Luccait's this elegant old lady sitting in the shelter of her well-designed rampartspeacefully watching Tuscany go by. Many dream of a 1-day tour - Paris-London-Rome, and Lucca between coffee and a siesta! Yet this city deserves more than just a stopover. When it comes to deciding how much time to devote to discovering LuccaThe city's walls are littered with reviews faster than bicycles. Having dragged my suitcases (and sometimes my crumpled spirits) through its alleyways, I can assure you that the ideal visiting time depends largely on your pace, your desires... and your sense of humor in the face of the tourist hordes during high season.
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Why opt for more than just a 1-day visit?
Most guides mention a walking tourIt's as if Lucca's charm could be summed up in just a few steps. And yet, staying even a little longer allows you to goaste the true flavour of the city. Visit historical center is dense but never oppressive, regorging little treasures that escape the hurried eye. Imagine strolling beneath the harmonious alignment of trees planted on the Lucca wallswith an ice cream cone in her left hand and a camera in her right - there are worse days, let's face it.
The figures speak for themselves: according to the Lucca Tourist Office, almost 38 % of visitors stay less than five hours in the city (source: Comune di Lucca, 2023 report). That's probably enough to check "Lucca" off the bucket list, but not enough to breathe in its unique atmosphere or discover its little cobbled squares ignored by the GPS. Believe me, the magic of Lucca really begins after the flag-waving guided groups leave.
How long will it take to see the main sights?
Explore the historic center on foot
Lucca's magic lies in its manageable size: here, you can swap your car for a car. enchanting pedestrian circuit. Provide a 1-day tour for the historical center is not heretical if your schedule is tight. In around six to eight hours, it's possible to make a complete tour of the main tourist attractions.
Beware, however: committing to this strategy means agreeing to miss out on a few key aspects. activities to do off the beaten track, or turn every cappuccino break into a race against the clock. A quick trip to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatrothe Guinigi Tower topped by holm oaks and the Saint-Martin Cathedral is a must. Of course, so do the crowds - but sometimes you have to make the best of it.
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Savor every moment of your extended stay
If you really want to feel the heartbeat of Lucca, staying for two days - or even three - makes all the difference. Visit walking tour takes on a poetic dimension: getting up early to enter the church of San Michele before the crowds, lazing in the secret gardens, strolling through the morning market with no ambition other than listening to the merchants' lilting Italian.
This extra time paves the way for activities to do less classic: an impromptu concert in a church, a wine tasting at a small local producer's, or exploration of more confidential museums such as Puccini's birthplace. So many opportunities to immerse yourself far from buses and selfie sticks. To round off your itinerary, consider continuing your discovery of the region by also visiting the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa nearbyIt's the perfect complement to a Tuscan cultural escapade. It's here that Lucca reveals its hidden charms.
Lucca ramparts: a must-see loop or an express walk?
The circular path drawn on the ancient walls of Lucca measures exactly 4.2 kilometers - a walk that rivals Central Park, the Italian Renaissance version. To walk along it is to gaze out over the whole city, hair blowing in the wind, seagulls jealous. Yes, everyone does it, tourists included (sometimes a little too noisily), but it's impossible to miss out: this route offers a panoramic vision steeples, rounded roofs and a patchwork of hanging gardens.
Count on a leisurely hour to complete the ride if no "Instagram photo" breaks interrupt your momentum. For Sunday cyclists - rental available everywhere - you'll need to reckon on a little over half an hour, barring any gourmandise accidents on the way past the glaciers. If you're not in a hurry, you'll appreciate climbing from several gates, to vary access and multiply viewing angles. On these Lucca wallsevery detour holds a surprise.
The climate in Lucca: how does it affect the length of your visit?
Avoid heat baths: spring and early autumn
Take it from someone who melts easily in April: the climate and best time of year for visiting Lucca vary greatly from season to season. From April to June, and then in September-October, the average temperature is around 22°C - perfect for enjoying the sun. historical center without dripping gouttes or ending up flattened on a park bench.
When July rolls around, the city attracts not only festivals, but also a veritable tidal wave of people. 30 % more visitors according to official figures. The air quickly becomes unbreathable, and the desire to go out decreases in inverse proportion to the number of plastic caps crossed on the via Fillungo. If you value your living space, choose your date wisely.
Winter and fickle weather: a privilege or a trap?
Winter in Lucca is mild, rarely freezing (average minimum temperature 4°C in January, source: Italian Meteorological Service), but often damp. The result: fewer people photographing the same bell tower, more space in the restaurants. A reduced visiting time to those who know how to put on good boots and open their umbrellas in style.
In my experience, nothing beats the pleasure of savoring a hot chocolate behind the bay window of a tea room, while Lucca slowly takes on water. This kind of moment alone justifies a off-season visit You can enjoy the city almost to yourself.
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How to get to Lucca and organize your time there?
Access and transport: train or car?
Train or car? That's the question most newcomers like to ask. The truth is, Lucca lends itself wonderfully to rail travelcentral station, just a stone's throw from rampartsFast connections to Florence, Pisa and Viareggio. Taking the train means you don't have to worry about parking (at a limited charge around the station). historical center) and fits in well with the slow travel spirit.
Even so, arriving by car offers appreciable flexibility for exploring the surrounding countryside - hills covered in olive trees, villages perched like film sets. There are a few guarded, fee-paying parking lots outside the walls, but they quickly take on a life of their own during summer weekends: finding a parking space can be a treasure hunt. Access and transport are to be considered according to the agenda and mood of the day.
Optimize visit duration by mode of transport
Those arriving by train in the morning will be able to easily plan a 1-day tour. Early disembarkation opens up the possibility of crossing the historical center before the grouped buses lay siege to Piazza Napoleone, and still leaves time for a digestive stroll along the Lucca walls after lunch.
By car, you can enjoy a sunset over the walls or a drive to Montecarlo in Tuscany... as long as you plan well in advance. visiting time. Because between traffic, full parking lots and unscheduled stops at a winegrower's (the driver will have to show some temperance...), it's best to extend the agenda a little. There's nothing like a spontaneous detour off the beaten track to spice up the day.
What to do during an extended break in Lucca?
In addition to the must-have main tourist attractionsStaying longer allows you to try out some unusual experiences. Visit the municipal markets: a treat for exploring local gastronomy, including herbed sausages and crostini. Visit an olive oil workshop. Take part in a Lucquoise cooking masterclass, to impress family and friends afterwards (who knew farro soup had so many secrets?).
Here's a non-exhaustive list of typical Lucquois temptations to add to any stay of more than 24 hours:
- Complete loop around Lucca's ramparts at sunrise or sunset
- Wine tasting in a centuries-old cellar (yes, even at midday, Tuscany allows it)
- Cycling tour of the surrounding countryside
- A lyrical tribute to Puccini, the illustrious native of the region
- Picnic in Piazza del Giglio, away from the crowds
the train remains the optimal choicethanks to its immediate proximity to the historical center and its high frequency from Pisa or Florence. Coming by car requires more organization, especially when it comes to parking. Choose outdoor parking and forget about trying to approach the Old Town on weekdays or during special events.