So, I just got back from Lyon, and wow, what a whirlwind of a trip. I feel like I stumbled upon the best things to do in Lyon without even trying, you know? My friends had hyped it up—like, “You're going to LOVE it!” and honestly, I wasn't expecting much, especially after some mediocre European cities I'd visited over the last few years. But Lyon… now that was different.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
Okay, first things first. I arrived with a vague plan of which neighborhoods to explore, but I think I ended up wandering out of sheer curiosity. I found myself in Vieux Lyon, and let me tell you, those cobblestone streets? Pure movie magic. There's just something about old buildings with their colorful facades that make you feel like you've walked straight into a past life.
I turned a corner, and there it was—a tiny shop with a sign that just read “Fromagerie.” Of course, I had to go in. Why wouldn't I? I wasn't even specifically looking for cheese, but when in France, right? Inside, I was greeted by this lovely woman who, in a thick French accent, started telling me about the different cheeses. At some point, I lost track of how long I'd been there, just nodding along and grinning at her passion. I ended up buying way too much cheese—not that I'm complaining. My suitcase was basically a mobile cheese factory by the time I left.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
One afternoon, I decided to explore Parc de la Tête d'Or. Honestly, I had my doubts when I first arrived. I mean, parks are parks, right? But wow, was I wrong. This park is HUGE, with sprawling lawns, a lake, and even a little zoo. I wasn't prepared to find myself just sitting on a bench, munching on a baguette, and soaking in the sun with the gentle sounds of laughter and the occasional quack from ducks.
There was this moment when I looked around and felt an overwhelming sense of peace, like everything was just as it should be. I struck up a conversation with a couple of locals—a young couple enjoying a picnic. We chatted about their favorite places to eat in Lyon, and it turned into a friendly debate about whether you should eat your croissant with or without jam. These kinds of interactions are what travel is about, right?
They pointed me toward this little bistro called Le Bouchon, saying it had the best quenelle in town. I think I must've looked like a kid on Christmas morning because the couple wrote down the address for me. Spoiler alert: they were absolutely right about the quenelle.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
Let's backtrack a bit. I've always had a terrible sense of direction. Like, I once got lost in a supermarket in my hometown. So, it wasn't a huge surprise when I ended up wandering off my planned route trying to find that bistro. At one point, I looked around and thought, “What in the world am I doing in this tiny alleyway?” I questioned whether I should just give up and grab a sandwich instead. But something, I don't know what, made me press on.
Turns out, that detour led me to this enchanting courtyard filled with eclectic street art. I spotted a small café, and, well, I couldn't resist popping in for a quick espresso. As I sat there, I realized I was right across the street from a gallery that just happened to be hosting an exhibit on contemporary art. I had no idea it was there, but it felt like fate.
So, I spent a delightful hour wandering through stunning installations, and I came out feeling utterly inspired. Who knew a “wrong turn” could end up being the highlight of my day? Like, if I hadn't gotten lost, I'd never have found the gallery, and it became one of my favorite memories from the trip.
A Meal I’ll Never Forget
And then, of course, there was that incredible meal. My last night in Lyon, I finally made it to Le Bouchon, and oh boy, it was heavenly. You walk in and you're immediately enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The waitstaff was charming and funny, which put me at ease, and I took a seat at a communal table. It felt like being part of a family dinner, with laughter and clinking glasses all around.
I ordered the quenelle, and when it arrived, I couldn't help but swoon. You know that moment when you take a bite and your taste buds just practically dance? It was everything I hoped it would be—light, fluffy, and the sauce… let's just say I may or may not have asked for extra bread to soak up every last drop. There was a moment of doubt when I thought I might burst, but whatever. I was in Lyon. It felt wrong to not fully indulge.
By the end, I was stuffed, glowing, and honestly a little sad that it was my last night. As I left the bistro, the scent of the city wrapped around me, and I knew I was taking a part of Lyon back with me.
Little Detours, Big Memories
Looking back, it's the little things that made this trip unforgettable—the accidental art exhibition, the conversations with locals over picnics, and even getting lost in those winding streets. I feel like I came home with a pocket full of incredible stories and a newfound connection to a city I almost overlooked.
Even my suitcase was filled with the remnants of indulgence and laughter—crumbs of that heavenly baguette, the stunning cheeses that stole my heart, and little souvenirs that mean so much more than just being “things.”
I guess, in a way, this trip helped me realize that sometimes, it's not about ticking off a checklist of “must-see” sights. It's more about embracing those unexpected moments, the missed turns, and the conversations that make your heart a little fuller. So yeah, if you ever find yourself in Lyon, just dive in and see where the day takes you.
And now, as I sit here sipping the last dregs of my coffee, I can't help but smile at the thought of returning to that lovely city someday, hopefully with an equally stuffed suitcase and a full heart.
