Lyon

Lyon is France’s second city and is positioned on the banks of the Rhone and Saone rivers, making it an essential gateway between north and south for hundreds of years. Although Lyon is and important centre for textiles, banking and the pharmaceutical industry, it boasts an enviable tradition of fine cuisine. The city is packed with eateries ranging from inexpensive bouchons (bistros) to exclusive restaurants. Exceptional museums, fantastic shopping and a dynamic cultural life have contributed to Lyon becoming a prosperous metropolis.

The heart of Lyon is the Presqu’ile, a narrow strip of land between the Saone and the Rhone rivers, just north of their confluence. The centrepiece of Presqu’ile’s delightful Place des Terreaux is a 19th century fountain sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, creator of New York’s Statue of Liberty. It features four horses pulling a chariot which symbolises the rivers galloping seawards.

Many of Lyon’s outstanding museums can be found in this area. In order to experience some of Lyon’s bestknown attractions, the purchase of a Lyon City Card is recommended (€15/25/30 for 1/2/3 days). This allows you to gain admission to every museum in Lyon, up onto the roof of the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere and up Fourviere’s Tour de l’Observatoire. It also includes a city tour and between April and October a river excursion. In addition to these, this extremely economical City Card allows you unlimited travel on buses, trams, the funicular and the metro.

Lyon’s parks, riverside paths and historical centre are protected as Unesco World Heritage Sites and they make excellent venues for walking and cycling. Cycle paths run parallel with both rivers and bicycle rental is readily available.

Other sights to see around Lyon include Old Lyon with its cobbled streets winding through medieval and Renaissance houses. Those who enjoy walking may choose to climb several footpaths elevating upwards to the top of Fourviere Hill, which affords spectacular views of Lyon and its two rivers. However, the easiest way up is the funicular departing from the Place Edouard Commette in Vieux Lyon. At the summit of the hill is the ornate Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere with its northeast tower Tour de l’Observatoire which can be climbed to enjoy the rewards of panoramic views over Lyon.

La Croix-Rousse is a working class area to the north of Presqu’ile. It was the centre of the city’s silk weaving industry in the 15th century. The district has a web of covered, winding passageways called traboules that twist and turn their way through apartment blocks, under streets and into courtyards. These were used by weavers to transport their finished fabrics.

Finally, while visiting Lyon, the Parc de la Tete d’Or is certainly worth a mention, particularly with families in mind. This 117 hectare park was landscaped in the 1860’s. It is a charming combination of an Alpine garden, a botanical garden, a rose garden and a zoo. The park is also complimented by having a lake and weather permitting, you can rent boats, ride ponies and play miniature golf.