Lyon 3-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Lyon to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
Bucket list experience:
The Roman amphitheatre, nestled into Fourvriere Hill
© Philippe Somnolet, Lugdunum
Under the name of Lugdunum, Lyon was a flourishing Roman city, founded at the confluence of the Saone and Rhone rivers on Fourviere Hill in 43 BC.
Today, archaeological excavations have exposed two vastly important sites, an amphitheatre (the oldest in France from Roman Gaul) and a small theatre, both of which are now part of this fantastic museum.
In addition to the theatres, the museum houses a vast array of artefacts exposing all aspects of Roman life, from Lugdunum’s urban layout to its circus entertainment and army missions.
The Circus Games Mosaic is a rare and outstanding 2nd-century piece discovered in 1806, depicting the favourite Roman sport of chariot racing.
Also look out for the life-size statue of Neptune, found by Lyon’s Pont de la Guillotiere in 1859, and dating from the 3rd century AD. It’s remarkably intact.
At the amphitheatre, enjoy one of the best cityscapes in town. Then walk downhill to 6 rue des Farges, where Roman bath ruins are now a quaint park.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in Lyon to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
If you don’t fancy the steep walk up the hillside, take the funicular (lines F1 or F2) from Vieux (Old) Lyon – Cathedrale Saint-Jean metro. For F1, you need the Minimes stop (direction Saint-Just) and for F2, get off at Fourviere.
As part of the museum is outside, take sun-screen and water on hot days. The theatres are veritable suntraps.
The museum is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. The Roman theatres are open daily.
There are rarely large crowds here, but quietest moments are during lunchtime and at the end of the afternoon, at around 4pm.
Each summer, the Nuits de Fourviere festival is held in the amphitheatre, showcasing music, theatre, opera, dance and circus in incredibly evocative and atmospheric surrounds.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.3 miles]
High-end design hotel in a former convent, on the Fourviere hillside, offering chic eateries, including a typical bouchon, plus a spa and an outdoor pool.
Official star rating:
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.5 miles]
Gorgeous convent converted into a calm luxurious retreat, aloof on the Fourviere hillside overlooking Lyon.
Official star rating:
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.7 miles]
Uniquely stylish hotel-with-restaurant stretching across several historic houses in the centre of Vieux Lyon. Perfectly located for sightseeing.
Official star rating:
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.8 miles]
Playful school-themed hotel in the heart of Vieux Lyon, offering city views, and a terrace bar where nightly light shows illuminate the facade.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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A hugely varied night time arts festival in June and July, held in the magnificently atmospheric Fourviere Roman theatres.
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