Lyon

Lyon is a city in east-central France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Lyon is located at 470 km from Paris, 320 km from Marseille, 160 km from Geneva, 280 km from Turin, and 600 km from Barcelona.
Together with its suburbs and satellite towns, Lyon forms the second-largest metropolitan area in France after Paris.

The city is known for its historical and architectural landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lyon was historically known as an important area for the production and weaving of silk and in modern times has developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France. It has a significant role in the history of cinema due to Auguste and Louis Lumière. The local professional football team, Olympique Lyonnais, has increased the profile of Lyon internationally through participation in European football championships.

Lyon was founded on the Fourvière hill as a Roman colony in 43 BC byMunatius Plancus, a lieutenant of Caesar, on the site of a Gaulish hill-fort settlement.

Gastronomy

For several centuries Lyon has been known as the French capital of gastronomy, due, in part, to the presence of many of France's finest chefs in the city and its surroundings. This reputation also comes from the fact that two of France's best known wine-growing regions are located near Lyon: the Beaujolais to the North, and the Côtes du Rhône to the South. Beaujolais wine is very popular in Lyon and remains the most common table wine served with local dishes.

Lyon is the home of very typical and traditional restaurants serving local dishes, and local wines: the bouchons.

Main sights

  • The Roman ruins on the hillside near the Fourviere Basilica with the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, the Odeon of Lyon and the accompanying Gallo-Roman Museum.
  • Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, roman ruins of an amphiteatre.
  • Cathedral of St. John, a medieval church with architectural elements of the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. It is the principal religious structure in the city and the seat of the Archbishop of Lyon.
  • Basilica of St-Martin-d'Ainay
  • Église Saint-Paul
  • Église Saint-Bonaventure
  • Eglise Saint-Nizier
  • Vieux Lyon (English: Old Lyon) area – Medieval and Renaissance quarter of the town
  • City Hall on place des Terreaux
  • Musée des beaux-arts de Lyon, fine arts museum
  • Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon (17th and 18th century)
  • Temple du Change (17th and 18th century), Chapelle de la Trinité (1622), Saint-Bruno des Chartreux (17th and 18th century), Église Notre Dame Saint-Vincent (18th century)
  • Place Bellecour, one of the largest town squares in Europe.
  • Église Saint-Polycarpe (1665–1670), Église Saint-Just (16th to 18th century) - classical churches.

Museums

Gallo-Roman Museum, African Museum of Lyon, Centre d'histoire de la résistance et de la déportation, Musée des Confluences, La Sucrière, Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs, Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon, Musée Gadagne.

Parks and gardens

Parc de la Tête d'Or, Jardin botanique de Lyon, Parc de Gerland, Parc des hauteurs, Parc de Miribel-Jonage (300 hectares), Parc de Lacroix-Laval, Parc de Parilly.