My husband and I are planning a trip to London, Lyon, Paris in late April / early May 2026. Been to London and Paris before; Lyon will be new for us. Our focus in Paris and Lyon will be food, a museum or two, neighborhood walks, markets, soak up the vibe, and perhaps an excursion to Perouges from Lyon.

My current rough itinerary puts us in Lyon on May 1. I'm not sure what to expect in terms of restaurants. One of our big reasons for going to Lyon is for the food. What can I expect on May 1 in Lyon?

Another option is to plan for travel on May 1. Does the TGV run on May 1? Can I take a train from Lyon to Paris on May 1, and would that be better -- would more things be open in Paris on May 1?

Thanks!
Mona

May 1st is the day when the most things are closed everywhere in France. Transportation operates on a Sunday schedule. Museums are closed. There are plenty of churches and parks to visit. Finding something to eat is not a problem in any major city.

Hi!
Since May 1st kicks off a long three-day weekend, it would be wise to book your Paris–Lyon train ticket for April 30 well in advance, at least three months ahead. The Paris–Lyon route is operated by two rail companies, SNCF and Trenitalia. To find the best schedules and fares, it’s best to use a train price comparison site to book your Paris to Lyon and Lyon to Paris train tickets.
Since you’re going to Lyon to enjoy its famous cuisine, make sure to try some of the city’s best-known specialties. Start with cervelle de canut (a creamy, herbed cheese spread), tablier de sapeur (breaded, marinated beef tripe), and quenelles de brochet (light pike dumplings in a rich sauce). And don’t miss the most emblematic dish of all: poularde demi-deuil (chicken cooked with black truffles; the truffles darken part of the meat while the rest stays white, which gave the dish its name “half-mourning”). This recipe was perfected by Mère Brazier, one of the most celebrated of the Mères Lyonnaises (“Lyonnais Mothers”), whose historic restaurant La Mère Brazier still exists today on rue Royale. The Mothers were pioneering women cooks of the early 20th century who opened their own kitchens and helped make Lyon the gastronomic capital of France. Their legacy lives on in the city’s traditional bouchons, welcoming eateries where you can still enjoy authentic Lyonnaise cuisine.
About accommodations in Lyon, I really like the InterContinental Lyon and highly recommend it. The hotel is set in a beautiful historic building and the mix of classic charm with modern comfort makes it feel special. Plus, the location is perfect: right in the heart of Lyon, close to major attractions, shopping, and restaurants, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
Enjoy your time in Lyon!

Thanks for the input. And thanks PJ94 for your advice on buying tickets well ahead of time -- will do! Also appreciate the Lyon food and restaurant recommendations. We've now adjusted our itinerary to travel from Lyon to Paris on April 30, and stay in Paris for a 4 days before departing on May 5.