Lyon is the capital of the Rhone-Alpes
region and is the second largest contributor to the French economy after
Paris. Lyon, France's second biggest agglomeration after Paris, is proud of
a rich history that graciously blends in with the city's dynamic present.
The French Alps, with their countless ski resorts, walking trails and golf
playgrounds are just half an hour away from the city. The city’s
surroundings include five nature reserves and several areas where sports
lovers can learn and practice ballooning, canyoning, or horse riding. Lyon
is also a gateway to France's oldest and finest wine regions of Rhone-Alpes,
Savoy, or du Varais.
Fact File
Country : France
Population : 445,000
Languages : French
Climate : The climate is temperate, fairly hot in the summer and
relatively cold in the winter. Heavy precipitation is a dominant aspect of
the city's weather, and you can expect rain in Lyon year-round.
Summer (June and September) : 25°C to 30°C, but
can get as high as 35°C
Winters :8°C to -2°C
Official Currency : Euro; 1 Euro = 52.443 Indian Rupee = 1.2047 US $
= 0.678141 GBP(subject to change)
Location : The city is situated at the junction of Northern Europe
and the Mediterranean and is just two hours from the alpine ski resorts and
three hours from the sea, Lyon. This enticing city is located on the rivers
Rhone and Saone, surrounded with hills and can be listed as the ultimate
destination for business travelers and tourists alike.
Getting There
By Air : The city has an airport by the name Lyon St Exupéry
airport (LYS) which is around 25 km east of Lyon. Regular buses connect the
city with the airport where the time taken is 30 minutes and the prices are
fairly reasonable given the long distances involved.
By Trains : The city has 2 main railways stations, Lyon Part-Dieu,
Place Beraudier, and Lyon Perrache, 10 Cours de Verdun. The stations share
roughly equal amounts of the train traffic to and from the city. Both
stations have a cafe, snack bar, ATM, newsagent, tourist information office
and a bus link to Lyon-St-Exupery Airport.
By Road : The city has a well developed system of roads and one take
the road to access the city from any other part of the country.
Getting Around
By Road : Buses, taxis and rented cars provide great service to the
people in the city.
By Train : Transports en Commun Lyonnais – operates both the
bus and Métro systems. The central bus station is based at Lyon
Perrache railway station.
The Métro network in Lyon is excellent, clean and easy to use, with
4 different lines and 40 stations. Bus and Métro services operate
0500-2400 hrs.
The city has 2 main railways stations, Lyon Part-Dieu, Place Beraudier, and
Lyon Perrache, 10 Cours de Verdun. The stations share roughly equal amounts
of the train traffic to and from the city.
Accommodation
The city of Lyon has large number of decent hotels to make the stay of the
tourists for leisure or business comfortable and memorable.
5 star hotel in the city:
Hotel La Tour Rose
Hotel Boscolo Grand hotel
Hotel Alize
4 Star hotel in the city:
Hotel Bleu Marine
Hotel Des Artistes
3 Star hotel in the city:
Best western Crequi Lyon Part Dieu
Best western hotel de Verdun
Major tourist attractions
Vieux Lyon : Along the banks of the Saone river, underneath the
steep slopes of the Fourviere hill is the centrepiece of old Lyon. Rue St
Jean which the main street is lined with Gothic and Renaissance housing and
the whole being is a fine ensemble of 16th and 17th century urban building.
Fourviere neighborhood : The hill has of a 19th century cathedral,
the Basilica of Notre Dame-de-Fourviere which has a unique design and is
affectionately referred to as the "upside down elephant".
Museum Of Gallo-Roman Civilization : It has the classical ruins and
a large collection of Roman inscriptions.
Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre : This amphitheatre houses the Large
amphitheatre of the classical period.
Croix Rousse neighbourhood : Lyon's silk industry was once based on
this precipitous hill above the river Rhone and now its streets make a
charming cityscape.
Lyon Opera House : Lyon's opera company is placed in a remarkable
1990s rebuilding of a neo-classical original.
Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux Arts) : This museum houses
Greek and Roman sculptures, well-known medieval and Renaissance artworks,
ornate craftwork, Islamic art and Impressionist paintings work combined to
make this one of the country's finest museums.
Other Attractions
Lumiere Institute : Lyons was once home to the Lumiere
brothers, inventors of an early cinematograph machine. Their "Sortie
d'Usine" (Leaving The Factory) is said to be the first movie ever made,
and may be seen during the institute's guided tours.
Plan Lumiere (Public Lighting Plan) : Carefully planned
light shows illuminate more than 250 fine buildings along the riverbanks and
hillsides of Lyon. A festival of light takes place in early December.
Lyon-Satolas TGV Station : Spanish architect Santiago
Calatrava has designed an intriguing railway station for Lyon's airport
which is thought by many to look like a giant hawk with outstretched wings.
Lyon Shopping Neighbourhoods : Vieux Lyon's Renaissance
streets are full of upscale shops and Marionettes but the real centre of
shopping is the Presqu'ile peninsula. The major department store “Printemps”
is in the place de la Republique and open air markets grace several
locations in Lyon. Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold in a market on the
boulevard de la Croix-Rousse and on Sunday mornings on the banks of the
Saone at Quai Romain Rolland there is an arts and crafts market.
