LYON
Area: Cities
Country: France


Location:
In SE France, 250 miles SE of Paris, 180 miles N of Marseilles. 95 miles W of Swiss border; 130 miles W of Italian border. St Exupery international airport 15 miles E of city centre.

Telephone code from UK:
33

Website:
http://www.lyon-france.com

Position:
At the confluence of the rivers Rhone and Saone, with most of the city centre built on a narrow peninsula between the two. A steep hill lies to the W, a flat plain to the E.

Description:
A large, mainly industrial city that has expanded rapidly since 1950, Lyon now comprises an area measuring 6» by 5 miles. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1998, Lyon's old town retains nearly 300 buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when this city was Europe's centre for silk production. This area and the Place Bellecour (one of the largest squares in Europe) provide the bulk of tourist interest. Otherwise, Lyon has a notable shopping complex (with a 40-storey skyscraper as its landmark), large expanses of office buildings and a confusing array of river bridges.

Suitability:
Predominantly business travellers; otherwise used mainly as a stopover. For all ages and budgets.

Accommodation:
Good range of hotels for all budgets.

Shopping:
Two distinct shopping areas: the Part-Dieu complex, with four floors and 280 shops, and the traditional shopping centre around Place Bellecour. Flea market each Sunday morning.

Entertainments:
Daytime: strolls around the old town and Place Bellecour are a must; also a visit to the Meridien Part-Dieu Hotel for a drink and the spectacular view over the city from the 32nd floor of the Part-Dieu skyscraper. Three good museums: Musee Historique des Tissus (textiles museum); Musee des Beaux Arts (fine arts museum); and Musee des Arts Decoratifs (decorative arts museum). Guided walking tours of the "traboules" (covered passages in the old town once used for transporting silk); visiting the "maisons des canuts" (restored former silk-weavers' homes). Golf, tennis, squash and cricket facilities all within reach of the city centre. The 117-acre Parc de la Tete d'Or has a splendid rose garden, boating lake, jogging track, cycling and two mini-trains for sightseeing, not to mention a zoo and several large greenhouses. Nightlife: small selection of discos and nightclubs _ plus a fairly lively range of bars _ close to Place Bellecour and in the old town. Each evening 150 buildings, monuments and bridges are illuminated for a festive light display. Dramatically restored opera house _ home to one of France's two national opera companies.

Eating:
One of the most gastronomic regions of France. Local specialities include Lyon salad (lettuce with hot egg and fried bacon), andouillette (tripe sausage) and Tablier de Sapent (breaded tripe slices); there are also several local cheeses. Small local restaurants called bouchons are common around the old town as are more conventional restaurants and fine-dining options. Standard proportion of fast-food joints and snack bars in main shopping areas.

Public-transport:
A comprehensive public-transport system, including bus, tram and modern underground networks. All trains from Switzerland, Italy and Paris call at both Part-Dieu and Perrache stations. Frequent shuttle bus from St Exupery international airport.

Local-excursions:
Several river excursions, chiefly explorations of town; bus tours. Visits to surrounding Beaujolais vineyards.