What is a “bouchon” and what kind of food will we eat?

A bouchon is a traditional Lyonnaise bistro unique to the city, serving hearty, rustic local specialties. Expect dishes like savory quenelles (dumplings), andouillette (tripe sausage), or salade lyonnaise. The prix fixe menu at a typical bouchon includes wine served in traditional round glasses. Vegetarian options are limited—please notify us when booking if you have dietary restrictions.

How much free time will I have to explore on my own?

You’ll have approximately 1.5-2 hours of free afternoon time to explore independently. This is perfect for visiting the Silk Museum, shopping for local specialties, or enjoying a coffee by the river. Your guide will provide recommendations based on your interests.

Lyon Day Trip from Paris

A one day trip from Paris to the enchanting city of Lyon

Reserve Your Spot Today

Day Trip to Lyon from Paris

Price: $420 per person (add $165 for 2nd Class Rail, $255 for 1st Class Rail)

Duration: ~13 hours

Meeting Point: Lyon Part-Dieu rail station

Group Size: 8 guests maximum. Larger groups — contact us.

Availability: Daily, year-round except national holidays.

Tour Highlights

Walking tour through the traboules, basilica, and Roman amphitheater with funicular ride
Prix fixe bouchon lunch with wine included
Pedicab tour of Presqu’île and Old Lyon
All admissions included

This tour often sells out — book early to secure your preferred date.

View cancellation policy

Questions? Ask Maud. Award-winning AI. Instant answers. Or reach us by email, WhatsApp, or call 424-386-5222.

From Our Customers…

Day Trip from Paris to Lyon Itinerary

A two-hour TGV from Paris puts you in Lyon—France’s food capital and a city with 2,000 years of history still visible. You’ll eat at a real bouchon, ride through town by pedicab, visit the hilltop basilica, and walk into a Roman amphitheater that still hosts concerts today.

Early Departure from Paris

Catch the 7:30 a.m. TGV at Gare de Lyon. Two hours later you’re in Lyon, where your guide meets you at the station. Coffee’s available on board. We recommend downloading a podcast before you leave—our pick is Revolutions, Season 3 on the French Revolution.

Presqu’ile & Old Town by Pedicab (2 hours)

Start with a guided pedicab ride through the city center. You’ll cover the main squares and neighborhoods while your legs rest up for the afternoon walking tour.

Beautiful Lyon viewed from above the Rhone river. — *Lyon viewed from above the Rhône river.*

Bouchon Lunch

Lunch is at an authentic Lyon bouchon—the traditional bistros unique to this city. Expect hearty local dishes, house wine served in the signature round glasses, and a dining room full of regulars.

Lyon Day Trip from Paris: Eat at an authentic "Bouchon" restaurant. — *A traditional Lyon bouchon*

Walking Tour (2.5 hours)

After lunch, explore the traboules—hidden passageways that cut through Old Lyon’s buildings. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for views over the city. End at the Roman Amphitheater, built 2,000 years ago and still hosting performances today.

The traboules in Lyon, France. — *The traboules in Lyon.*

Afternoon Free Time

About 1.5-2 hours to explore on your own. Options include the Silk Museum, coffee along the Saône, or shopping for local specialties. Your guide will point you in the right direction based on your interests.

Evening Return to Paris

Board your return TGV around 7 p.m. You’ll be back at Gare de Lyon in time for a late dinner—or a drink at Le Train Bleu inside the station.

What is a “bouchon” and what will we eat?

A bouchon is a traditional Lyon bistro serving local specialties—quenelles (fish dumplings), andouillette (tripe sausage), salade lyonnaise. The prix fixe menu includes wine in traditional round glasses. Vegetarian options are limited; let us know when booking if you have dietary restrictions.

What are “traboules” and will we go inside them?

Traboules are covered passageways running through buildings in Old Lyon, originally used by silk workers moving goods through the city. You’ll walk through several during the tour. They were also extremely important to the Re3istance during World War II. Lyon was the seat of free France for a time.

How much free time will I have?

About 1.5-2 hours in the afternoon. Enough time for a museum visit, shopping, or a coffee by the river.

More Lyon Day Trip FAQ’s

The 2-hour pedicab ride is gentle and comfortable with cushioned seating. However, if you have back problems or mobility issues, please let us know. The pedicabs can accommodate most clients—contact us if you have concerns.

You can book one-way rail with us and arrange your own return on a different day. Lyon makes an excellent base for exploring the Rhône wine region. Just let us know when booking that you need a modified arrangement.

Most places accept cards now, but smaller shops may still prefer cash. There are plenty of ATM’s in Lyon if needed, but only take out cash if you genuinely need to do so.

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 ensure we can credit you properly.

Ready to Book Your Paris to Lyon Day Tour?

Paris to Lyon – Rail Information

High-season or last-minute rail prices may exceed standard pricing—we’ll contact you before booking if so. If arranging your own rail, wait for us to confirm times before purchasing tickets. Rail tickets are emailed as PDFs for home printing.