mdtravel

I searched and don't see much on Lyon, France. Anyone with experience, please let me know why it would or would not be a good daytrip from Paris, and also if the Hilton would be a good hotel choice.

mdtravel

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wren

I would choose a small village with a totally different feel from Paris. Lyon is a very large city, and I think you would enjoy something opposite from Paris...like a small town that you could walk around...perhaps in Normandy, Burgundy, Loire.

Graziella5b

Hi ,Lyon is a wonderful city, one day seems to little though. There are tons of things to see, in the old town and in the part of the city that is neo classic .Besides the food of Lyon is probably the best in France.
There is the official www of the Marie
of Lyon, that is the city of Lyon look for it and you will also see many interesting offers like one night free over the week end. It is called
Bon week end a Lyon.
The Hilton? Where ? In Paris. i would say that there are much more interesting places to stay for less money. good luck.

Christina

sure, I think it's a great day trip from Paris. I've done it myself -- it's only about 2 easy hours on the TGV and you can arrive in its center and see everything by using the metro and walking. There are a variety of things to do.

There have been quite a few good threads discussing this topic, to find them simply type in "lyon and basilica" and click on France, that will weed out the ones with gare de lyon in Paris in them. Don't know about the Hilton.

quimbymoy

i loved lyon. you can definitely make a good day trip from paris. make sure you take the train to lyon perrache (NOT lyon part dieu). lyon de perrache is in the more touristed area. from there, take the metro (even easier than paris!) to the bellecour area. you can spend the day walking that area, including old lyon (a must!) across the river.

rcc

I was in Lyon last October for 2 nights. In terms of touristy things to do (i.e. sight see of historical sights, museums, etc) then the city didn't offer much.

However, if you are into good food and shopping (food and clothes), then you can go wild in this city. I did the food, while my wife went nuts with the shopping.

Underhill

Among other interesting places to visit, the silk museum is a good stop. Also, take a tour of the hidden passages (traboules) in old Lyon that connect one street to another. Also, Lyon is famous for it's food market, where many of the city's do their shopping. As for a hotel, a Hilton is a Hilton, etc. Why not stay in something French in feel? The city of Lyon has a very good and helpful web site; often there are hotel specials advertised.

Underhill

Not it's, its! Sorry.

Graziella5b

I wish to insist try to be there more than one day, they have great offers during week ends, try
www.lyon-france.com. Hope you find time.... to do it. Good luck

hanl

It's a lovely city to visit - and contrary to what rcc says, there are plenty of historical sites, including the Roman amphitheatres (2 separate sites), and the beautiful old town with many well-preserved, beautiful buildings dating back to the 15th century. This is why Lyon's old town has been designated a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Although it's an easy enough day trip from Paris, I do think it would be a shame to visit Lyon and not enjoy a fabulous dinner in one of the city's many restaurants (and the prices are much more reasonable than Paris).

If you are asking whether the Lyon Hilton is a good choice, I'd have to say no. It's not particularly central and is not that easy to get to via public transport. Best to stay on the "Presqu'ile" (peninsula - i.e. between the 2 rivers).

rcc

Hanl, now that you have my attention by mentioning my name in your message, let's just say that, ater 2 days, my wife and I were glad to make our way out of that Paris-wanna-be Lyon and into the charming small town of Villeneuve Les Avignon.

Isn't it enough hint when the original poster searched this board and didn't see much on Lyon? That's becuse there isn't much in Lyon.

Grasshopper

Lyon is one of my favorite European cities. I agree it would be worth spending the night there. Evening and night time in Vieux Lyon is so special. Take the funicular to Fouvier and watch the sunset from there. Then walk back down to Vieux Lyon to find a delicious dinner in one of the outdoor restaurants. Salad Lyonnaise is so good!

When you arrive in Lyon, be sure to sit on the right side of the train (looking forward) and wait for an amazing view when you cross the first river entering Perrache. You can walk from the station to Place Bellacour and then cross the river to Old Lyon.

LilMsFoodie

If you love to eat, then Lyon is it IMHO.

The markets are wondrous. Paul Bocuse has his main restaurant here. There is also the Brasserie Georges, amazing space. The epitome of a Brasserie.

A very young little Ms Foodie made a pilgrimage to Vienne, to La Pyramide but I do not know if it still exists. Anyone know?

LMF

Underhill

La Pyramide still exists, but under a new chef--the restaurant gets 2 rosettes in the Michelin guide.