A Beautiful French City Known For Great Food Is Cheaper Than Paris

Tucked between two rivers, and packed with 21 Michelin-stared restaurants, Lyon offers everything you love about France — minus the high costs. While Paris often steals the spotlight when planning a vacation in France, Lyon is a historic city in France that delivers an equally rich experience without the price tag. According to Budget Your Trip, everything from accommodations to food and entertainment costs less in Lyon, also known as the capital of Gastronomy.

When it comes to traveling to either city, round-trip flights to Lyon are usually cheaper, but with a bit of research, or even by skipping a checked bag, you may be able to book cheap flights in Europe. The biggest savings, however, can be found in accommodations. A hostel or hotel for one person averages just $62 a night in Lyon, compared to $179 in Paris. In total, a person visiting Lyon can expect to spend an average of $181 a day on lodging, food, transportation, and entertainment, compared to $310 a day in Paris.

Lyon is more than just an affordable destination. As the Capital of Gastronomy, the city lives up to its name by serving up various local specialties and fine dining experiences. Before trying new restaurants, it's important to understand the local cuisine in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Lyonnaise cuisine is a testament to the region's landscape and cultural diversity, providing everything from iconic cheeses to world-class wines and French delicacies like escargots, frogs, and crayfish from the Rhône and Saône rivers. That said, local dishes to try while visiting include Sabodet, a pork sausage dish, and Gâteau de Foie de Volaille, a chicken liver cake.

For those looking for a more elevated dining experience, Lyon is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in France besides Paris. As for restaurants to try while visiting, Les Terrasses de Lyon and Au 14 Février are highly rated and both have one Michelin star. Notably, many restaurants offer prix-fixe menus under $100 per person, making fine dining more accessible to travelers on a budget. On average you can expect to pay around $71 a day on food while visiting Lyon. Additionally, you may be able to save more on dining experiences thanks to Europe's relaxed tipping culture.

While Lyon's cuisine is reason enough to visit, planning your trip at the right time can help you make the most of everything the city has to offer. According to U.S. News and World Report, September and October can be ideal times for travelers with crisp weather and fewer summertime tourists. However, if you're willing to brave colder temperatures, late November or early December can also be a great time to explore the city and catch the Festival of Lights — one of the largest secular celebrations in the region with artistic displays across the city.

If traveling on a budget, visiting Lyon between November and April will provide the best deals. Additionally, booking airfare in January or February can lead to more savings. Travelling in the spring can help you avoid peak tourist season while still offering enjoyable weather to explore the city or lounge at an outdoor café.