With more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in France, Lyon is a culinary capital within a culinary capital. The third largest city by population after Paris and Marseille—and geographically situated between the two—it’s a top destination for the restaurant-obsessed. It’s a key stopping point for travelers along the Michelin trail, and it’s home to the first chef ever to receive six stars.
Specific to Lyon, a visit to a bouchon is an essential experience, even if they can be a little touristy. Rather than coq au vin or escargot, you’ll find offal and fatty roasts on the menu. The city’s food scene is no longer dominated solely by beef tripe and pâté en croûte, and old-world establishments rub shoulders with trendy food courts, vegan pâtisseries, and spots with diverse international cuisines.
Many restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays. On other days of the week, they shut down between lunch and dinner, which typically starts around 7:30pm. Lyon is gorgeous, but don’t fuss too much over a long list of sightseeing—eating well is the best way to really experience this city.