Introduction To Lyon

Located in the Rhone Alpes region and surrounded by two rivers – Rhone and Saone Lyon might not be the first place of interest that comes to mind when someone mentions a holiday in France. Once upon a time Lyon might have had the reputation for being grey and dreary but those days are long gone. Lyon is divided into 4 distinctive areas – Croix-Rousse, Vieux Lyon (also known as Old Lyon), Fourvière hill (the original Roman settlement) and last but not least the heart of the city Presqu’île.

To start off your sightseeing head to Fourvière basilica, dedicated to Virgin Mary the patron saint of Lyon. Make sure to visit panoramic viewpoint right next to basilica as it offers splendid views of the city. Head to Croix-Rousse to see how the silk industry completely changed the architecture of the place (flats had to have very high ceilings sometimes up to 4 meters to accommodate the looms). Once are you are done movie lovers can pay a visit to Institut Lumière – Musée vivant du Cinéma, the house where Lumière brothers were born and now home to a delightful museum dedicated to the moving pictures.

For some shopping and some more sightseeing check out Presqu’île – with City Hall, Opera House or Place Sathonay where you can observe the locals in the natural habitat. If you need to replenish try to find a good bouchon – these are traditional restaurants that used to cater for numerous workers residing in Lyon. If you manage to find a good authentic bouchon that the locals frequent you will be getting an exceptionally big portion for a price that will not break the wallet.