The Easter weekend is on its way, providing the perfect opportunity to plan an extended city break. Discover three ideal destinations for the season: Lyon, Strasbourg and Barcelona.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Lyon: the charm of the secret covered passageways known as ‘traboules’
Discover Lyon
Spring really is the perfect time to visit Lyon: stroll along the banks of the Rhône, have lunch on a terrace, climb up to admire the Fourvière basilica, stroll through the Parc de la Tête d’Or, and wander the steep little streets of the Croix-Rousse district.
The ‘Traboules’
Take the whole family on a fun, guided tour exploring the secrets of Old Lyon with its covered passageways known as ‘traboules’, or visit the incredible Musée Cinéma et Miniature, a two-in-one museum that invites you to discover the magic of special effects in cinema and the poetic world created by miniature artists. Hundreds of authentic filming objects on loan from numerous studios are on display, creating a surprising collection that will appeal to everyone.
Strasbourg: off the beaten track
Take a bike tour
Head east to discover the many facets of the capital of Alsace. Did you know? As well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Strasbourg is France’s leading city for cycling! So grab a bike and start exploring this medieval city on the Rhine, whose Grande Île is entirely surrounded by water.
Discover Strasbourg differently
As soon as the weather warms up, hire a Segway to explore the city, discover the canals on board a small electric boat or head off on one of the countless nature walks organised by the city, such as the enjoyable III-Bruche tour (7.6 km, 2.5/3 hrs). Ideal for families: the little train ride with its two different routes (Petite France, but also the new route that goes through the Neustadt German-inspired district) with an audio tour to listen to along the way.
Local shopping
Discover some of Strasbourg’s unique designer and local craft shops:
- Les Herbes Folles (44 Rue du jeu des enfants): jewellery, items for young children, home goods, cosmetics, wellness items, plants and more!
- Little Nuage (32 Rue du bains aux plantes): this shop sells jewellery and organises creative workshops.
- Le Générateur (8 Rue Sainte-Madeleine): a community shop showcasing arts and crafts from the Grand Est region of France.
And to sample some local delicacies for lunch, visit Rue des orfèvres to stock up on muenster cheese, sausages, Riesling and blueberries before heading to the Parc de l’Orangerie to enjoy a picnic on the grass!
Barcelona: a sunny getaway in Spain
Barcelona by train
Just 6 hours, 40 minutes from Paris from city centre to city centre, and less than 4 hours from Toulouse, Barcelona promises a getaway in the Catalan sunshine! With its easy-going lifestyle, beaches, activities on Las Ramblas (Barcelona’s most famous promenade) and flamenco shows, Spain’s second-largest city has plenty to offer.
Discover the city
Don’t miss the Gothic district in the town’s medieval centre, where you can stroll through narrow streets and admire the architecture. After a detour sampling local delicacies at Boqueria market, take a tour of Gaudi’s architectural gems, which include Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. And for a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of the city, head for Ciutadella Park. This oasis of greenery, right in the centre of town, is the perfect spot for a picnic.
