Lyon in the Fall question

Hi David,
I recently came back from Lyon, it is a beautiful city, very clean, lots to see and do. I stayed in Presqu'ile area, which is right in the center, between the two rivers. Depending on your interests the number of days can vary, I was there for 3 nights or 2.5 days, and didn't feel the need for a day trip. Rick has a chapter on Lyon in his book, I actually used it for my walks there to get oriented. I only visited 1 museum, the Lumiere, and mainly just walked around the old Lyon, Presqu'ile area, La Croix-rousse area, Fourviere hill with a nice view and basilica, roman theater, strolled through a huge park with botanic gardens, a zoo, and a lake.
There are many other museums which are probably interesting, I just didn't have time for them. It is also a gastronomy capital of France. There is a very easy to use metro there and many buses.

We were there in 2012 for a week to visit our daughter and for Fete de Lumieres. We could only find one room open due to Fete de Lumieres, down near the Perrache train station- Quality Suite Lyon Confluence. Nothing special but it was nice, new and clean. Recommendations of things to see, walk around Vieux Lyon. Fourviere, Amphitheatre & museum, Parc Tete D'or. For close train trips nearby, Vienne and Perouges(17th century medieval village) are worth while.

Hi David, we too were in Lyon recently, for three nights. I think one could easily spend 3-4 nights and get a good look at the city and surrounding area. Public transport is very good, with Metro, bus and tram. There is a Lyon City Card that covers all trans and gives good discounts for most sights, it was worth it, it also includes a river cruise and a walking tour. If the walking tour is of interest be sure to book the English speaking tour when you get the Card, I believe there is just one and it fills up. Get the City Card at the TI on Place Bellecour.
We also visited the Lumiere Museum, and found it fascinating. The Resistance Museum is very moving, and tastefully done-you will want the tablet/audio tour, which is no extra charge but they do ask for an ID such as driver license or passport, so be prepared. The Museum of Miniatures and Cinema was also worthwhile.
There is a broad range of sights in Lyon, we would go back in a heartbeat, and the food, of course, is amazing. We observed more than a couple of locals turn their nose up at the food in Paris-lots of pride in Lyon when it comes to their food traditions. I strongly recommend that you go here for dinner, it was unbelievable, and lots of fun.
By the way, we stayed in a B & B in Villeurbanne, in the 6th Arrondissement, and enjoyed it; the value to us of living in a locals home for a few days was tremendous as we got lots of tips and directions from our hosts. The house was very unique, we were glad we did not stay in a hotel. PM me if you would like info on the B & B we used.
Good luck!

I would also like to have three nights in Lyon, especially if jet-lagged upon arrival. Lyon at a Glance lists the sights that are fleshed out in Rick's France book. I remember being quite impressed with fabric museum, with the number of fountains and water features in the city, and with the blend of old and new architecture (e.g., the opera house).

Laura, when you talk about the blending of the old and new in Lyon, I know what you mean!

Here's my Lyon Gallery so far, no captions yet but I'm not sure they're needed, what a beautiful city.

http://thecedarchest.smugmug.com/Lyon-2014/

Dave - Thanks for sharing your photographs - you really have some wonderful shots! and the whole ensemble gives one a nice idea of the city.

Just to concur with everyone else. Lyon is a very nice city (my favorite one in France outside Paris, so far), and 3 to 4 nights would give you 2 to 3 full days, which would be good. The point about allowing an "extra" day for jet lag is also important.

Rick's France book has a good chapter on Lyon, and in addition to the things he described, I enjoyed a spending a sunny afternoon in the city's large park (Parc de la Tête d'Or).

Thanks Kim! I'm still adding more to it, my favorite part of our time in Lyon, the food!

My daughter lived there for 2 years (Teaching Assistants Program(2012-2013) then as a student 2013-2014) before recently going to Lille for a Master's program. She LOVES, LOVES Lyon! Misses it very much.

Thanks to all (especially Dave) for the information on Lyon. It looks like a good place to settle in for a few days prior to our cruise. I appreciate all of the opinions and suggestions.
David

Best overall meal I had in a 3-week trip this past August was in Lyon at

Le Bouchon des Filles
http://restaurant.michelin.fr/restaurant/france/69001-lyon/le-bouchon-des-filles/5tde7dj

The Fine Arts Museum deserves a day of its own. More.

I second the recommendation of getting a City Card!

Same advice that you hear about the Boulevard St. Michel in Paris applies to the old town area of Lyon
(Tourist quality at tourist prices). Museums there are great, but save your appetite for other neighborhoods.