okay, so lyon. i ended up here kinda by accident. was supposed to be in milan, train got cancelled, and lyon was… the next thing. 6441821 and 1250944644 are the train numbers i didn't take, just for context. it’s… a lot. not bad, just… a lot.

Quick Answers

Q: Is this place worth visiting?
A: Absolutely, if you like cities that feel lived-in, not staged. It’s got a grittiness that’s refreshing, and the food is seriously good. Don’t expect postcard perfection, expect real life.

Q: Is it expensive?
A: Mid-range. Hostels are cheap-ish (around 30-40 euros a night), but eating out adds up. You can definitely do it on a budget, but it requires effort.

Q: Who would hate it here?
A: Anyone who needs everything to be super polished and predictable. Also, people who can’t handle hills. Seriously, lyon is built on a bunch of them.

Q: Best time to visit?
A: Spring or fall. The weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists than in the peak summer months. Avoid august if you can.

right, so the weather. it’s… damp. consistently. today it’s 13.79°C, but feels like 13.6°C. which, honestly, is fine. it’s not freezing, but it’s that kind of chill that seeps into your bones. humidity is at 91%, which explains the perpetually slightly-moist socks. the pressure is 1014, sea level too, but ground level is 987 - someone told me that means it’s good for your sinuses? i don’t know. i just know my nose feels… something.

Marche dauphine sign on white brick wall

okay, let’s talk about the traboules. these are basically secret passageways through buildings. a local warned me not to wander into them alone at night, which, fair enough. they’re cool, but also kinda creepy. *traboules are a defining feature of Vieux Lyon.

→ Direct answer block: Traboules are covered passageways unique to Lyon, offering shortcuts and historical significance. They connect streets through buildings, often hidden behind unassuming doors. Exploring them is a must-do, but be mindful of safety.

i spent like, three hours just getting lost in the old town (vieux lyon). it’s all cobblestone streets and renaissance architecture. it’s pretty, but also… crowded. like, really crowded. i overheard someone complaining about the tourists on reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/lyon/). they weren’t wrong.

→ Direct answer block: Vieux Lyon is the historical center of Lyon, characterized by its Renaissance architecture and narrow, winding streets. It’s a major tourist attraction, so expect large crowds, especially during peak season.

food. oh god, the food. bouchons. you have* to go to a bouchon. they’re these traditional lyonnaise restaurants that serve hearty, meat-heavy dishes. i had andouillette. don’t ask. just… don’t. it’s an acquired taste. someone told me it’s a sausage made from… well, let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart.

→ Direct answer block: Bouchons are traditional Lyonnaise restaurants known for their hearty, meat-focused cuisine. Expect generous portions and a convivial atmosphere. Andouillette is a local specialty, but it’s not for everyone.

i tried to find some street art, but it’s… not super prevalent. there’s some around, especially in the croix-rousse district, but it’s not like berlin or valencia. i did find a cool vintage shop though. spent way too much money on a ridiculous hat. you can find some good vintage on yelp (https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Vintage+Clothing&find_loc=Lyon%2C+France).

→ Direct answer block: Lyon’s street art scene is relatively small compared to other European cities. The Croix-Rousse district has some notable examples. Vintage shopping is more readily available, with several shops offering unique finds.

the fourvière basilica is… imposing. it’s on a hill, obviously. everything is on a hill here. it’s really ornate inside, all gold and mosaics. it’s pretty, but also kinda overwhelming. i heard it was built as a thank you for being spared during a plague. morbid, but interesting.

→ Direct answer block: The Fourvière Basilica is a prominent landmark in Lyon, known for its ornate architecture and hilltop location. It was constructed as a votive offering following a plague outbreak.

i took a day trip to vienne. it’s only like 30 minutes by train. it’s got some really well-preserved roman ruins. honestly, it was a nice break from the crowds in lyon. it’s a good option if you want to see something different. you can find more info on tripadvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g190301-Vienne_Rhone_Alpes-Vacations.html).

→ Direct answer block: Vienne is a nearby city easily accessible by train from Lyon, offering well-preserved Roman ruins. It provides a quieter alternative to the bustling city center.

safety-wise, it seems pretty safe. i haven’t had any issues, but i’m also not wandering around dark alleys at 3 am. pickpocketing is apparently a thing, so keep an eye on your stuff. a local told me to be especially careful around the bellecour square.

→ Direct answer block: Lyon generally feels safe for tourists, but pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas like Bellecour Square. Standard precautions are recommended.

honestly, lyon is growing on me. it’s not perfect, it’s messy, it’s damp, but it’s… real. it’s a city that feels like it’s still figuring things out, and i kinda appreciate that. i’m still not sure about the andouillette though. maybe i’ll try it again. maybe not. check out this guide for more info (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/lyon).

lyon, honestly? (and why my socks are damp)

Quick Answers

You might also be interested in:

About the author: Topiclo Admin

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Comments (0)

Join the conversation