2 hours. Travel by tram line T1 (30 minutes, ~€2) to La Croix-Rousse at 11:30 AM for 90 minutes exploring the vibrant district. Afterward, take bus line C1 (15 minutes, ~€2) to Place des Terreaux at 1:30 PM for a 1-hour visit to its stunning square and fountain. Enjoy a balanced mix of culture and leisure!

Attractions

Musée des Confluences

A strikingly modern museum dedicated to the natural and cultural sciences, offering fascinating exhibits on humanity and the environment.

La Croix-Rousse

Known for its artistic vibe and silk-making history, this hilltop neighborhood offers vibrant street art, shops, and panoramic city views.

Place des Terreaux

This lively square, with its stunning fountain and historic architecture, is a perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying local cafés.

Day 3 begins at Rue du Bœuf at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to explore its charming architecture. Take a 15-minute walk to Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, starting at 10:30 AM for a 45-minute visit. Next, enjoy a 5-minute tram ride (~€1.80) to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse by 11:45 AM, where you can savor gourmet delights for 1.5 hours.

Attractions

Rue du Bœuf

This quaint street features a mix of local shops and boutiques, perfect for shopping for unique souvenirs and artisanal products.

Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

The City Hall of Lyon, an exquisite example of Renaissance architecture, hosts various cultural events and is a stunning backdrop for photos.

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

This famous food market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of local delicacies, fresh produce, and gourmet products.

Day 4 starts at Basilique Saint-Martin-d’Ainay at 9 AM for 45 minutes. Then, take a 10-minute tram ride (~€2) to Confluence, allowing 2 hours to explore. Finally, enjoy a 15-minute tram journey (~€2) to the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon at 12:45 PM, spending 2.5 hours there. All attractions are conveniently organized by proximity to the city center, ensuring a balanced day of culture and leisure.

Attractions

Basilique Saint-Martin-d’Ainay

A lesser-known gem, this stunning basilica boasts remarkable architecture and peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect retreat from the city bustle.

Confluence

A modern shopping destination offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, ideal for a leisurely shopping day.

Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

One of the largest fine arts museums in France, showcasing an impressive collection ranging from ancient Egypt to modern art, set in a beautiful palace.

Day 5 starts at Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to explore this stunning Gothic cathedral. Next, take a 10-minute walk to Le Mercière, arriving by 10:30 AM for a delightful 1-hour brunch. At 12 PM, head to Parc de la Tête d'Or, a 10-minute taxi ride (~€15) - enjoy this beautiful park for 2 hours of leisurely strolls and relaxation.

Attractions

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

This Gothic cathedral is famous for its stunning architecture, astronomical clock, and the beautiful rose window, offering a serene and historic atmosphere.

Le Mercière

A picturesque street bustling with boutiques, cafés, and artisan shops, providing an authentic shopping experience in the heart of Lyon.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

A large urban park with a beautiful lake, botanical garden, and zoo, perfect for leisure activities and picnics.

Day 1 starts at the Eiffel Tower at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to enjoy the views. Travel by Metro Line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Palais Royal - Louvre (approx. 30 mins, €2). Arrive at the Louvre Museum by 11:30 AM - spend 3 hours exploring. At 3 PM, take a 15-minute Metro ride on Line 1 to Notre-Dame Cathedral (approx. €2) for a 90-minute visit to this iconic site.

Attractions

Eiffel Tower

No visit to Paris is complete without marveling at the iconic Eiffel Tower, offering breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks.

Louvre Museum

Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa, the Louvre Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and history buffs alike.

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris

A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is famous for its stunning façade and rich history, situated on Île de la Cité.

Day 2 starts at Champs-Élysées at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to enjoy shopping and people-watching. Travel via metro Line 1 from Charles de Gaulle - Étoile to Abbesses (30 mins, ~€1.90). Arrive at Montmartre by 11:30 AM - spend 2 hours exploring the artistic streets and Sacré-Cœur. Take metro Line 12 from Abbesses to Cité (25 mins, ~€1.90) to reach Sainte-Chapelle at 2 PM - spend 1 hour marveling at the stained glass.

Attractions

Champs-Élysées

Stroll along the famous Champs-Élysées, lined with theaters, cafés, and high-end shops, perfect for shopping and experiencing Parisian culture.

Montmartre

Experience the artistic charm of Montmartre, famous for its bohemian vibe, cobblestone streets, and the stunning Basilica of Sacré-Cœur.

Sainte-Chapelle

Known for its stunning stained glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic chapel that offers a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle of Paris.

Day 3 starts at the Palace of Versailles at 9 AM - allow 4 hours to explore the gardens and palace. Take the RER C train back to Paris (travel time: 1 hour, ~€7). Arrive at the Musée d'Orsay by 1:30 PM - spend 2 hours admiring Impressionist art. At 4 PM, head to Le Marais via metro line 12 (travel time: 15 minutes, ~€2) for leisurely strolling and cafés.

Attractions

Palace of Versailles

Explore the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, with its exquisite gardens, opulent rooms and a glimpse into French royal history.

Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a Beaux-Arts railway station, Musée d'Orsay features the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces.

Le Marais

A historical district known for trendy boutiques, galleries, and cafes, Le Marais is perfect for shopping and indulging in local gastronomy.

Day 4 starts at Arc de Triomphe at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for exploration. Take a 15-minute leisurely walk to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann by 11 AM - enjoy shopping and lunch for 2 hours. At 1:30 PM, head to Palais Garnier, a 10-minute metro ride (~€2) for a 2-hour guided tour. This balanced itinerary offers a comfortable mix of sightseeing and leisure.

Attractions

Arc de Triomphe

Standing proudly over the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought for France, offering panoramic city views from the top.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

A famous department store, Galeries Lafayette offers a stunning selection of fashion, beauty, and gourmet food, all under its iconic glass dome.

Palais Garnier

A stunning example of 19th-century architecture, the Palais Garnier is not only an opera house but also a historical site full of opulence and artistic heritage.

9 days in Lyon & Paris, France: itinerary with Top attractions and Shopping

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

Vieux Lyon

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9