Nestled between the Saone River and the Fourviere hill, Vieux Lyon is one of the largest Renaissance-era districts in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully preserved 15th- and 16th-century buildings in warm ochre and pink hues, their facades adorned with mullioned windows and ornate turrets. The district is divided into three parishes, each with its own character: Saint-Jean with its magnificent Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, Saint-Paul favored by the banking classes, and Saint-Georges where silk weavers once plied their trade.

The real magic of Vieux Lyon lies in its traboules, secret passageways that cut through buildings and courtyards, connecting parallel streets. Originally used by silk workers to transport their goods without getting them wet, these hidden corridors reveal stunning Renaissance staircases and galleries that most visitors walk right past. Lyon also claims the title of France’s gastronomic capital, and the Old Town is where you will find the city’s famous bouchons, traditional restaurants serving hearty Lyonnaise cuisine like quenelles, andouillette, and praline tart.

Pro tip: Pick up a free traboules map from the tourist office on Place Bellecour and explore the passageways on your own. Many traboule doors appear locked but simply push the handle. Afterward, ride the funicular up to Fourviere for sweeping views over the rooftops of the Old Town and the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers.