Lyon
Lyon, the second largest city of France, is located in the east-central part of the Country between Paris and Marseille. As an historical and gastronomic city, Lyon has a lively and cultural atmosphere.Lyon France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An interesting fact for a budget traveller is that most of the attractions in Lyon, such as the churches, traboules and parks, are free of charge.
The Lyon weather is quite convenient, winters are generally not cold, with an average of 3.2 °C in January and summers are very warm, with an average 21.3 °C in July. Enjoy the architectural beauties or stroll around colourful, narrow cobblestone streets in Old Lyon, Vieux Lyon. La Part-Dieu is the largest shopping centre in Europe and it houses over 260 stores, restaurants and bars guaranteeing the best shopping experience.
I) Attractions to see in Lyon
My advice is to rent bikes on Sunday and enjoy the facilities of the riverbanks. It’s a cheap and very nice activity to do. After climbing up Fourviere hill (on foot), enjoy the sunset over the city.
1/ Parc de la tete d’or (Tete d’or Park)
The Parc de la Tete d'Or is a urban park in Lyon, one of the largest in France. The park opened in 1857 and it was created the same year as Central Park in New York. The park is rich in many buildings such as greenhouses in 1865, the cottage of the guards opened in 1894, closing in 1896, the collection of greenhouses in 1899, the War Memorial from the Isle of Swans (1914-1930) or the new rose garden (between 1961 and 1964). Now managed by the city of Lyon, the park offers 117 acres, eight entries and the last one has been opened in 2009 at the Esplanade de la Cité Internationale.
2/ La basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvière
La basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvièr overlooks the city from the top of the Fourvière on the site of the ancient Forum of Trajan.The Roman-Byzantine and neo-Byzantine architecture is the work of Pierre Bossan. It represents the most visible landmarks of Lyon France, such as the tower Part-Dieu and Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
3/ Croix rousse
La Croix-Rousse is a hill in the city of Lyon. But it is also an area located on the same hill, which is distinguished by two elements: the slopes and the top which rises to 254 m
4/ le vieux lyon (Old Lyon)
Old Lyon is the medieval and Renaissance Lyon. It is located along the Saône, at the foot of the hill of Fourvière.This is one of the largest examples of the Medieval and Renaissance period which is still intact today.The Old Lyon is also named the little Venice.
5/ The Operal Nouvel
Guignol is a French puppet created in Lyon France in 1808 by Laurent Mourguet. Emblem of the city of Lyon, Guignol is both the inheritor of the traditions of the nineteenth century bard of Lyon and support about living theatrical traditions of the French puppet show.You can attend a Guignol puppet show in the Parc de la tete d’or (Tete d’or Park) or in the Old Lyon.
6/ Lyon cuisine
The city of Lyon is very famous for its gastronomy and for its bouchon, typical restaurants, where you will find the famous quenelle, salad lyonnaise, rosette de Lyon sausage, andouillette, afterwards you can enjoy the cervelle de canut (cheese) and for dessert I suggest you the praline pie and some coussins (sweets). The meal would not be complete without some wine, a beaujolais would be fine.
7/ Severals events of the year
a/ Biennale d'Art Contemporain (Biennial of Contemporary Art) September 15th to december 31st.
b/ Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) September 17th to 18th .
c/ Fête des lumières (Festival of Lights) December 8th
d/ Nuits Sonores (Electronic music festival) End of May
II) Fun and facts about Lyon
1/ You can go anywhere around the city by bike for only 1 euro.
2/ You can see elephants in the centre of the town, if you go to the Parc de la tete d’or.
3/ The 8th December, you will see the most beautiful lights festival of Europe
4/ You can have a drink in a riverboat
5/ And you also can do your jogging on the river bank.
Find your ideal Hotel in Lyon and enjoy your stay!