So you're looking at spending a weekend in lyon. Good call. Honestly, most people just take the train right past it on their way to the south of France or the Alps. Their loss. Lyon is France's third-biggest city, but it feels completely different from Paris. It's way more laid back, the streets are cleaner, and the food? We really need to talk about the food right away.
People call this place the gastronomic capital of the world. And they aren't joking around. If you do nothing else while you're here, you need to book a food tour lyon france style. You'll probably end up in a traditional "bouchon" - these are incredibly old, slightly cramped restaurants where the tables are practically touching. You'll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals eating heavy, incredibly rich dishes. Try the quenelle. It's this fluffy fish dumpling swimming in a creamy crayfish sauce. Sounds weird if you haven't had it, but trust me on this. It costs about 15 to 20 euros a plate and will keep you full for hours. Wash it down with a cheap pot of Beaujolais wine. The house wine here is actually good, which is a massive relief for your wallet.
If you want to see where the chefs actually buy their ingredients, head over to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. It's an indoor food market that will blow your mind. It's a bit on the expensive side, but even just walking through is an experience. You'll see wheels of cheese the size of car tires, fresh oysters, and hanging cured meats. Grab a few slices of saucisson (cured sausage) and a baguette for a cheap picnic lunch.
