France's most walkable city is perfect for a weekend break and it's not Paris
The French city was found to be the best for exploring on foot according to a study by French newspaper Le Parisien. Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours
France is a favourite destination for Brits, and its closeness to the UK makes it an excellent choice for a quick weekend getaway. But where's the best spot in the country for a city break that you can explore on foot?
A study by French newspaper Le Parisien revealed that Lyon is France's most walkable city and the easiest to navigate by foot. As the third largest city in France, Lyon is often hailed as the nation's culinary capital, and its Old Town is among the most beautiful in France.
Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours, or they can travel by train using the Eurostar and changing in Paris, which takes just under five hours. Skyscanner offers a variety of flight options, or British tourists can plan a train or flight route on Omio.
What to do in Lyon
If you're short on time, most of Lyon's top attractions are located in Vieux Lyon. Marvel at the architecture in the city's cathedral or uncover its intriguing traboules.
The Traboules are secret covered passageways through Lyon's Old Town, so keep your eyes open as you wander, reports the Express. The city's top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, which perches on a hill overlooking the old town.
The Basilique is incredibly stunning, but visitors will also enjoy fantastic views from the top, and there's also a cafe.
If you have a bit more time, visit the city's Parc de la Tete d'Or, home to turtles.
What to eat in Lyon
Lyon is frequently hailed as France's culinary capital, so after all that strolling, be sure to carve out some time to savour its gastronomic wonders.
The city's food scene revolves heavily around bouchons – eateries specialising in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Some of the offerings, like pork tripe sausage, might not be for the squeamish.
However, dishes such as lentils with vegetables and sausages, and le poulet celestine, a chicken dish featuring mushrooms and tomatoes, are firm favourites.
Where to stay in Lyon
If you're keen on staying in the most pedestrian-friendly part of the city, consider lodging in the old town. Alternatively, hotels across the river tend to be more budget-friendly if you're watching your pennies.
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To be fair, they have always hated this sort of vestment; but Pope Francis and Cardinal Roche encouraged them to channel their dislike into the sort of petty-minded persecution that English Catholics endured under the penal laws. Pope Leo cannot allow the liturgy wars to drag on. He may choose to dismantle Traditionis Custodes gently, employing loopholes rather than trashing his predecessor. That's fine. But dismantle it he must. Contrary to some reports, it's not true that significant numbers of young people in the West are turning to Catholicism. But among those few young Catholics who practise their faith, a rising proportion are drawn to the 'Mass of the ages', as it's sometimes called. If Pope Leo wants their loyalty, enabling him to pass on the spiritual gifts of tradition to his successors, then he must learn one lesson now, in the first months of his pontificate: he cannot square the circle of singing plainchant from his balcony while suppressing the supreme expression of Latin worship.
