• At a glance
  • Holiday details
  • Accommodation & Meals
  • Travel options
  • Photos
At a Glance

Your Holiday at a Glance


   
Holiday
  • Lyon: World heritage city

Dates for 2022
  • Starts every day of the year (Check availability for French Bank Holidays and during special events)
Price
  • Tailor Made - Please contact us for a quote
Grade
  • easy walking in bordeaux vines france
Profile
  • Flexible independent city walking. Single-centre based holiday staying in hotel
  • Ideal for those looking for a short break
Highlights
  • Great setting between two mighty rivers and two hills providing views as far as the Mont Blanc
  • World heritage city with Roman ampitheatre, medieval quarter and renaissance town
  • City known as the gastronomic capital of France
  • A number of interesting museums and exhibits as well as special events such as the International Light Festival
Accommodation and Meals
  • Selection of hotels of your choice on a bed and breakfast basis
What's included
  1. 3 nights in a hotel of your choice on a bed and breakfast basis
Optional
  1. Transfer from airport or train stations to hotel
  2. Day visit to Beaujolais region including guide and wine tasting
  3. Transport between England and France
  4. Ticket for a specific show, for example at Lyon Opera
What's not included
  1. Lunches and evening meals
  2. Public transport
  3. Entrances to museums or exhibitions
Walks

Lyon world heritage city

Lyon is a beautiful city dating from pre-Roman times, located in the heart of France at the confluence of the Saone and Rhone rivers.

France’s second city and gastronomic capital, is a lively historic city ideal for those in search of lots to see and do. Classified as a world heritage site, Lyon has it all; Roman amphitheatres, medieval streets, renaissance architecture and modern art.

Situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhone and Saone, Lyon is made up of several distinct zones, each with its own special character. The slopes of the Fourviere hill, rising high above the banks of the Saone, are home to a number of remarkable Roman remains, including an impressive amphitheatre that overlooks the town and hosts the summer’s arts and music festival. On the banks of the Saone lies the “old town” consisting of a maze of narrow, cobbled medieval streets and alleyways. Many of the buildings contain elegant towers housing spiral staircases and a series of tunnels, known as “Tabouls”, designed to escape invaders.

Between the rivers lies the renaissance town, full of opulent squares and buildings. Place Terreaux and Place Bellecour are just two of the highlights of an area that stretches for over a mile in length. This area contrasts starkly with the simple buildings which climb the steep slopes of the Croix Rousse. This former silk industry quarter is full of character and interest and, like the Fourviere hill, offers great views across the city.

In addition there are a host of other sights to see in this often overlooked city, including one of the largest and most interesting parks in France, the Park de la Tete d’Or, and an extraordinary 19th Basilica with its golden Virgin Mary keeping a watchful eye over the town.

We provide maps and notes on suggested walking tours, but there is also an efficient public transport system with an underground metro, trams and buses. Bikes can also be rented and dropped-off from a large number of bike-stations dotted around the city. We also provide information on places to visit, events, restaurants and bars. In addition, a number of other tips will help you make the most of your visit (for example explanation of some of the local dishes).

The detailed page of our holiday packages indicate a basic price for the hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. Please tell us your requirements in terms of transport, transfers and excursions and we will be delighted to give you an inclusive price.

Excursions and extra days

Lyon is located within close proximity to the Beaujolais area, with its fine wine, picturesque hills and historic villages. Day excursions are a great way to finish off your holiday. A city break in Lyon is also an excellent way to start or finish one of our activity holidays. Just tell us your requirements and we will put together the ideal package for you.


Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Lyon, transfer to Hotel and start of visit

Day 2: Visit Lyon

Visit Lyon at your own pace. Suggested walking circuits and sights are included in our detailed notes, as well as places to eat and drink. Handy tips are included to help you make the most of your holiday.

Day 3: Lyon or day visit to the Beaujolais region

Visit Lyon at your own pace. Suggested circuits and sights are included in our detailed notes, as well as places to eat and drink. Handy tips are included to help you make the most of your holiday.

Also the possibility of visiting the Beaujolais region, including a guided visit to some of the prettiest villages in France, wine tasting and lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Day 4: Departure

Visits (depending on time of your departure), transfer to Lyon airport or station.

View of Lyon from Fourviere France

Terreau Lyon world heritage city

Typical Beaujolais village France

 

Bed

Accommodation & Meals


Choose which of the hotels below you would like to stay in. They will all be booked on a bed and breakfast basis.

Name Type Details Rating  
Hotel Saint-Paul Hotel (B&B) The only 2 star hotel in Old Lyon. A 14th Century building, overlooking a pedestrian street . 20 rooms equipped with shower and toilet, direct dial telephone and TV. Great Location 2 stars Accommodation Saint Paul Lyon France
Hotel Saint-Antoine Hotel (B&B) Located close to the Saone in the presqu'ile area within the town centre, in an 18th century building. 35 comfortable rooms with air conditioning, TV, bathroom, Wifi. Elegant common lounge and bar areas with plenty of old world charm. Good location and great value for money 3 stars Accommodation Saint Antoine Lyon France
College Hotel Hotel (B&B) Located in the Saint Paul's area of the Old town. High quality 3 star hotel designed in the theme of a school. Lots of quirky school features in the bar, breakfast and library rooms. Garden roof. 39 very modern minimalist rooms decorated in white, some with balconies and view. Great location for those wanting comfort and originality. 3 stars Accommodation College Hotel Lyon France
Grand Hotel des Terreaux Hotel (B&B) Located close to Place de Terreaux and the opera building in the heart of Lyon between the rivers. High quality 3 star hotel in historic building. 53 individually decorated rooms. Amazing indoor pool under vaulted stone roof. Good location for those wanting comfort and historic charm and character. 3 stars Accommodation Grand Hotel des Terraux Lyon France
Travel Options

Travel Options


Flight Options

Transfers possible from Lyon airport

Easy jet: London Stanstead – Lyon
Flight
Going - Departure: 13.40 – arrive; 16.25
Return - Departure: 16.50 – arrive; 17.30

BMI Regional: Manchester – Lyon
Flight
Going - Departure: 10.30 – arrive; 13.15
Return - Departure: 13.50 – arrive; 14.45

British Airways: London Heathrow - Lyon
Flights (summer 2008 schedule)
Going - Departure: 08.40 – arrive; 11.15
Going - Departure: 16.00 – arrive; 18.35
Going - Departure: 20:35 - arrive; 23:15 (not convenient for arrival in some hotels!)
Return - Departure: 08.15 – arrive; 09.05
Return - Departure: 11.55 – arrive; 12.40
Return - Departure: 19.20 – arrive; 19.55

Please note – This information is correct at the time of publication. High Point Holidays cannot be held responsible for any change in schedules made by the above operators. Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. In addition, we can only guarantee transfers from the practical flights listed above. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you.

By Train

Eurostar and the TGV provide a quick and relaxing journey from London to Lyon.
Transfers possible from Lyon St Exupery and Lyon Part Dieu.
www.eurostar.com

By Car

The journey from Calais to the Lyon area takes about 7-8 hours (excluding long breaks). Tolls amount to about 30 euros each way. Controlled parking is available at the airport for 50 euros. Channel crossings are provided by the following companies.

www.poferries.com

www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/

www.eurotunnel.com

 

Photos

Photos


View of St Jean's Cathedral Old Lyon France
Place de Terreaux Lyon France
Hospital Hotel-Dieu Lyon France
Narrow cobbled streets in Old Lyon France
View across the Saone Lyon France
Roman ampitheatre Fourviere Lyon France