15 days in Lyon & Paris Itinerary

Lyon is a historical city with a vibrant cultural scene as the birthplace of cinema, the silk capital of the globe, and the second biggest Renaissance city following Venice.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Cite medievale de Perouges and La Roche de Solutre. Escape the urban bustle at Grotte de Choranche and La cluse du Flumen et ses cascades. Get out of town with these interesting Lyon side-trips: Col du Beal (in Saint-Pierre-la-Bourlhonne), Chateau De La Greffiere (in La Roche-Vineuse) and Chateau de Chasselas (in Chasselas). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Jardin des Fontaines Petrifiantes, enjoy some diversion at Les Truites d'Andaure, get to know the fascinating history of Vieux Lyon, and take in the dramatic scenery at Cascade du Saut du Chien.

For where to stay, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Lyon road trip app.

Toronto, Canada to Lyon is an approximately 13-hour combination of ferry and flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 6 hours traveling from Toronto to Lyon. In May, daytime highs in Lyon are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to fly to Paris.

A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Left Bank (Rive Gauche) and Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire. Your inner history buff will appreciate Chartres Cathedral and Chateau de Fontainebleau. Change things up with these side-trips from Paris: Champagne Tarlant (in Oeuilly) and Champagne Chateau de Boursault (in Boursault). There's lots more to do: get to know the fascinating history of Latin Quarter, wander the streets of Île de la Cité, shop like a local with Saint Germain des Pres Quarter, and examine the collection at Musee Rodin.

To see reviews, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Paris tour itinerary maker tool.

You can fly from Lyon to Paris in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Lyon in June, with highs in Paris at 27°C and lows at 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight back home.