Discover Lyon, a historical city of gastronomy
Located in the southeast of France on the banks of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is one of the most important cities in the country. It is the third largest city in France with a population of 480,000.
Although the site was inhabited during prehistoric times, the city of Lyon (Lugdunum) was founded by the Romans during the 1st century BC. Capital of the Lyon region of Gaul and then all of Gaul, it developed and gained in wealth under Caesar Augustus. During the 19th century, it became famous for the silk workers' rebellion: the Canuts.
Over the years, Lyon has maintained its architectural heritage, from the Roman era to the 20th century. The rich diversity of this heritage in several of the city's districts (Old Lyon, the Presqu'île, the slopes of the Croix Rousse and Fourvière) put them on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
Today Lyon is mainly an industrial city, specialized in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
What to do in Lyon?
During your stay in Lyon, discover the traboules (secret passageways) during a walk on the slopes of the Croix Rousse. While you are there, visit the Maison des Canuts, a former silk making workshop where you can learn the history of the famous silk workers and their rebellion.
You may watch a Guignol puppet show in Old Lyon and enjoy local cuisine in one of Lyon's many bouchons (typical Lyon restaurant): andouillette (sausage made with pork chitterlings), quenelles au brochet (fish dumplings), cervelle de canut (cheese spread/dip with herbs), praline pie, etc. Take the Fourvière cable-car and admire the view from the top of the hill overlooking the city. Admire the Bartholdi Fountain in Terreaux Square that represents France and its four main rivers.
In late afternoon, enjoy a drink in the sun on one of the docked barges along the banks of the Rhône. Depending on when you go to Lyon, you may be lucky enough to participate in one of its many local festivities like the Festival of Lights (early December) or the “Nuits de Fourvière” festival (in summer).
You are sure to fall for Lyon's many charms, a dynamic city that will make you want to return!
Your flight to Lyon with Air France
You would like to reserve a flight to Lyon with Air France?
You can find flights and purchase tickets online for your trip to Lyon. You will save on administration fees when you reserve online and before departure, you can,consult and/or modify your reservation.
If you choose to fly with Air France to Lyon from major US airports, you will have a stopover in Paris. If you wish, you may choose to continue your trip from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport by train. The solution,tgvair connects the Paris-Charles de Gaulle train station with Lyon Part-Dieu train station in less than 2 hours.