Paris or Lyon? The capital city does not always have to be the first choice for a city trip to another country. Most of the time, we only visit the biggest, well-known cities at first, only to find out afterwards that there is actually nothing new to discover there. Maybe you should give preference to a smaller city next time. In France, for example, Lyon is particularly worthwhile. I have found three reasons why I like Lyon better than its big sister Paris.

1. Lyon is more French

Honestly, as much as you may like Paris - the hordes of tourists can spoil things for you. Whether it's the Chinese coach that stops right in front of you at the Arc de Triomphe, thereby extending the waiting time to the entrance to two hours, or hundreds of self-snatchers in front of the Eiffel Tower, running each other over.

In Lyon, on the other hand, you actually hear French in the streets and whether you like it or not, you at least have the feeling that you are in France and that you walk along paths that are not yet completely trampled out.

2. The evenings in Lyon are more relaxed

Laissez-faire on the banks of the Rhone, instead of queuing up at the crèpe stand on the Seine. Half of Lyon comes together in the evening on the steps by the river and people drink and play music. By the way, the view you can enjoy is hardly distinguishable from the view of the Parisian bridges.

The nightlife of Lyon is almost everywhere much more relaxed and alternative than in chic Paris. The drinks in most clubs are affordable and the dress code is less strict.

3. Your wallet is spared

Lyon only isn't a lot cheaper than Paris, there are also many events completely free of charge. At the Tout l’monde Dehors at the end of June, you can visit a new show every night and don't pay anything at all.

Are you looking for a hotel room near the city centre? Lyon is almost never fully booked and the prices, even in top locations, are acceptable.

Paris or Lyon?

Of course Paris is a beautiful city that you should have seen. But Lyon can definitely keep up and has surprised me absolutely positively. The flight connections are not quite as ideal as to Paris and the flights are therefore a bit more expensive. But as the next destination for a city trip you should definitely keep an eye on Lyon.