Lyon Overview

Ultramodern, ultra-friendly, and undeniably gourmet, Lyon (lee-ohn; pop. 453,000) is more relaxed than Paris and claims a few more centuries of history. Its location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers and along the Roman road between Italy and the Atlantic made Lyon an easy choice for the capital of Roman Gaul. Today, Lyon has shed its long-standing reputation as a gritty industrial city, emphasizing its beautiful parks, a modern financial sector, and a well-preserved Renaissance quarter. The city is best known as the stomping ground of world-renowned chefs Paul Bocuse and Georges Blanc and as an incubator of contemporary culinary genius.

Orientation

Lyon is easily navigable thanks to several visible landmarks and two rivers, which divide the city into three sections. Lyon is further divided into nine arrondissements. Bound by the Saône to ...more

Practical Information

Tourist Office: In the pavilion, at pl. Bellecour, 2ème (☎ 04 72 77 69 69; www.lyon-france.com). Bellecour. Free accommodations booking and map. Buy the Lyon City Card for unlimited public transportation ...more

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