Orientation

Like Paris, Lyon is split into arrondissements that are often referred to by number (1er, 2ème, etc). In addition to these man-made divisions, the city is split in three by the Rhône and Saône rivers. Vieux Lyon, the oldest and most picturesque part of the city, is to the west of the Saône. The Metro stop [Vieux Lyon is at the center of the old town, and funiculars will take you up the hill from there. Between the rivers lies modern Lyon’s center, Presqu’île, which is itself centered on pl. Bellecour. Here you’ll find the tourist office and lots of restaurants. As a rule of thumb, Presqu’île is out to get your money. North of Presqu’île is Terreaux, one of the most diverse parts of the city and the home of the breathtaking buildings of the Hôtel de Ville and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Croix-Rousse is perched on top of a very large hill to the north of the city. Head here for some wonderful views of Lyon and to explore the covered pathways called traboules, which were once used by silkworkers to get between their homes and shops. The passages still make great shortcuts—if you can find them (get a map at www.lyontraboules.net). The main train station, Gare Part-Dieu, is the only landmark of note to the east of the Rhône.