Lyon Apartment Types

Known for its gastronomic superiority, world-class museums and first-rate shopping Lyon is a vibrant, alluring and fascinating destination. A World Heritage Site and a banking, industrial and commercial powerhouse, France’s second largest city is a popular location with every traveller.

History

Lyon was founded by Munatius Plancus as the Roman colony Lugdunum (“Hill of Lights”) on Fourvière Hill in 43BC. Due to its prime positioning, Lyon was made the starting point of the principal Roman roads throughout Gaul before being crowned the capital of Gaul. Following the Treaty of Verdun in 843 Lyon was presented to Lothair I, the Emperor of Rome and King of Italy, before becoming part of the Kingdom of Arles. Lyon didn’t come under French control until the 14th century. By the late 15th century the city had become the economic counting house of France and in 1473 it became one of Europe’s foremost publishing centres. The city’s influential silk weavers transformed the city into the silk weaving capital by the mid 18th century. In 1870 the Lumière family moved to Lyon and invented cinema in 1895. In the mid 20th century, following the construction of the Part Dieu business district, Lyon maintained its status as a major centre for business in France with many international agencies, companies and corporations, such as Interpol, having headquarters in the city.

Getting In & Getting Around

Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport, located 25km east of Lyon, serves a number of international destinations including New York, London and Frankfurt. There are three main stations in the city – Perrache, Part Dieu and Saint-Exupéry link the city with TGV services to Paris, Marseille and Brussels and international trains to a number of locations. Lyon city centre is easily walkable with the main sights and attractions easily reached on foot. However, the city boasts an extensive transport network consisting of four metro lines, four tram lines and over 100 bus lines. Lyon is a great city for cycling with a number of safe cycling routes throughout the city and a public bicycle service called Vélo’v which allows you to pick up and drop off rented bikes at over 300 points across the city.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

Lyon is filled with things to see and do. A good place to start is Fourvière Hill which is at the very heart of the World Heritage Site. Take a funicular to the top to admire the magnificent Basilique de Notre Dame de Fourvière (Basilica of Fourvière) and the beautiful city below then retreat down the hill to Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). Vieux Lyon, as the oldest Renaissance quarter in France, is one of the highlights of the city being the home of the St Jean Cathedral, the famous traboules (covered walkways) and the Croix-Rousse quarter - the former silk quarter. If you want to indulge in some shopping or enjoy some culture then the Presqu’île area, with a variety of boutiques from Hermès to Cartier and the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts), is the place to go. Other major sights include the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine (Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation), the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation (CHRD Centre for the History of the Resistance and Deportation) and the Maison des Canuts (Silk-Weavers’ House).

Eating Out

For decades Lyon has been dubbed the Capital of Gastronomy and, bar Paris, is home to some of the finest restaurants and best chefs in France. From kebab shops to restaurants with 3 Michelin stars, from traditional French to Asian cuisine, from bistros to patisseries Lyon has it all. Bouchons are traditional Lyon restaurants that serve typical local food and wine. They are all over the city with some accredited with Michelin stars.

Outside The City

Lyon is a great base from which to see some other parts of France. The Beaujolais area, known for its fabulous wines, is just 30km (19 miles) away from Lyon. Here you can take a tour through the famous vineyards before stopping at the Hameau en Beaujolais (Hamlet in Beaujolais) – a living museum of vineyards and winemaking – to learn a little of the history and sample the produce. Pérouges is a typical medieval city just 34km (22 miles) from Lyon. Wander the historic streets, admire the picturesque houses and see the impressive fortress church. For a break away from the city the Les Grottes de la Balme (Grottos of Balme) are located just 45km (28 miles) away from Lyon. Les Grottes de la Balme are one of the most beautiful natural wonders of France – enchanting caves, serene lakes and mesmerising waterfalls are just some of the natural features here for you to explore.

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