Lyon city breaks

From the big bang to the human brain, the stunning Musée des Confluences explores the origins of life on earth, and is worth a visit for the architecture alone.

Head inside though to boldly tackle the big questions: life, death, rituals and the history of humankind.

Existential queries answered, pop up to Le Comptoir Gourmand for a bite to eat and a great view from the terrace.

From Star Wars to Spiderman, Men in Black to… Mrs Doubtfire, this quirky museum houses an impressive collection of more than 450 film props.

Eight rooms of animatronics and monsters, masks and prostheses, costumes and creatures give a fascinating insight into the backstage magic of movie-making.

And then there's the miniatures. The 120 intricate 1:12-scale masterpieces recreate everything from Maxim's in Paris to the dinosaur hall of a natural history museum – all in mind-blowing, teeny tiny detail.

Consecrated in 1896, Lyon's landmark basilica was built in thanks to the Virgin Mary, who's credited with saving the city from a 17th-century plague.

While you can drop in any time for a peek, from April to November, guides are on hand to talk you through the building's history.

Stay inside to admire the mosaics and stained-glass windows, or climb the 345 steps to the roof for a bird's-eye view of the city below.

Simply wandering through Lyon's beautiful streets is a history lesson, from Renaissance-era Vieux-Lyon to the cobbled, hilly streets of La Croix-Rousse.

The former is famed for its traboules, secret passageways once used by silk-workers. During the war, Resistance cells used them to evade the Nazis. These days they serve as handy shortcuts for in-the-know locals.

On your way around town, try to spot some of the 100 murals and trompe l'oeil. The highlight is the spectacular Mur des Canuts, which transformed an eyesore into a towering optical illusion of ivy-covered apartments, shops and busy Lyonnais going about their day.

We’d like one of everything in Inès and Pascale Dayet’s store Le Dadashop, from the arty, offbeat postcards to the Baggu rucksacks.

Prepare to be blown away by Cica Gomez’s minimalist ceramics, made in situ and glazed with metal oxides.

May: Nuits Sonores – an annual event dedicated to electronic and independent music.

June: Les Nuits de Fourvière – everything from music and film to circus and dance takes over the city's two Roman amphitheatres.

September: La Biennale de Lyon – a joyous celebration of all things creative, alternating each year between dance and contemporary art.

December: Fête des Lumières – see Lyon's at its twinkly best in this spectacular city-wide light show.

A temple to legendary chef Paul Bocuse’s legacy, this sprawling indoor food market is heaven for gastronomes, and a whole day could be spent happily browsing the abundant stalls.

For the full experience, pick up some local cheese and charcuterie for an impromptu picnic, or stop for lunch in one of the specialty restaurants.

In search of souvenirs? Plump for some pretty rose praline or cook-at-home quenelles to take back a taste of Lyon.

Celebrated chef Eugénie Brazier is another legend of the Lyonnais food scene.

Famed as the first person to be awarded six Michelin stars – three each at her two restaurants in the city – her legacy lives on in the hands of chef Mathieu Viannay.

Now a holder of two Michelin stars, Mère Brazier dishes up perfectly styled plates including crab with caviar, venison with wild berries and a fragrant Chartreuse soufflé with nougat ice cream. Divine.

Generous portions: check. Warm, gregarious host: check. Checked tablecloths: check check.

One of the joys of a trip to Lyon is the chance to eat in a traditional bouchon. And this is one of the best. These homely restaurants serve up hearty dishes of local favourites with a heavy emphasis on meat.

Think everything from pâté and chicken casserole to heavily seasoned andouillette and a salad of trotters and brawn. All washed down with a carafe of the delicious house wine.

This airy café specialises in feelgood food, whether you're after a tasty midweek lunch or a laidback weekend brunch.

The weekday formules are a great way to mix and match dishes which run from velvety parsnip velouté to butternut flan and a flavoursome coconut shrimp curry.

Come the weekend, the simple brunch menu packs a flavoursome punch, offering everything from pancakes with caramelised pork, to pear and rosemary waffles via some egg-based breakfast favourites.