Discover Lyon
We like to say that Lyon is the city of three rivers: The Rhône, the Saône and the Beaujolais!
Also, when you think of Lyon, you inevitably think of its food culture, famous around the world for its products and its famous chefs like Paul BOCUSE.
In Lyon you’ll find a multitude of bouchons (type of restaurant only found in Lyon) spread out on the slopes of the La Croix-Rousse or when you take a stroll along the cobblestone streets… Here, the pleasure of dining and delicious things are everywhere!
What’s more, doesn’t another Lyon proverb proclaim “At work, we do what we can but at the table, we make an effort!” ?
Other points of interest can be found in the diversity of its neighbourhoods:
During a walk in Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon), acknowledged as a Unesco world heritage sight or the esplanade of Fourvière…
Enjoy the scenery of the historic Roman site, the Part-Dieu tower, the Parc de la Tête d’Or which has a free zoo or even the quays of the Rhône and the Saône.
Then head back down via the cable car and continue your walk with the river shuttle which will take you to the new Confluence neighbourhood.
Lyon and its history
Lyon was built on an exceptional site which has two rivers and two hills: the “praying” hill: Fourvière » and the “working hill”: La Croix-Rousse. The latter is famous for having sheltered the Canuts of the 19th century who were silk workers. Magnificent apartments remain from this period which were used as workshops. They are recognisable through their height of their ceilings, their visible wooden beams and their stone walls. From La Croix-Rousse, head back down towards the Hôtel de Ville area by taking the small tourist train or visiting the Lyon traboules, these “secret” passages which connect one street to another. It’s said that back then, when it rained, the Canuts could come down from the hills without their rolls of fabric getting wet at all!
Lyon is also known for culture and famous events like the Biennale de la Danse parade or the Biennale d’Art Contemporain not forgetting the famous Fête des Lumières which takes place every year around the 8th of December…
Don’t forget about the shopping! With themes which are just as varied as the cuisine with the Halles Paul Bocuse or the new magnificently renovated Hôtel Dieu… Clothing brands in shopping centres in Part-Dieu or the Village des Marques de Villefontaine, original creations in the artist boutiques in the Croix-Rousse…
So as you may have guessed by now, if you ask “What is there to do in Lyon and the surrounding area”, you’ll have more than enough to fill your weekend, if not, just ask your Driver Airport chauffeur! They’ll definitely know how to advise you!