Eurostar to Lyon
Lyon, the gourmet capital of France is a delight for travellers. Its stunning historic centre, Le Vieux Lyon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it boasts the largest ensemble of Renaissance buildings in Europe. As you’d expect from a city with such a fantastic gourmet reputation, it boats many famous Michelin starred restaurants. But dig deeper and you’ll also find some great more reasonably priced bistros and small cafes too.
Lyon is situated between the vineyards of Beaujolais and Burgundy to the north, and Côtes du Rhône to the south, so if you’re a lover of French wines, you’ll be in seventh heaven here. On the cultural front don’t miss the modern Confluences Museum, the city’s new space for science and anthropology. Lyon is an absolute delight for a weekend break and a trip on a Eurostar train from St Pancras International only takes four hours, 41 minutes.
Eurostar to Lyon
The Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lyon Part-Dieu or Lyon Perrache station takes 4 hours 41 minutes. Passengers will need to board the TGV InOui train to either Paris or Lille and switch platforms for a direct train to Lyon. In Paris, it’s a 30-minute transfer from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon, in Lille, simply head to the departure hall and check for platforms. Standard Premier and Business Premier travellers can sit in 1st class on the TGV train to Lyon. Prices start at €54.
Eurostar to Lyon: Must-see
Lyon’s atmospheric Quartier Saint-Jean is the place to discover the city’s Old World charm. Here you’ll find delightful cobblestone lanes, filled with traditional restaurants and bars. If time is tight, head for the pedestrian streets of Rue Saint-Jean and Rue des Trois Maries.
What to eat in Lyon
Gastronomic Lyon is home to a lot of talented young chefs who hone their culinary skills here. One great restaurant that’s loved by locals and travellers alike is Les Apothecaries. Run by husband and wife team Ludovic and Tabata Mey, this great little eaterie offers diners modern French fare. Look out for reasonably priced dishes like oeuf parfait with beetroot and lemon thyme and whiting with a butternut confit and black radish. Set price lunches at €26 are an absolute steal.
Dine at Les Apothecaries 
Trendy Les Apothecaries
What to buy
Situated next to famous wine regions Beaujolais and Valee du Rhone, Lyon is the perfect place to pick up a great bottle of Fench wine (or two). There are many specialist wine shops all over the city or look out for the Auchan supermarket chain, which offers a good selection of local wines at great prices.
Where to stay in Lyon
Cour des Loges €€€
This five-star hotel is located in carefully renovated renaissance buildings in the heart of Old Lyon. Here you’ll find elegant rooms, a great restuants plus a private garden and hamman. It’s the essence of French chic.
Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux-Arts €€
This three-star Mercure hotel situated between Musée des Beaux Arts and Place Bellecour is the perfect place to base yourself for the weekend and won’t break the bank.
Meininger Lyon Centre Berthelot €
This brightly-coloured centrally located hostel with prices as low as €19 per night is one of the most popular places to stay in Lyon and great if you’re travelling on a budget. Each year Lyon celebrates its ‘Fête des Lumières’ festival and the colourful interior design of the hotel was inspired by both this festival.