About
Lyon is a city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France, and it is the country's third-largest city. It sits where two rivers meet, which gives it a particular rhythm of quays, bridges and old streets running down to the water. Visitors often know it first for its food, but the city also has a long history of silk weaving and a centre of Renaissance architecture that is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
What a visit offers
- Cuisine. Lyon has a strong reputation for its restaurants and its traditional bouchons, the casual eating houses where regional dishes are served.
- Renaissance streets. The old town is well preserved, with narrow lanes, courtyards and buildings from the Renaissance period that are pleasant to walk through at any pace.
- Silk heritage. The city's history of silk weaving is part of its character, and it shapes much of the local story you will hear as you explore.
- A working city. Lyon is also a major economic centre, so alongside its historic quarters you will find a lively, contemporary urban life.
Planning your time
Lyon suits a visit of a few days, enough to wander the old quarters, sit down to a long meal and cross the rivers on foot. Because the historic centre is compact, much of it can be seen without a car. It works well as a base for a wider trip through the region, and it is also worth an evening simply for the food and the view over the water.
