Lyon Guide
Lyon is the second largest city of France. It stretches in the central part of the country at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone. It is also the capital of the department of Rhone-Alpes. The area of 48 square kilometers has about half a million inhabitants. Together with the neighboring suburban zones it adds up to 1.8 million inhabitants. Lyon is a popular tourist destination thanks to the notorious friendly character of the city, its famous gastronomy, but also for the historical preserved monuments.
Accommodation in Lyon
Our agency displays about 130 accommodation facilities that we can offer our clients in Lyon. We offer several nice and cozy apartments, either for small or for larger groups. Furthermore, clients also enjoy staying in residences, which can offer high comfort accommodations. A diverse range is formed also by hotels in all possible categories. The most popular are 3* and 4* hotels in the historic downtown Lyon near the monuments or the river banks of Rhone. For those who are arriving to Lyon by train, there are available many accommodations near the main railway station Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache. There is also a great number of well-known international hotels chains such as Best Western (Best Western Lyon Saint-Antoine, Saphir Lyon Best Western, Best Western Hotel du Pont Wilson). The favorite hotels in the city include the Bayard Bellecour, Sofitel Lyon Bellecour, Cour des Loges.
History of Lyon
The beginnings of Lyon date back to the year 43 BC. N. L., when it was discovered by Munatius Lucius Plancus, the Roman governor of the province. In these times, Lyon was the capital of Roman Gaul. The former name of the city was Lugdunum. The first Christian communities appeared here. The name Lyon was born in the 13th century, when the town was rebuilt on the banks of the Saone river. 1348 Lyon got hit by plague. The greatest boom the city reached was during the Renaissance episode when it became an important financial center. Lyon was also a center of trade with silk and spices, which lasted until the 19th century. During the 2nd World War Lyon close the so-called Free Zone and worked as a key strategic position for the Germans and the French Resistance, whose head was Jean Moulin. May 26, 1944 Lyon was bombed by Allied troops, which caused the damage of many important historical buildings and palaces. The liberation of the city took place on 3 September of that year. Lyon is still an important administrative and business center to these days.
Transportation to Lyon
25 km east of the city of Lyon is the airport of Saint-Exupéry, named after the famous French writer. Air transport between European airports is provided by the French line: Air France or for example EasyJet. To get from the airport to the city center takes about 30 minutes. You can use old buses or the modern "Tram-trains" called Rhônexpress. In Lyon there are three train stations, Perrache, Part-Dieu and Saint-Exupery. For the transport around the city, you can use three subway lines, as well as buses, trams and also bikes that can be rented in many places.
Landmarks in Lyon
In the city, you will find many historical monuments, the oldest are located in Fourvière district. Generally, the most impressive is the Roman amphitheater from the first century BC. The town is dominated by the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which rises to the top of the sky. In the district of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), you can admire the well-preserved Renaissance buildings but the most significant building in this area with a Gothic-Romanesque elements is the cathedral of St. John. In the Lyons district Presqu'ile you can visit the Place de la Comédie, where there is a beautiful building of the Lyon Opera, City Hall or the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Also worth a visit are the Lyon museums such as printing museum, African, Gallo-Roman Museum or the Lumiere brothers, who were among the first filmmakers.
Gastronomy and sport in Lyon
Lyon is also known for its gastronomy. There are a number of restaurants awarded with Michelin Stars. Football fans surely know Lyon soccer team Olympique Lyon, which currently competes at the highest French football league. The local football stadium is called Stade Gerland.
Famous personalities of Lyon
Among the famous natives are Lyon Lumiere brothers, creators of one of the first films, actor Jean-Baptiste Maunier, mathematician and physicist Andre-Marie Ampere, Jean Moulin, hero and leader of the French Resistance and a opera singer Natalie Dessay.
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