Cheapskate’s Guide to Lyon, France #Travel #Budget

View of Lyon from Roman ruins

My husband and I recently had an opportunity to spend a weekend sightseeing in Lyon, France. Lyon is situated near the confluence of the Saone and Rhone rivers. Like most European cities, Lyon has an excellent public transport system. Armed with a map of the subway lines and a two-day ticket, we ventured throughout the city. All the sites we visited were free. These descriptions may give you ideas of what to see in Lyon. 

 

Streets in Fourviere

The travel pass gave us access from the subway to the funicular train to the hill at Fourviere. On our first day, we descended from the hill through the extensive Roman ruins with two amphitheaters. Many people were visiting the ruins and climbing over the low walls.

Roman ruins

The weather was hot and muggy and few buildings had air conditioning. Cathedrals, in addition to the stained glass windows, ornate ceilings and carved pillars, had the great advantage of being cool.

Notre Dame de Fourviere is lighted at night. 

The Cathédrale Saint-Jean houses a famous astronomical clock that has kept time and tracked the paths of the sun, moon and stars since the 14^th century. 

Next day, we visited the Parc de la Tete D’Or. This park was popular with local families with its free access to a botanical garden and a small zoo. The tree-lined avenues offered welcome shade and people boated in small lakes.  

Avenue leading to Parc de la Tete D'Or

In the evenings, we visited the old town, Vieux Lyon, where narrow, cobbled streets are crowded with people and restaurants. Most restaurants have tables outside. We ate local dishes by preference, including Andouillette, a tripe sausage, and potatoes Dauphine. Strangely, a large bowl of marinated mussels comes with a side plate of French fries. Croissants with pieces of chocolate are especially good for breakfast.