Being able to walk freely through the streets of an unfamiliar city is a key consideration for many holidaymakers.

Doing so lends itself to stumbling across hidden gems ranging from restaurants, cafes, and bars, to viewing spots with panoramic views of the region.

France is the ideal destination to do just that, with one city named the best for those seeking somewhere both beautiful and walkable by the French newspaper Le Parisien.

Lyon, nicknamed ‘the capital of gastronomy’, is a cultural melting pot for foodies. Plus, with Roman history and fascinating architecture on every corner, visitors won’t be short of things to see.

The city boasts an idyllic location on the confluence of two rivers; the Rhône and Saône, and sits northwest of the French Alps.

Lyon is the third largest city in the country but doesn’t feel that way when you’re there, according to one resident.

Sharing their thoughts on the property website, Sirelo, an unnamed user wrote: “It is smaller and less busy compared to Paris, but it has all the charm of a typical French city. It is also cheaper than Paris. There are lots of restaurants and different attractions you can visit for example; Le Musée des Confluences, le Musée des beaux-arts, the theatre of Fourvière, Hôtel de Ville and La place bellecour which is a large square in Lyon.”

With the main focal points situated near one another, Le Parisien suggested that the city might even deserve the coveted title of the ’15-minute city’.

As for the atmosphere in Lyon, the walkable destination is home to several Universities which brings a youthful and dynamic vibe to the city – one that’s been described as “more welcoming and less stressed” than Paris.

According to Tripadvisor, Lyon has plenty of walking tours that show visitors secret food spots, the highlights of the old town’s cuisine, local specialities tasting and lunch, wine tours and those that focus on the city’s history and culture.

For self-guided walking tours, the Vieux Lyon is a unique district comprised of quaint cobbled streets. The Colline de Fourvière is the “perfect spot” for “a beautiful perspective over Lyon”, claimed one Tripadvisor member.

They added: “If you want a stroll we took the old tramway walkway – near the Basilica – and walked to the Lyonesse Cemetary. The tombs and headstones vary hugely and we find wandering the allees fascinating. We returned the same way. We stopped for French onion soup in La Salle a Manger next to the Basilica and the service was delightful. It gave us the fuel for the walk down!”

Place des Celstins is home to a 19th-century theatre and is ranked in the top three historic walking spots in Lyon.

As for dining out, Lyon local Anna Richards recommends L’Établi, Maria, L’Annexe Ravigote, Boleh Lah and Sapnà in her top 13 restaurants, as shared by Time Out.

Getting to the city is just as easy as walking around it. Britons can get a direct flight to Lyon from most major airports, including London Gatwick which is currently the cheapest via Wizz Air, according to Skyscanner.

The flight booking and comparison site suggests that the cheapest time to fly to London is November, with journeys from £26. October is the second cheapest month, with prices starting from £37. 

As for the summer months, July is the cheapest, from £67, with flights in September starting from £38.

Alternatively, the journey takes just under five hours on the train using the Eurostar with one change in Paris. British tourists can plan a train or flight route on Omio.