Is Lyon worth adding to a France itinerary?
Lyon is worth it if food, markets, river walks and a less pressured city rhythm appeal. It is not just a convenient stop between Paris and the south; it can be the reason the route starts to feel more French and less checklist-driven.
Answer
Lyon does not have Paris’s icon pressure, and that is part of the appeal. It is a serious food city, a strong walking city and a useful rail hinge toward the Alps, Burgundy or the south. Travellers who only want blockbuster monuments may underfeel it. Travellers who like meals, markets, riverfronts and cities that do not constantly perform for the camera often find Lyon gives the trip balance. Add it because you want that rhythm, not because the rail map needs a midpoint.