Lyon

Birthplace of the brothers Lumière and de facto gastronomic capital of France, ancient Roman city with a decidedly vibrant, contemporary feel, Lyon is the perfect city for passionate lovers of all that life has to offer.

Start your trip from the top of the Fourvière Hill to the West of the old part of this town and take in a stunning panorama of the whole of Lyon. It’s from this vantage point that you’ll conclude that, in the words of Denis Trouxe – President of the Grand Lyon Tourist Office -  “Lyon is on a human scale – you can take it all in, yet, it’s magnificent and extremely harmonious.”

For the gastronomes, Lyon leaves little to be desired. Eating options range from corner bakers, with their aromas wafting through the streets, tempting passers-by with fresh bread and pastries, to the upscale, white-linen establishments of culinary excellence.

Lyon is, after all, the home of celebrated Nouvelle Cuisine chef Paul Bocuse, famous for bringing Nouvelle Cuisine to the world. But it’s been said many a time that whatever you eat in Lyon, wherever you eat it, it will be good, for the Lyonnaise are justifiably proud of their cuisine.

In 1998 Lyon became a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a deserved recognition for a city whose history spans over two millennia and includes fine examples of Roman, Medieval and modern architecture.

From the well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre, to the quaint, medieval, cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, to the expansive Place Bellecour (one of the largest open squares in Europe), Lyon offers sightseers every opportunity to take in its historic charm.