Welcome to Lyon
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Welcome to Lyon, the “culinary capital of France”. Lyon is an important cultural and historical center with unique geography; the city started flourishing as a Roman colony between the Rhone and the Saône rivers. The Croix-Rousse district is one of the most unique features of the city and was one of the reasons why the city was once known as the “silk capital of the world”, as the Croix-Rousse hill was home to the silk workers of the city up till the 19th century. The 15th-century Romanesque-Gothic style Lyon Cathedral and the Croix-Rousse district of the city have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the treasury within the cathedral is a listed French National Monument. The Presqu'ile is at the heart of Lyon and occupies the area between the two rivers. During day time the area between Place Bellecour and Place des Terraux is wonderful for shopping, with all the big names and lots of interesting boutiques and designer shops. The architectural highlights continue on the other side of the Saône river. The Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which is probably the most spectacular and dominating landmark of the city, the Church of Saint-Just, Le Chevet de la Basilica, the Ancient Roman Theater, and the Metallic Tower of Fourvière, which is one of the most famous landmarks of Lyon, are all in this region. One of the titles of Lyon is “culinary capital of France”. Lyon is famous for its gastronomy and offers some of the best French culinary delicacies. Furthermore, Lyon is located between two of the best wine-producing regions in France, the Cotes du Rhône and the Beaujolais. Be it the rejuvenating Beaujolais red wine or local delicacies like salade Lyonnaise, andouille, and marrons glace, you will find plenty to stimulate your taste buds among an extensive choice of restaurants. Lyon also has a very old tradition of “trompe l'œil” mural art: the art of creating the optical illusion of a three-dimensional scene, which can really take you by surprise.