Car Hire Lyon :: Lyon City Guide

Lyon is France's third largest city and the administrative centre of the Rhône département in the Rhône-Alpes region and stands between the Rivers Rhône and Saône.

For some reason, Lyon seems to have long been ignored as a tourist destination. This was to change in December 1998, when the city became one of only a few urban centres on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lyon has a history stretching back to early Roman times when they called it Lugdunum, meaning the ‘city of light'.

Signs of the Roman occupation can still be seen today on the Fourvière Hill where the remains of a Roman settlement stands and the discerning visitor who takes the time to walk in the fascinating streets of Old Lyon will observe one of the largest displays of Renaissance architecture in France, dating back to the end of the 15th century, when it became an important and wealthy trade centre, famous for its fairs and its silk industry. Indeed, the warm sunny climate of the region encourages such expeditions as the grandeur and style of the architecture and the city's eclectic mix of Gallic and Latin culture cries out for closer inspection.

For those fond of their food, a treat awaits you in Lyon. Quite simply it is a gourmet's paradise. With the exception of Paris, the city boasts the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants and famous chefs in the whole of France.

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Must See in Lyon

• Basilique de Notre Dame de Fourvière (Basilia of Fourvière)
  The Basilica of Fourvière dominates Lyon. It is situated on top of the hill where the Romans first set up camp and is visible from almost any point in the city centre.
• Cathédrale St-Jean
  This beautiful cathedral is situated at the foot of the Fourvière Hill.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)
  Located in the very heart of the city and is housed in the former Abbey of the Ladies of St-Pierre.
• Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine (Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation)
  On the archaeological site of Fourvière.
  
  

Events in Lyon

• Late January - World Pastry Cup.
• Late January - Bocuse d'Or. World cuisine contest.
• Mid March - Festival of Jazz.
• Late March - Lyon International Lifestyle Fair.
• Mid May - Festival des Voix des Origines. Singing festival.
• Mid-June-mid-September - Les Nuits de Fourvière (Fourvière Nights).Musical and theatrical performances, open-air Roman Theatres of Fourvièr.
• 14 July - National Holiday. Celebration of Bastille Day, marked with a firework display.
• July. - Lyon Reggae Festival.
  September - Interior Decoration Fair.
• Second half of September. - Biennale de Lyon de la Danse (Biennial of Dance), 14 days of non-stop performances.
• October. - Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon. Tennis tournament.
• October. - La Semaine du Goût, food festival.
• December - Lyon Lumière Festival (Festival of Lights), throughout the city.
• December - January - Guignol and Father Christmas, puppet show.