Lyon is the second largest city in France, located in the Rhone-Alpes region, some 450 km south of Paris. Lyon is known as a gastronomic city with a vibrant cultural scene.
Lyon is the second-largest French urban area, the first being Paris and the third Marseille. It is a major centre of business, situated between Paris and Marseille, and has a reputation as the French capital of gastronomy and having a significant role in the history of cinema. The local professional football team, Olympique Lyonnais, has increased the profile of Lyon internationally through participation in European championships.
Together with its suburbs and satellite towns, Lyon forms the second-largest metropolitan area in France after that of Paris, with a population estimated to be 1,783,400 in 2007. Its "urban region" (Région Urbaine de Lyon), represents half of the Rhône-Alpes région population with three million inhabitants. Lyon is also a major industrial center specialized in chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. There is also a significant software industry with a particular focus on video games.
Lyon is the préfecture (capital) of the Rhône département, and also the capital of the Rhône-Alpes région. The city is known for its historical and architectural landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lyon was historically known as the silk capital of the world and is a centre for fashion. It is also hosts the international headquarters of Interpol and Euronews.
PLACE TO VISIT
Theatres Romains de Fourviere, a Roman theater complex beside the Musée de la Civilisation gallo-romaine.
Tête d'Or Park, including zoo and botanical garden.
Basilique de Fourvière (church) , nice view of the city.
Tour de Fourvière.
Place Bellecour — Europe's largest completely clear public square.
Place des Terreaux.
Palais Saint-Pierre / Musée des Beaux Arts [7], open daily 10AM-6PM, except Tue and public holidays, Fri open 10:30AM-6PM, partial closures 12PM-2:15PM (see website for details), ticket office closes 5:30PM, admission for adults €6, reduced €4, under 18 and some others free.
Musée de la Résistance (museum of the Resistance during the Second Wold War). Often holds exhibitions (mostly photography). 14 avenue Berthelot, 69007 Lyon. Tel: 04 72 73 33 54, Fax: 04 72 73 32 98. Open 9AM-5:30PM. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays. Fees: €3. Free for children under 18.
Musées des Arts Décoratifs and Musée des Tissus, Open 10AM-12PM and 2PM-5:30PM. Closed on Mondays and holidays. Fees (can also be used for the Musée des Tissus): Adults: €4.58. Groups (10 adults minimum) €3.81. Students €2.29. Free for children under 18.
Musée de l'Imprimerie — Visit it only if you're a printing specialist, the collection is important, but it is presented in a totally outdated way. To avoid. 13 rue de la Poulaillerie, 69002 Lyon. Tel: 04 78 37 65 98, Fax: 04 78 38 25 95. museeimp@lyon.asi.fr. Open Wed-Sun 9:30AM-12PM and 2PM-6PM. Closed on holidays. Fees: €4, students in groups: €2.
Institut Lumière: Open from 11AM-6:30PM, Closed Jan 1, May 1, and Dec 25, and on most Mondays (except bank holiday Mondays). Fees: €6 (adults) or €5 (younger than 18 or students).
Musée de la Civilisation gallo-romaine — The second largest museum in France, it has all kinds of things relating to Rhone-alps history. Free on Thursdays. A free visit to the Roman theatres may be just as interesting for those not into the details.
Parc des Hauteurs — Little known park tucked behind Fourvière close to the large tower. Contains aerial adventure course, ski slope, and fantastic views towards the Beaujolais.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Lyon's Saint-Exupéry Airport , some 25 km east of Lyon, is linked to the main cities of France and the world. The Satobus service will take you by bus from the airport to central Lyon in 30-50 minutes and cost around €8.60 (€6.50 if you are under 24). If returning, save yourself time by asking for a return at the Satobus desk in the airport (buy before you board). Taxis to Lyon from the airport cost around €75.
By train - Lyon has four train stations:
St. Paul is in the heart of the city, five minutes from hotel de ville over the Saone. Serves regional destinations.
Perrache — One of the two main stations of Lyon serving national and regional destinations. It is only a short walk to Place Bellecour along an interesting pedestrian shopping street (Rue Victor Hugo).
Part-Dieu — The other main train station serving national and regional destinations. This station is close to a large shopping mall and is in the heart of Lyon's business center. It has good transportation links to the rest of the city by tram bus and metro.
Saint-Exupéry (the station is outside the city and serves the airport).
By car - Lyon is a major automotive hub for central and southern France:
A6 to the north — Paris.
A7 to the south — Marseille, Nice, Spain, Italy.
A43 to the east — Grenoble, the Alps, Northern Italy.
A47 to the west — Saint-Étienne, Clermont-Ferrand, Massif Central, west of France.
A42 to the northeast — Bourg-en-Bresse, Geneva (Switzerland), Germany.
