Lyon
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Magnificent Lyon is a city in east-central France, and the administrative center of the Rhône-Alpes region. Its historical center lies on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. It is France’s third-largest city with appr. 495,000 residents.
History of the city began in 43 BC, when the Roman Empire found it. The city became soon referred to as Lugdunum. It became the capital of Gaul, and emperors Caracalla and Claudius were born in the city. Lyon did not come under French control until the 14th century.
Lyon is, by the way, also the birthplace of cinema.
Shopping
Rue de la République is a pedestrian street in downtown, which is the main shopping district.
Village des Créateurs (19 rue René Leynaud) This shop is owned by a community of artists and designers. Sells fashion and design, presenting the brands in the Rhône-Alpes region.
The Puces du Canal (1 rue du Canal) A flea market, which sells antique and vintage with reasonable price.
Recreation
Lyon City Boat cruise on the confluencing rivers of the city is a good way have sightseeing.
Wellness center Calicéo (rue Sainte Barbe) has water pools, jacuzzis and two saunas for relaxing.
The Parc City Aventure Lyon-Sainte Foy is a genuine theme park for all family in magical-looking forest.
Something to explore
Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls
This Roman amphitheatre nearby the Parc de la Tête d’Or was originally part of the Sanctuary of the three Gauls, which was dedicated to the cult of Rome and emperor Augustus celebrated by the 60 Gallic tribes when they gathered at Lugdunum. The structure is dated to 19 AD. It was expanded between 130 and 136. After five campaigns of excavation (between 1818 and 1820, 1956, 1966/67, 1971/72 and 1976/78), the building exposed as it today is.
Gallo-Roman Museum
This museum, situated on the Fourvière Hill, depicts Roman and Celtic artifacts discovered from the ruins of Lugdunum. Circumambient exhibition shows statues, jewellery and things used in everyday life.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
This 117 hectares wide area is the largest urban park in France. It features a large lake on which offers the chance for boat trips during the summer. There is a small zoo in the central part of the park, and also velodrome, boules court, mini-golf, horse riding, and a miniature train.
Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
Oldest part of Lyon is situated in the 5th arrondissement and at the foot of the Fourvière hill, on the route of the metro line D. It is well-known as the picturesque medievel and Renaissance architecture. Staircases, secret passage ways and shady, but welcoming little stores welcomes a visitor with a peculiar atmosphere.
How to get around in Lyon
Lyon’s public transportation system, the TCL, is one of the most efficient in the country. There are are four metro lines (A-D), and five tram lines (T1 to T5). Metros and trams run approximately from 5AM to midnight.
With more than 100 bus lines, a visitor can go virtually anywhere reasonably far away from the centre. Some of them still use trolley buses. Some bus lines do not run after 9PM.
Two funiculars run from Vieux Lyon metro station to Saint-Just and Fourvière respectively. The journey planner and ticket prices are visible here.
The city has also a public bicycle system Vélo’v.
How to get in Lyon
Saint-Exupéry Airport, 25 km east of Lyon, serves the region. List of its destinations is here, list of airlines here. Rhônexpress train line operates between the airport and the main Lyon Part-Dieu station (timetable and ticket prices here).
Also the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris is an option, and offers more flys. List of its airlines is here. TGV trains go directly between the airport and Lyon.
Lyon have train connections between main French cities with the fast TGV lines. See the timetables and ticket prices here.
Eurobus offers bus connections from various European cities to Lyon. Buses come and go at Perrache station.
Top 5 in Lyon
- Gallo-Roman Museum
- Shopping at Rue de la République
- Strolling in Vieux Lyon
- Boat cruises
- Parc de la Tête d’Or
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: With the CC licence / Elwood j blues, Otourly, Carole Raddato, Free On Line Photos, GIRAUD Patrick, Chris 73, BELZUNCE Christian[/fusion_text]
