How to Explore Lyon, France on a Budget

From Roman ruins to the best cuisine in all of France, Lyon has much to offer. Discover how best to enjoy this city without breaking the bank.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Arrange your travel to Lyon. If you are already in France, consider taking the high speed train (TGV). From Paris, Lyon is only a two-hour train ride away, and for passengers between the ages of 12 and 25, a special reduced fare card can secure you automatic discounts on all French train tickets.
   If you are arriving via plane, there is a convenient and inexpensive shuttle bus connecting Lyon and the airport, approximately 45 minutes from downtown.

2. 

   Find a place to stay. Lyon has a wealth of friendly people willing to offer travelers a free spot to sleep -- if you are the adventurous type, give this a try through Couchsurfing! Lyon also has a relatively central Youth Hostel (Auberge de Jeunesse) with reasonable rates.

3. 

   Schedule museum visits to minimize admission fees. For instance, the Gallo-Roman Museum offers free admission every Thursday, whereas the Fine Arts Museum is always free for anyone under 18 and all students under 26 with a valid student ID card.

4. 

   Visit outdoor food markets. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France and these markets offer reasonably-priced, locally grown produce, freshly baked bread, artisanal jams and preserves, and much more. Stock up on picnic supplies here for a cheap and unforgettable lunch!

5. 

   Find appealing fixed price restaurant menus. Wander through Lyon's Presqu'ile and Vieux-Lyon neighborhoods and take advantage of the "prix-fixe" menus. You'll know ahead of time how much the entire meal will cost, and who can refuse dessert when it's already included in the price?

Tips & Warnings

• Use Lyon's public bike sharing program, Velo'V, to get around town when the weather is nice.
• In inclement weather or to save time, opt for the metro (TCL) instead.
• Lyon's festival of Lights, the 8th of December, is well worth the visit -- but hotels and hostels sell out far in advance, so make your reservations early and be prepared for large crowds.

Resources

• Buy French train tickets and reduced fare cards here
• Find free housing and local friends through Couchsurfing
• Lyon's Youth Hostel
• Free and Reduced Prices at Lyon's Fine Arts Museum
• Outdoor Markets of Lyon

[joycetmann]

on 6/19/2009 Wonderful, specific article on exploring Lyon, France on a budget. Thanks! 5* and rec

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/26/2009 Thanks for the great article. My husband and I plan to visit soon. 5*

[papaya42]

on 2/18/2009 I love France! This is a great article for those that like to travel but are on a budget! 5*s