VERDICT: We gave 5 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
From Roman ruins and riverside drives to a former monastery turned luxury hotel, Lyon became one of the biggest surprises of our French road trip
We thought Lyon would simply be a one-night stop on our French road trip… but within minutes of arriving, we walked into one of the most jaw-dropping hotels we’ve ever seen. A former monastery turned luxury hotel high above the city; with Roman ruins, a massive basilica, and incredible views waiting outside.
As we continued our French road trip, we left Orléans behind and joined the A77 and A6 motorways heading south toward Lyon, one of France’s most historic and important cities. The further south we travelled, the more the weather improved. Grey skies slowly turned blue, vineyards began appearing across the countryside, and eventually we found ourselves driving beside the Rhône and Saône rivers as Lyon unfolded around us.
Then came the climb. Our GPS guided us up a steep hill overlooking the city toward our hotel for the night, the incredible Fourvière Hôtel. And honestly… we were not prepared for what we were about to walk into.
Check Expedia for the Fourvière Hôtel. We booked our stay through this platform and were very happy.
The moment we entered the lobby, it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like entering a basilica or grand historic monastery. Towering ceilings, massive archways, stone columns, stained-glass influences, peaceful cloisters, and elegant open courtyards created an atmosphere unlike anywhere we’ve ever stayed.
Originally built as a 19th-century convent, the building has been transformed into one of the most unique hotels in France while carefully preserving its historic character. The hotel sits directly beside some of Lyon’s most important historic landmarks, including ancient Roman ruins and the famous Basilica overlooking the city.
From Roman ruins and riverside drives to a former monastery turned luxury hotel, Lyon became one of the biggest surprises of our French road trip
The views from this hilltop are spectacular, especially at sunset when Lyon begins to glow beneath you. What makes Lyon so special is its incredible mix of Roman history, medieval streets, riverside beauty, world-famous cuisine, and grand architecture. It feels elegant without trying too hard.
Even though we only stayed one night… Lyon immediately became one of the biggest surprises of our entire French road trip.
And honestly? We would return in a heartbeat.
Return Ticket Reasons: Why We’d Return to Lyon
- Ideal stop on a French road trip
- Extraordinary historic atmosphere
- One of the most unique hotels in France
- Incredible Roman history
- Stunning basilica and viewpoints
- Excellent food culture
- Walkable old town
- Beautiful riverside scenery
- Rich architecture everywhere
- Less overwhelming than Paris
Learn More About Hotel Fourvière
Fourvière Hôtel is one of the most distinctive hotel experiences in France. Located high on Fourvière Hill overlooking Lyon, the hotel occupies a beautifully restored former convent built in the 1850s. Rather than modernizing away its past, the restoration embraced the building’s historic soul. Guests walk through peaceful cloisters, grand vaulted hallways, and expansive stone corridors that feel almost cathedral-like in scale. The central courtyard creates a tranquil atmosphere far removed from the busy city below. Many rooms combine minimalist modern luxury with original architectural features, while the grounds include gardens, terraces, and exceptional panoramic viewpoints over Lyon. Its location is extraordinary, just steps from Lyon’s Roman theatres and the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Staying here feels less like staying in a conventional hotel and more like temporarily living inside French history.
Behind Every Door There’s A Story – This is Room 114
Interestingly every door has been covered in a famous person or well know resident from Lyon. Ours, at Room 114 was Doctor Claude Bernard (1813 – 1878)
Born near the City of Lyon, physiologist doctor, and strong supporter of the positivist approach, he is the creator of experimental medicine and modern biology. We owe him today’s knowledge of the glycogenic function of the liver and unders-tanding of how insulin affects diabetes. He has received many awards (from both the Academy of Science and the Academy of Medicine). His wife founded the French S.P.A. (Animals Protection Society). The scientific pole of Lyon Universities is named Claude Bernard Lyon | University in his honour.
🎯 Top 10 Things to do in Lyon
- Top 10 Things To See & Do in Lyon
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The symbol of Lyon towering above the city with incredible panoramic views. - Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
Remarkable Roman ruins dating back nearly 2,000 years. - Vieux Lyon
One of Europe’s largest Renaissance old towns filled with cobbled streets and hidden passageways. - Traboules of Lyon
Secret covered passageways once used by silk merchants and resistance fighters. - Place Bellecour
One of Europe’s largest public squares. - Parc de la Tête d’Or
A massive urban park with gardens, a lake, and even a small zoo. - Musée Miniature et Cinéma
Fascinating movie props and miniature worlds. - Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
A paradise for food lovers showcasing Lyon’s culinary reputation. - Croix-Rousse
Historic silk-weaving district with incredible city viewpoints. - Confluence District
Modern architecture and waterfront redevelopment where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
