PLACES YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO SEE

Lyon had long been on my list of places I wanted to visit. It is one of the most famous cities in France and a destination I had heard many great things about. So when I found out I would be spending the weekend in France, I didn't hesitate for long. Instead of relaxing at the truck stop, I started looking for a way to get into the city. It wasn't quite that simple, though. As a truck driver, I can't just park anywhere and head off sightseeing. The biggest challenge was finding a parking area with convenient access to the city center, without spending hours getting there. Fortunately, after a while I found the right location, and before long I was able to begin exploring Lyon.

I have to admit that Lyon made a huge impression on me. Its beautiful architecture, unique atmosphere, and stunning views from Fourvière Hill convinced me from the very first moments that making the trip had been the right decision. It was also one of my first journeys where I began approaching photography much more consciously. Looking back at these photos today, I can clearly see that I didn't fully capture the potential of this incredible city. Lyon is simply too large to explore properly in just one day, and at the time I focused mostly on photographing entire buildings. Only later did I realize that a city's true character often lies in the details—ornaments, decorative elements, doors, windows, and small streets that are easy to overlook. Even so, this trip still brings a smile to my face. I genuinely love many of these photographs, and they're the ones I'd like to share with you in this article. And if I ever return to Lyon, I'll see it through completely different eyes—with more patience and a much keener eye for the details that make this city so special.

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WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LYON

Lyon is the third-largest city in France and one of those places that can captivate almost anyone. On one hand, it has preserved its historic character, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, medieval streets, and impressive churches. On the other hand, it is a modern metropolis where historic architecture blends seamlessly with the contemporary skyscrapers of the La Part-Dieu district.

The city lies at the confluence of two rivers—the Rhône and the Saône—and its skyline is best admired from Fourvière Hill, which offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Lyon. Add to that its unique atmosphere, numerous squares, bridges, and world-renowned cuisine, which has earned Lyon its reputation as the gastronomic capital of France. It is a destination that can be explored in a single day or over an entire weekend, with every visit revealing something new.

WHAT TO SEE IN LYON?

Lyon is one of those cities where it is difficult to point to just a single must-see attraction. As you wander through its streets, you constantly come across places that impress with their architecture or offer beautiful views. I started my visit from Fourvière Hill, and looking back, I think it was a great decision. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of almost the entire city, making it the perfect place to appreciate just how diverse Lyon really is. The hill is also home to the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière—one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and, at the same time, the place that left the biggest impression on me during the whole trip.

Walking down towards the city centre, you will discover Vieux Lyon, the historic Old Town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow streets, colourful townhouses, and numerous historic buildings make it one of the best-preserved medieval districts in France. It is also worth visiting the Gothic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, strolling across Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV, and seeing the impressive Hôtel de Ville and the monumental Palace of Justice.

Lyon also impresses with its location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. A walk along the riverbanks, crossing its iconic bridges, or relaxing in one of the restaurants allows you to experience the city's unique atmosphere. An interesting contrast to the historic architecture is the modern La Part-Dieu district with its distinctive skyscrapers, showing that Lyon is not only a city with a rich history but also one of France's most important business centres.

Of course, in just one day I wasn't able to visit all the places Lyon is famous for. If you plan to spend more time here, it is also worth exploring the famous traboules—hidden passageways leading through buildings and courtyards—the remains of the Roman theatre on Fourvière Hill, the impressive Musée des Confluences located at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, as well as Les Halles Paul Bocuse, the renowned food market where you can sample many regional specialties. This only proves that Lyon has far more to offer than can be discovered in a single visit. If I ever have the opportunity to return to Lyon, I will definitely make up for everything I missed.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LYON

The history of Lyon dates back to ancient times. The city was founded by the Romans in 43 BC under the name Lugdunum and quickly became one of the most important administrative and commercial centres in all of Gaul. Thanks to its location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, it served for centuries as a major transportation hub, which had a significant impact on its development.
During the Middle Ages, Lyon became famous primarily as a centre of trade and silk production. For centuries, local weavers produced fabrics that found their way to royal courts across Europe. Traces of this rich past can still be seen today while strolling through the historic Vieux Lyon district and discovering the characteristic traboules—hidden passageways running through buildings and courtyards that were once used by craftsmen and merchants.

Today, Lyon is the third-largest city in France and one of the country's most important economic, academic, and culinary centres. Its historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its remarkably well-preserved architecture allows visitors to walk through successive periods of history during a single stroll.

FROM A TRUCK DRIVER'S PERSPECTIVE

From a truck driver's perspective, Lyon turned out to be surprisingly easy to visit. That weekend, I parked at one of the truck parking areas along the A7 motorway. It was a convenient place to leave my truck safely before heading into the city. From the parking area, it was about a 3.5-kilometre walk to the nearest railway station. It wasn't exactly around the corner, but at a comfortable pace, the walk was easy enough. From there, I simply took a train, which reached the centre of Lyon in about 45 minutes. The parking area offered full sanitary facilities, making it easy to get ready for a full day of sightseeing. The biggest downside for me was the distance to the railway station, but apart from that, the whole trip was very convenient. If you happen to spend a weekend in France and would like to visit Lyon, this is a practical way to avoid driving a truck into the busy city centre.

WAS IT WORTH VISITING LYON?

Absolutely. Lyon had been on my travel wish list for a long time, and I never once regretted making the trip. The city impressed me with its architecture, atmosphere, and diversity. You can see an incredible amount in just one day, but it quickly becomes clear that one day simply isn't enough.
It is one of those places I would love to return to someday. Not to tick off more attractions, but simply to experience its atmosphere once again, wander its streets without rushing, and discover the places I didn't have time to see on this visit. I'm convinced that Lyon still has so much more to offer.

If you're planning a trip through France and wondering which city deserves a place on your itinerary, Lyon should definitely be on the list. It is a destination that combines a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a unique atmosphere, leaving you with memories that stay long after the journey is over.

GALLERY