Must-see tours Lyon Perrache
The Perrache district, located in the heart of Lyon between the Saône and Rhône rivers, is a place steeped in history that has gradually built up quite a reputation in the city of lights.
It all began in the 18th century, when engineer Antoine Michel Perrache decided to transform a marshy area into a lively place (an ambitious project…). Perrache station was inaugurated in 1855, and today serves as a hub, making it the place to be if you want to catch a train!
During the Second World War, Perrache station played an important role, particularly thanks to the tunnel through which Lyonnais passed discreetly.
Today, the second arrondissement is an example of evolution (from swamps to the corner of bobos and restaurants… ) thanks to the modern innovations that have made the Perrache district both historic and dynamic and modern.
Discover the Perrache district
Ah, the famous Perrache station! This railway station is steeped in history and boasts some very original architecture…
Thanks to the railway companies (Sytral, TCL), the station has become a major interchange point for trains, streetcars and buses.
Located in Lyon 2, on the Place Carnot to be precise, it links Lyon to major French cities such as Paris and Lille, but also connects the suburbs of Lyon to the center of the city.
In terms of architecture, the main façade is decorated with columns and sculptures, giving the impression that the station is immense. Inside, the glass and wrought-iron structure nods to the industrial halls of the 19th century, providing plenty of light and a feeling of space. The station also features a large clock, an emblematic symbol of railway stations of the period.
Between Perrache and Confluence lies a district called Sainte Blandine.
This district is widely renowned for its lush greenery, thanks to the Perrache hanging gardens, a hidden gem (you’ll have to find it) but one to die for!
We recommend a visit to the church of Sainte-Blandine, which is sublime and original with its large spire.
Place Carnot, the elusive Place Carnot with its Haussmann façades, fountains and green spaces, almost makes you feel like you’re on vacation all the time, no less!
If you feel like it, you can go for a drink in one of the bars along the square, where you’re likely to bump into a few students.
A bit of culture now, it’s great to wander the streets of the city of the Gauls, but it’s even better to leave with a head full of knowledge about the city and to understand the whys and wherefores.
Located in Lyon’s magnificent 2nd arrondissement (behind Perrache), the archives municipales feature exhibitions on Lyon and the history of the capital of the Gauls right up to the present day.
Young and old are welcome, and it’s possible to be accompanied by a guide or to explore the exhibition as you wish.
The Saint Paul and Saint-Joseph prisons are located in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, in the Perrache district. Both built in the 19th century, they play a central role in Lyon’s prison system.
Designed to hold a variety of prisoners, the Saint Paul prison was used in particular during the Second World War for resistance fighters, while the Saint Joseph prison was reserved for political prisoners.
In 2009, a new student campus and new commercial offices were added – yes, the change is quite radical!
Where to eat in Lyon Perrache?
Everyone knows Lyon’s cuisine, and for good reason: it’s one of the best in the world. Traditional dishes based on pork or beef, often paired with good wine.
If you walk through the Perrache district, you’ll see a lot of French brasseries, but if you venture out into the surrounding area, you can find bouchons lyonnais (Lyonnais cuisine) or gourmet Lyonnais cuisine.
Le comptoir Cecil is a bistronomic restaurant offering market cuisine combining gourmet delights and local produce, with dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s added bonus: the menu changes every week, and you can visit from morning to night – it’s a real “place to live”.
Brasserie Georges is one of Lyon’s oldest brasseries, and its authentic art deco style will immerse you in the traditional spirit of Lyon.
Food-wise, there’s a wide choice, but the great specialty of the place is the sauerkraut, which is served generously and requires a good appetite.
This is one of Lyon’s not-to-be-missed restaurants, and all visitors must try it at least once.
The troquet is perfect for wine-loving travellers who like to share their experience!
This wine and tapas bar welcomes you in a warm, family atmosphere. Tapas are classic dishes from our regions, but they’ve been revisited with a modern touch, resulting in mouthfuls to die for!
Quality-price ratio validated by the innkeepers.
For children, the Christmas market is a real paradise. Between Santa’s visit, the merry-go-rounds and the creative workshops, the youngest don’t know where to turn. Puppet shows and Christmas tales are also on the program, captivating the imagination of young and old alike.
It’s also the perfect place to find unique and original Christmas gifts. Handcrafted products, from scented candles to knitted scarves, pottery and handmade soaps, are all wonders to offer or to treat yourself to.
Perrache’s must-see artisans and stores
In terms of savoir faire, Lyon is not just a gourmet city, it’s also famous for its silk, known as the “silk capital”, and for its cinema, which was created here. Did you know that?
La maison des Canuts is an ideal boutique for those who like to rummage around in fabrics.
The quality and know-how of the canuts are the boutique’s main assets (the canuts are the former workers of Lyon, which is why one of Lyon’s nicknames is “la ville des Canuts”).
The house’s specialties include silk, ties and all pieces created from high-quality fabric.
And we’re sure you’ll find other wonders as you explore the store’s nooks and crannies.
Le comptoir des Halles is an artisanal store where you’ll find fine grocery products.
If you take a tour of the store, you’re sure to find: charcuterie lyonnaise, regional cheeses and spirituous wines, perfect if you’re looking for a gourmet tourist experience!
L’atelier des Chefs is not only a store where you can buy top-of-the-range kitchen utensils, but also an institution offering Lyon-style cooking classes. Imagine coming home to a real Lyonnais chef! You can even take all this knowledge home with you thanks to cookery books.
And around Lyon Perrache?
Confluence is located near Perrache, and is a fairly recent district that has replaced large warehouses.
One of the city’s best museums has opened there. There are some very interesting ephemeral exhibitions that are a perfect blend of leisure and culture.
Confluence is also known for its shopping mall, ideal for going shopping or to the cinema, and there are frequent cocktail events on the roof offering a panoramic view!
The Aqueduc Romain du Gier is an 86km-long aqueduct built in Roman times to provide the city of Lyon with drinking water.
The remains are located 10 – 15km from Perrache (accessible by train). They’re well worth a visit, and show us the power of Roman engineering.
Parc de Beauregard is a park located 15 minutes from Lyon, with landscapes that are very different from those of Lyon, ideal for getting the impression of getting away from it all and traveling far away without really moving. The playgrounds and large green spaces are sure to delight young and old alike, making this one of the best destinations around the City of Lights.