Lyon Day Trip from Paris
A one day trip from Paris to the enchanting city of Lyon
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Visit Lyon from Paris
In a single, adventure-packed day from Paris, you’ll sample authentic Lyonnaise cuisine, ride through the city in a pedicab, see its magnificent basilica, and explore ancient Roman amphitheaters still in use today. Lyon is often hailed as the culinary heart of France, a vibrant city showcasing two millennia of history—truly a great day trip from Paris.
Day Trip to Lyon from Paris
Price: $330 per person (add $135 for 2nd Class Rail, $200 for 1st Class Rail)
Duration: ~13 hours (7:30 a.m. TGV departure, return by ~8:30 p.m.)
Meeting Point: Lyon Part Dieu rail station.
Group Size: Up to 8 people. Larger groups can be accommodated – contact us for details.
Tour Availability: Daily year-round (excluding national holidays)
Tour Highlights
- Round trip train station transfer in Lyon
- 2-hour Presqu’île pedicab ride
- 2.5-hour Old Town walking tour
- Entrance to the funicular
- Prix fixe bistro lunch
- Basilica visit
- Roman Amphitheater visit
Not included:
- Transfers within Paris (to/from Gare de Lyon)
- Personal expenses beyond the set-menu lunch
- Extra museum admissions (beyond the main itinerary)
All admissions included.
Note: Our small group tours often sell out. Please book early to assure you can reserve your preferred tour date. Solo traveler price available, we do not combine groups.
Day Trip from Paris to Lyon Itinerary
Early Departure from Paris
Catch the 7:30 a.m. TGV at Gare de Lyon in Paris. In roughly two hours, arrive in Lyon, where your guide awaits. Enjoy the great scenery from the train and have a coffee on board. We recommend downloading your favorite podcast at your hotel before embarking on the trip. Our pick for this trip is Revolutions, Season 3 about the French Revolution.
Presqu’ile & Old Town by Pedicab (2 hours)
Ease into the day with a guided pedicab ride. You’ll see the city’s main squares, pass bustling neighborhoods, and get a feel for Lyon’s immense charm.
Authentic Bouchon Lunch
After, indulge in a quintessential Lyonnaise meal. Think rustic dishes, house wines in round glasses, and a warm, convivial atmosphere that sets Lyon’s culinary scene apart.
Walking Tour (2.5 hours)
After lunch, explore Lyon’s hidden traboules, the winding passageways weaving through Vieux (“old”) Lyon. Marvel at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, with its stunning architecture and sweeping citywide views. Finally, step into living history at the Roman Amphitheater, one of the world’s oldest functioning venues which is still in use today.
Afternoon Free Time
Explore on your own—visit the Silk Museum, sip coffee at a local café, or simply amble along the Saône river.
Evening Return
By 7 p.m., you’ll be ready for the return train to Paris. Hop aboard your TGV back to the capital, arriving in time for a late dinner or perhaps a final nightcap at Le Train Bleu (inside Gare de Lyon station).
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Due to the small group aspect of all of our tours, our cancellation policy is as follows. More than 7 days before tour date – 100% refundable; from 7 to 3 days before tour date – 50% refundable; less than 3 days – non-refundable. If cancelling please contact us as soon as possible to insure we can credit you properly.
Lyon Day Trip from Paris – Rail Information
Occasionally, last minute or high season rail prices will be higher than the prices listed above. We will always contact you before booking if this is the case. If you are not booking your rail through Link Paris, please do not book your train tickets until the correct rail times are confirmed by us. Rail tickets are emailed as a .pdf document for home printing.
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Ready to Explore Lyon?
Book now or contact us for more info. Experience the city that gave the world French onion soup and some of Europe’s most stunning Roman ruins—all in a day. Bon voyage!
Lyon Tour Highlights
- Round-Trip Rail (optional): High-speed TGV from Paris to Lyon and back (about two hours each way)
- Pedicab Tour: Glide around the Presqu’ile, the peninsula nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, and discover hidden gems in the Old Town
- Authentic Bouchon Lunch: Savor a classic prix-fixe meal in a genuine Lyon “bouchon,” famed for hearty local dishes
- Historical Walking Tour: Wander the city’s fabled “traboules” (secret passageways), visit the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, and stand on the stones of a still-active Roman amphitheater
- Funicular Ride: Scale the city’s heights for panoramic views
- Free Time: Shop the local boutiques, relax in a riverside café, or opt to explore museums—before your evening train back to Paris