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 Chateau De La Greffiere. Escape the urban bustle at La Roche de Solutre and Grotte de Choranche. Get out of town with these interesting Lyon side-trips: Col du Beal (in Saint-Pierre-la-Bourlhonne), Chateau de Chasselas (in Chasselas) and Cascade du Saut du Chien (in Septmoncel). 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 de la queue de cheval.

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 Tarlant. Your inner history buff will appreciate Chartres Cathedral and Latin Quarter. Change things up with these side-trips from Paris: Champagne Chateau de Boursault (in Boursault), Chateau de Fontainebleau (in Fontainebleau) and Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire (in Villers-sous-Chatillon). There's lots more to do: stop by Ile Saint-Louis, examine the collection at Musee Rodin, wander the streets of Le Marais, and admire the masterpieces at Musee De Cluny.

To see reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read Paris online sightseeing planner.

Traveling by flight from Lyon to Paris takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In June, Paris is little chillier than Lyon - with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to fly back home.