Situated on the conjunction of the rivers Rhône and Saône, the second largest city of France traces its roots to ancient times. In “Vieux Lyon”, the old town, you will find a renaissance quarter with cobblestone streets, St. Jean Cathedral and fine little restaurants called “bouchons”. Lyon today is one of Europe’s leading commercial centers and the gastronomic capital of France.

A large, mainly industrial city that has expanded rapidly since 1950, Lyon now comprises an area of around 6½ mls by 5 mls. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1998, Lyon's old town retains nearly 300 buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when this city was Europe's centre for silk production. This district and the Place Bellecour (one of the largest squares in Europe) provide the bulk of tourist interest. Otherwise, Lyon has a notable shopping complex (with a 40-storey skyscraper as its landmark), large expanses of office buildings and a confusing array of river bridges.

Predominantly business travellers; otherwise used mainly as a stopover. For all ages and budgets.

Good range of hotels for all budgets.

Two distinct shopping areas: the Part-Dieu complex, with 4 floors and 280 shops, and the traditional shopping centre around Place Bellecour. Flea market each Sunday morning.

Daytime: strolls around the old town and Place Bellecour; Meridien Part-Dieu Hotel for a drink and spectacular views over the city from the 32nd floor of the Part-Dieu skyscraper; museums including Musee Historique des Tissus (textiles), Musee des Beaux Arts (fine arts), Musee des Arts Decoratifs (decorative arts) and the Lumiere museum of cinema (Lyon was the birthplace of the cinema pioneers, the Lumiere brothers); guided walking tours of the "traboules" (covered passages in the old town once used for transporting silk); the "maisons des canuts" (restored former silk-weavers' homes); sports activities within reach of the centre include golf, tennis, squash and cricket; 117-acre Parc de la Tete d'Or with a splendid rose garden, boating lake, jogging track, cycling, 2 minitrains, zoo and several large greenhouses. Nightlife: small selection of discos and nightclubs - plus a fairly lively range of bars - close to Place Bellecour and in the old town; festive light display each evening when 150 buildings, monuments and bridges are illuminated; opera and ballet at the dramatically restored opera house, home to one of France's 2 national opera companies; theatre including dance; classical concerts.

One of the most gastronomic regions of France. Small local restaurants called bouchons are common around the old town as are more conventional restaurants and fine-dining options. Standard proportion of fast-food joints and snack bars in the main shopping areas. Local specialities include Lyon salad (lettuce with hot egg and fried bacon), andouillette (tripe sausage) and tablier de sapent (breaded tripe slices); there are also several local cheeses.

A comprehensive public-transport system, including bus, tram and modern underground networks. All trains from Switzerland, Italy and Paris call at both Part-Dieu and Perrache stations. Frequent shuttle bus from St Exupery international airport. Lyon City Card gives full use of the public-transport system plus free admission to many attractions and tours.

Several river excursions; bus tours; visits to surrounding Beaujolais vineyards.

In SE France. 250 mls SE of Paris. 180 mls N of Marseilles. 95 mls W of the Swiss border; 130 mls W of the Italian border. City centre lies 15 mls W of St Exupery international airport.

At the confluence of the rivers Rhone and Saone, with most of the city centre built on a narrow peninsula between the two. A steep hill lies to the W, a flat plain to the E.

Website: www.lyon-france.com

Airport : Satolas
Airport Code: LYS
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr 30 mins