Lyon is an impressive French city that can be found between Paris and Marseille. Although it is one of the largest cities in France, it continues to maintain its Parisian charm. The Rhne and Sane rivers carve their way through the city and the rolling hills located within the city boundaries provide you with fantastic scenery. Of course, there are amazing sites to explore as well. However, one of the highlights when visiting Lyon is indulging on its fantastic cuisine. No worries though, there are enough places for you to walk to so that you can work up your appetite.
There are two imposing hills that make up the Lyon landscape. The first lies to the West and is known as Fourvire. As home to the Notre-Dame de Fourvire, the palace of the Archbishop and a few convents, it is also called the hill that prays. One of the sites that does not seem to fit its surroundings is the Tour mtallique. This structure is a replica of the Eiffel Tower and serves as a TV tower. Wherever you go here though, the views are stunning. This is especially so on the sunny days where you can see the Alps in the distance. The other hill is the Croix-Rousse. This area is known as the hill that works, due to the numerous silk workshops that used to dot its landscape.
Located in the heart of the city lies the Place des terraux. Beautiful buildings surround this impressive square, including the Hotel de ville. Please note it is not an actual hotel but rather the town hall. A special treat is listening for its bells to ring. This area is also lined with cafs and lots of people, especially during the summertime. The land that stands out between the two rivers houses another fantastic public square, the Place Bellecour. In fact, it is one of the largest in all of Europe. It is most famous for its statue of Louis the XIV and is a great starting point to many of the cafs and restaurants housed in the area. It also leads you to Rue de la Rpublique and Rue Victor Hugo, which are known for their stores and boutiques. As a side note, Lyon Part-Dieu is another great shopping area. Lyons history is rich in the fashion industry. Once, its streets were lined with merchants who created amazing silk creations as well as furniture, paintings and musical instruments. Although much of this trade has vanished from the streets, there are still many locals who continue this historic tradition. For those interested in learning more about its past, visit the Musee de Tissus where fabrics that date back 2000 years are on display. Another interesting textile museum is the Historique des Tissus. Here you view a collection of fabrics that hail from Egypt.
Europe is known for its impressive historic sites and Lyon is no exception. Old Lyon, also known as Vieux Lyon is located along the riverbanks and is a fantastic neighborhood that eagerly shows off its Renaissance past. You almost feel as if you are strolling through a museum. Whether you are interested in shopping, enjoying a glass of wine or visiting some of the museums Old Lyon is sure to leave a lasting impression. Another historic site worth visiting is the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Both its exterior and interior are visually stunning and worth a few rolls of film.
Those interested in enjoying some of Frances natural beauty will want to spend an afternoon at the Parc de la tete d'or. Here, you will find a beautiful lake, a botanical garden that includes an African rainforest and a host of ponds. This is also Lyons zoo and so you can see an impressive collection of animals that call these beautiful surroundings home.
Although Lyons past played an important roll in the fashion market, it has also left a mark on the entertainment world. The Musee de la Marionette is a fantastic place to see a few of the very best of these handcrafted entertainers. The Lumire Museum showcases the important roll these brothers had on the movie industry. In fact, you can see their very first films in the projection room. Lyon was the place where they grew up and studied their passion. It should come as no surprise then that Lyon hosts a few different film events throughout the year. Its roll on the theatre dates even further than the first motion picture though. At the top of Fourvire Hill you will find two Roman theatres. The Grand Theatre is one of the oldest in all of France. Odeon is smaller than the Grand but its purpose was to house musicals and plays. Although they are now considered ruins, the structures that exist are nevertheless quite impressive.
Once the sun has set, Lyon offers you a wealth of great nighttime attractions. For example, you could dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants that line the streets. Lyon is famous for the sheer number of options it provides, each providing you a delicious sample of the local delicacies. Chances are you will enjoy a glass of wine cultivated from one of the wineries located near Lyon. Finish off your meal with one of the handmade chocolates this area is known for. Wandering the streets at nightfall is absolutely breathtaking. There are thousands of decorative lights that line your way. Whether you are searching for the trendiest nightclubs or a quiet corner to talk with friends, Lyon has got you covered.
While it is always a good rule of thumb to not get into trouble, this advice is especially true in Lyon. As the home to the international headquarters of Interpol, this is one place you should not stand out in a crowd. Wherever your interests take you, Lyon is teemed with fantastic sites, great shopping and a well-preserved history.
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