April 24, 2025 | By Anita Jain Shah

When I think back to my time in Lyon, there’s one image that lingers vividly: the first rays of the sun kissing the red rooftops of Vieux Lyon, as I stood atop Fourvière Hill, just outside the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. That morning, bathed in golden light, wasn’t just a moment—it was a memory carved into my soul. And if you’re an Indian travel expert curating bespoke European itineraries, I urge you: it’s time to put Lyon on the map for your clients.

Culinary Capital of France? Oh Yes, It Is!
While Paris might steal the limelight, Lyon has long been considered the gastronomic heart of France. For Indian travellers with a deep appreciation for layered spices and nuanced cooking, Lyon is a revelation.

My most memorable meal? Without doubt, at Les Lyonnais Bouchon—a traditional Lyonnais restaurant nestled in the heart of Old Town. Walking in, I was greeted by checked tablecloths, wooden beams, and the welcoming aroma of slow-cooked meat. I tried quenelle de brochet (a delicate pike dumpling in crayfish sauce), salade Lyonnaise, and a dessert of praline tart so vibrant it reminded me of Indian sweets. Every bite was like meeting a cousin of Indian food: rich, soulful, rooted in tradition.

Recommend to your food-loving clients a guided bouchon tour or even a cooking class. Lyonnaise cuisine is hearty and comforting, and surprisingly accessible to Indian palates (including delicious vegetarian options).

A Heritage that Whispers Through Stone
Old Lyon—one of Europe’s largest Renaissance quarters—is a stroll through time. Cobbled lanes, pastel-hued buildings, secret traboules (hidden passageways used by silk weavers and resistance fighters), and striking Gothic and Romanesque architecture—this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.

As I wandered down Rue Saint-Jean, each turn led me to a charming courtyard or a centuries-old statue. The most touching? A bronze tribute to the city’s silk workers—Lyon’s lifeblood in the 19th century.

Lyon’s statues and public art breathe character into every corner. There’s a sense of walking through an open-air museum. Even your art-and-history-curious clients will find themselves marveling at every nook.

One Card to Rule Them All: Getting Around in Style
Exploring Lyon is a breeze, thanks to the TCL City Card. This all-in-one transport pass grants access to metros, trams, funiculars (including the one up to the Basilica), museums, and even guided tours. For clients who love independent travel with a dash of convenience, this card is gold.

I particularly enjoyed the tram rides—smooth, scenic, and on time to the second. There’s something romantic about gliding silently through modern Lyon, watching locals sip coffee by the riverbanks and students rushing to classes with baguettes in hand.

Shopping: Chic, Local, and Surprisingly Affordable
Lyon’s shopping scene deserves more buzz. The Presqu’île district, particularly Rue de la République, is a paradise for fashion lovers. International brands stand shoulder to shoulder with local designers. For a more artisanal feel, Croix-Rousse offers indie boutiques, handcrafted silk scarves, and beautiful stationery—ideal souvenirs that go beyond magnets and keychains.

Tell your luxury clients to look out for Bernachon Chocolates—a Lyonnais institution—or silk products from Maison des Canuts, paying homage to the city’s textile roots.

Luxury brands, big savings — just a short drive from Lyon

Just 40 minutes from Lyon, The Village Outlet is a must-visit for style-savvy travellers looking to indulge in luxury shopping without the Parisian price tags. This chic open-air shopping destination offers up to 70% off on premium French and international brands like Armani, The Kooples, Le Creuset, and Hugo Boss, making it a perfect day trip for Indian clients keen on fashion and lifestyle buys.

Set in a beautifully landscaped village-style layout with cafes and kids’ zones, it’s more than just retail therapy — it’s a leisurely, curated experience ideal for couples, families, and even MICE groups looking to wind down post meetings.

Sunrise from the Basilica: A Spiritual, Visual Treat
Rising early isn’t easy, especially when travelling. But trust me when I say: sunrise from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is worth every lost minute of sleep. You can either take the funicular up or walk through the trails leading from the Old Town—it’s a climb, but oh so worth it.

As dawn breaks, the city slowly stretches into view. The Rhône and Saône rivers glimmer below, and the city’s blend of red rooftops, white stone, and blue sky unfolds like a painting. It’s the kind of quiet spectacle your honeymooners, spiritual seekers, or solo travellers will remember for years.

