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Lyon

Travoley
Lyon
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Lyon Travel Guide

  • About Lyon
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, two hours from the ski resorts of the Alps and just a little further to the Mediterranean, Lyon’s history, architecture, and cultural and culinary delights are more than worthy of a detour on the way to the sun or the slopes.In fact, the city itself is now a major attraction, whether you like hedonistic music festivals (like Nuits Sonores), fine dining (this is the home of French gastronomy) or lashings of history and architecture.A UNESCO world heritage site, Lyon’s major selling point for many visitors are its distinctive architectural hallmarks and the contrasts in its setting, between two hills (Fourvière and Croix-Rousse) and two rivers (the Rhône and the Saône). Its centre is beautiful, and it’s enough to have you snapping selfies all over the place.The riverfront is being transformed under an ambitious, six year plan to develop 48km (30 miles) of former docks. The co-called Confluence project is now Europe’s largest single urban regeneration mission, and it include open-air cafes, promenades, viewing points, art installations and galleries as well as nature trails, museums, a huge shopping (While you’re there Plan your trip France Information Places in Lyon Airports mall, tram lines and eccentric apartment blocks built like Lego houses in primary colours and blocky shapes.Lyon itself has a mixed heritage, displaying traits of a typical northern French town in some areas, while other features bear witness to its Latin origins. It’s where north meets south. Lyon’s history of resistance during WWII, of being the cradle of the invention of film and cinema, of its artists, architects and musicians – these all give it a highly cultured and intriguing feel. With outstanding art museums, fantastic shopping and a thriving nightlife, Lyon has become a cultural and dynamic city with plenty to offer.Thanks to its thrilling dining scene, France’s second biggest city is also a gourmet’s paradise. With the exception of Paris, Lyon boasts the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants and famous chefs in the whole of France, so the time to tuck into Lyon has never been better.
  • Lyon History
The history of Lyon begins on Fourvière Hill, where vestiges of the original Roman city (Lugdunum, meaning the ‘City of Light’) are still evident.Founded in 43BC by Roman consul Lucius Munatius Plancus, it went on to become one of the most important cities in Gaul and for more than 300 years, was one of the biggest trading towns in the Empire.In the years that followed the Roman collapse, Lyon retained its premier political position under a succession of conquering rulers; first as part of Lotharingia, then the Kingdom of Burgundy and finally as a part of the Holy Roman Empire.While not much architecture from this period remains, the buildings created after Lyon was annexed by Phillip the Fair of France in 1342 do.Even more can be seen from the 15th century, in particular the Renaissance period, when Lyon enjoyed a rebirth of its own. This came as a result of its increasing importance as a place for trade under the auspices of the Dukes of Savoy, as well as its pre-eminence in the silk making and printing businesses.This boom continued well into the 18th century, with Lyons’ increasing profitability speeding up during the reign of Napoleon who insisted that all countries under his control buy Lyonnais silk and Lyonnais silk alone.Lyon’s pre-eminence in the silk trade continued well into the 20th century, only really coming to an end during the dark days of WWII when its role as a centre for the French Resistance resulted in much destruction and harsh punishments for its citizens.Industrialisation and diversification into other businesses dominated the post-war years as Lyon lost out to India and China in the silk trade. The problem was that both could make silk more cheaply. Today, however, it is a thriving modern city that continues to flourish, silk or no silk.
  • Did you know?
Croix Rousse Hill, the former home of the city’s silk workers, is crisscrossed with passages known as traboules. St Blandina was martyred in the city’s Roman Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls. Crédit Lyonnais, one of France’s biggest banks, was founded in and named after Lyon.
  • Weather in Lyon
Lyon boasts over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year, with summer proving to be the most popular time to visit. Average temperatures are around 26°C (80°F) in July and August, although of course this does draw in the crowds. June and September is less hot and less crowded. May is also a good time to visit, when there are temperatures of 21°C (70°F) and spring flowers are starting to blossom.But bear in mind, it can be wet in spring as well as autumn. Winter is extremely cold, with winds from the Alps providing an extra chill on extreme days. Temperatures in January can plummet to 2°C (37°F)

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