About the Port
Founded by the Romans in 43 BC at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon has grown from an ancient provincial capital into one of France's great cities, a financial and industrial center since the mid-1500s. Its old town, Vieux Lyon, is a dense maze of Renaissance houses, hidden traboules, and Roman ruins on the Fourvière hill above, reachable on foot or by funicular from the riverbanks where river vessels typically call.
Long regarded as the country's culinary capital, Lyon counts thousands of restaurants and a notable concentration of Michelin-starred kitchens, from traditional bouchons to refined dining rooms. Beyond the table, the city rewards unhurried wandering: Renaissance courtyards, riverside promenades, and views across two rivers toward the surrounding hills and nearby wine villages.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Lyon.
Explore the Traboules of Vieux Lyon
Slip through the hidden passageways that thread beneath Renaissance houses in the old town, once used by silk workers to move goods discreetly. Wander on foot from the riverbank; many traboules are unmarked, so a guided walk helps find the best ones.
Ride the Funicular to Fourvière
Climb the hill above Vieux Lyon by funicular in just a few minutes for Roman ruins, a basilica, and sweeping views over the Rhône and Saône. The vantage point frames the city's two rivers and the hills beyond in one sweep.
Dine in a Traditional Bouchon
Sit down at one of Lyon's classic bouchons for hearty, unpretentious dishes like quenelles or coq au vin, a fitting way to experience the city's storied culinary reputation firsthand. Reserve ahead, as the best-known spots fill quickly.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Lyon
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 26, 2026 | Viking River Cruises | Viking Heimdal | 7 | $3,599 | |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Avalon Poetry II | 7 | $6,729 | |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Viking River Cruises | Viking Hermod | 7 | $3,599 | |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Viking River Cruises | Viking Delling | 7 | $2,899 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaCello | 7 | $4,799 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 12 | $6,835 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 9 | $5,800 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 9 | $5,800 | |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Viking River Cruises | Viking Lofn | 7 | $2,799 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 10 | $5,880 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 7 | $4,845 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Emerald Waterways | Emerald Liberté | 7 | $4,845 | |
| Aug 2, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Sapphire | 10 | $7,995 | |
| Aug 2, 2026 | Tauck River | ms Lumiere | 9 | $6,990 | |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Avalon Poetry II | 14 | $11,758 | |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Avalon Poetry II | 7 | $6,729 | |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Avalon View | 14 | $11,858 | |
| Aug 6, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaKristina | 7 | $4,799 | |
| Aug 6, 2026 | AMA Waterways | AmaCello | 7 | $4,549 | |
| Aug 7, 2026 | Viking River Cruises | Viking Lofn | 7 | $2,799 |
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