Club It with Beaujolais: A Day in Wine Paradise

Just 30 minutes from Lyon lies Beaujolais, a wine region that feels plucked from a postcard. Rolling vineyards, medieval villages, wine cellars, and passionate winemakers make it a must-do day trip from the city.

We spent the day visiting Château Bellevue and Château de Pizay Oenothèque, two estates that encapsulate the Beaujolais experience in very different, yet equally charming ways. At Château Bellevue, perched on a hilltop in the heart of the region, we were greeted with sweeping views of vineyards drenched in sunlight. The tasting was intimate, the wines expressive—especially the Fleurie, with its floral notes and silky texture. It was easy to imagine destination weddings and boutique incentive groups enjoying a long table lunch in the château’s gardens, surrounded by vines and history.

Our next stop, Château de Pizay, felt like stepping into a wine-lover’s playground. Their oenothèque (wine library) experience is incredibly interactive—ideal for Indian travellers who enjoy hands-on learning. We explored the sensory trail, tried our hand at blind tastings, and learned how to pair wine with different flavours. It’s fun, educational, and surprisingly approachable for even first-time wine drinkers.

Beaujolais wines, made primarily with the Gamay grape, are known for being light, fruity, and easy-drinking—perfect for Indian palates that might find Bordeauxs or Burgundies a bit too bold. The experience here isn’t just about sipping wine—it’s about immersing yourself in the land, the legacy, and the laid-back rhythm of vineyard life.

For travel agents, this is an easy add-on: a full-day experience filled with tastings, châteaux, and countryside charm—ideal for honeymooners, wine-curious travellers, and even small incentive groups seeking a slice of French countryside without straying too far from the city.

MICE in Lyon: Where Meetings Meet Meaning
Lyon is more than a charming city — it’s a world-class MICE destination that blends business with character. The Cité Internationale stands out as a premier venue, surrounded by the greenery of Parc de la Tête d’Or and the flowing Rhône, offering state-of-the-art facilities for large conventions and exhibitions.

But Lyon’s true MICE appeal lies in its ability to host events in spaces rich with soul and story. Take Halle Tony Garnier, once an industrial slaughterhouse, now a striking event hall with Art Deco bones that can accommodate thousands. Or the ultra-modern Musée des Confluences, where science and anthropology meet architecture — ideal for cocktail receptions, networking events, or product launches that want to impress.

For more intimate, high-end gatherings, consider the beautifully restored Grand Hôtel-Dieu — once one of Europe’s oldest hospitals, now a five-star hotel, gourmet hub, and event space. Imagine a wine-tasting reception in its courtyard, or an executive roundtable in its vaulted salons.

In Lyon, MICE isn’t just about functionality. It’s about curating an experience — one that inspires collaboration, connection, and creativity. Whether it’s a pharmaceutical congress, a fashion brand launch, or an incentive trip for top performers, Lyon delivers with elegance, efficiency, and a sense of place that few European cities can match.

Final Word: Lyon Isn’t a Stop — It’s a Standalone Story
Lyon doesn’t scream for attention the way some European cities do — it simply wins you over. Quietly. Authentically. It’s a place that reveals itself in layers: through the aroma of saucisson wafting from a bouchon, the stillness of a sunrise above the Saône, the clink of glasses in a Beaujolais cellar, or the smooth hum of a tram as it curves past centuries-old façades.

It’s also a city that understands travellers — whether they come for leisure, for love, or for business. For Indian travel professionals, that’s the magic of Lyon. It offers variety without chaos. Culture without crowds. Cuisine that comforts and surprises. And experiences that are rooted in real connection — with place, people, and purpose.

So don’t let your clients merely “pass through” Lyon on the way to somewhere else. Give them the space to pause, explore, and breathe it in. Whether it’s a honeymoon couple watching the city light up from Fourvière, a wine-loving group swirling a glass of Gamay at Château de Pizay, or a corporate team applauding a pitch in an old sugar warehouse turned MICE venue — Lyon becomes theirs.

And in return, it will surprise them. Then quietly stay with them — long after they’ve left.