Holidays in the City of Lyon
One thing you will notice on your holiday in Lyon and that is there is water everywhere. And it flows under 28 bridges. Lyon is divided into different areas by two rivers, the Saône and Rhône, and two hills, La Croix-Rousse and Fourvière. In the west, by the Fourvière hill, is the bustling, historic city centre with its Renaissance pomp. It bears witness to the riches that the city’s profitable silk industry earned, following François the First’s tax reductions in 1536. In 43 BC, the Romans founded the capital city of the Gallic provinces on a peninsula, at the foot of La Croix-Rousse and in the area around the Town Hall and the Opera, France’s most prominent architects and artists were given a free hand in the 1990´s.

The result was post-modern glamour: a rococo opera with a glass dome, a grand square with columns and 69 water jets. From the Town Hall and the Opera, the main shopping, restaurant and cafe streets, the rue de la République and rue Président Herriot extend in a north-south direction. The Congress Center with the 3 000 seat amphitheater built by Renzo Piano, the Contemporary Art Museum and Interpol sandwiched between the Rhône River and the Park de la Tête d’Or, are part of the business center on the left bank of the river. The underground railway system is extensive - you seldom have to walk for more then 15 minutes.

What to do and see while on your Lyon Holiday?

Musée des Beaux Arts in Lyon
It is one of France’s most elegant art museums with everything from ancient statues to Impressionnist paintings. It recently acquired a new painting by Poussin, The Flee to Egypt, increasing the collection of 17th and 18th century paintings to be one of the most prestigious in France. Free access with the Lyon city card.

Musée d’Art Contemporain in Lyon
Situated on the border of the Park de la Tête d’or, adjacent to the newly built congress center by Renzo Piano. Gaining sole rights to an Andy Warhol exhibition and today a Keigh Haring, an exclusive one. It regularly beats Paris by gaining sole rights to an Andy Warhol exhibition! Next to the Museum, Renzo Piano’s 3 000 seat amphitheater is worth a visit by itself. One of the most audacious architecture: business, arts and leisure activities all succeed in mingling together in the same living area.

Musée des Tissus in Lyon
French fashion was born from Lyon’s textile industry! A unique collection presenting more than 2 000 years of history of textile in the world.

Fourvière Basilica in Lyon
From the top of the hill with the same name, an outstanding and unique view enables to understand the topography and the reasons why it has been classified a world heritage town. You might even be able to see the Mont Blanc in the distance! Free access to the roofs of the basilica for an unexpected visit, with the Lyon city card.

Not far from the basilica, you can walk to discover Lyon’s Gallo-Roman origins with welle preserved theatres where you can enter freely.

The Old Town in Lyon
The old town, a world heritage treasure. It is one of the biggest areas of Renaissance architecture in Europe and it has succeeded in maintaining an air of mystery that is completely unique…You can frequently walk right through passageways, locally called the traboules between buildings and yards.
Not to be missed the International museum of Miniatures and film sets in a exclusive Renaissance building (free with the Lyon city card).
The second hill of Lyon: la Croix Rousse, the home of the canuts, the silk workers, where in days gone by, the sound of Jacquart weaving machines was a permanent background noise. Walk down the hill through passageways and courtyard that give a very special ambiance.

Le Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation in Lyon
Lyon housed the core of the Resistance movement which fought against the occupying powers. Many French Jews were deported from here. Everything is explained and there are also pictures from the trial of the Butcher of Lyon, Klaus Barbie.

Lumière Museum in Lyon
Since 1982 this museum is located in the Lumière brothers’ house in Monplaisir. It is a genuine Living Museum of everything that has to do with cinema.

Walk along the Rhône
Over 5 km of walkways along the Rhône just for taking it easy: lawns, outside cafés, deckchairs, pools, barges, concerts or restaurants. And for the more athletic; a cycling track, a roller park and a fitness circuit!

Boat trips while on Holiday in Lyon
From April to October you can take a boat trip on the Rhône.

For more Information on this destination click here

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