lyon
department: rhône (69)
region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes [rhône-alpes]

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The greatness of Lyon's past is truly matched by its present-day cultural dynamism and diversity. Its location, at the meeting point of two great rivers, was always a guarantee of prominence, and today Lyon (usually spelt Lyons in English) is France's second city. Many would agree that for the visitor, Lyon offers so much more than Paris...of course, many would also disagree.

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© Lyon Tourisme et Congrès

Lyon's geography is dominated by the Rhône and Saône rivers that converge to the south of the historic centre forming a peninsula or "Presqu'île"; two large hills, one to the west and one to the north of the historic city centre; and a large plain which sprawls eastward from the historic city centre.

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© Lyon Tourisme et Congrès

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The original medieval city (Vieux Lyon) was built on the west bank of the Saône river at the foot of the Fourvière hill, west of the Presqu'île. This area, along with portions of the Presqu'île and much of the Croix-Rousse is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. To the west is Fourvière, the location of the basilica of Notre-Dame, several convents, the Tour métallique (a TV tower that replicates the uppermost stage of the Eiffel Tower) and a funicular railway. To the north is the Croix-Rousse, traditionally home to many small silk workshops, an industry for which the city was once renowned.

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© ATOUT FRANCE/Hélène Moulonguet

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Place Bellecour is located on the Presqu'île between the two rivers and is the third largest public square in France. The broad, pedestrian-only Rue de la République leads north from Place Bellecour. East of the Rhône from the Presqu'île is a large area of flat ground on which sits much of modern Lyon and most of the city's population. Situated in this area is the urban centre of Part-Dieu, which clusters the Tour Part-Dieu (nicknamed "The Pencil"), the Tour Oxygène, the Tour Swiss Life, a shopping centre, and one of Lyon's two major rail terminals, Lyon Part-Dieu.

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North of this Part-Dieu is the relatively wealthy 6th arrondissement, which is home to the Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of Europe's largest urban parks, the prestigious Lycée du Parc to the south of the park, and Interpol's world headquarters on the park's western edge. The park contains a free zoo.

Lyon was historically known as an important area for the production and weaving of silk and in modern times has developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France, due to the presence here of many of France's foremost chefs.

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© Lyon Tourisme et Congrès

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Get a different perspective, from Fourvière Hill.

The Fourvière district lies on the hill of the same name, overlooking the city. The energetic will visit on foot, climbing the numerous 'montées', a series of winding flights of steps and steep streets, all of which provide superb views across the city. It's not for the faint-hearted; if you plan to visit, allow a full day to explore fully.

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And, while you are on Fourvière hill, why not dip into Lyon's past at the Musée Gallo-Roman de Fourvière?

17 rue Cléberg, 69005 Lyon. Tel: 04 72 38 49 30.

OPEN: MUSEUM: all year, daily (except Mon), 1000-1800. Closed 1 January, 1 May, 1 November and 25 December; ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE: daily, mid April-mid September, 0700-2100; mid September to mid April, 0700-1900.

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© ATOUT FRANCE/Jean François Tripelon-Jarry

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Enjoy a stroll through the Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Situated on the banks of the Rhone, the Parc de la Tête d'Or covers an area of ​​105 hectares, and was modelled on the archetypal English garden. It includes a 16-hectare lake created in an arm of the Rhône. The park also includes the Botanical Garden of Lyon, created originally in 1796 on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, and transferred to the park in 1857; it is the largest botanical garden in France.

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A pedestrian tour of Presqu'ile.

Presqu'ile is the modern face of Lyon, centred on the peninsula between the Rhône and the Saône, with Place Bellecour at its heart. Along the Rue de la République there are numerous shops, department stores, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, bistros, set against a backdrop of architecture that is typically 19th-century Lyon.

At the very end of Presqu'ile is Lyon's newest attraction, the Musée des Confluences, a magnificent new museum both architecturally and in its content, which sets off to explain, well, the history of everything...or so it seems. Do not miss this stunning experience, but do allow a good few hours, including lunch, to get the best from the experience.

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Marvel at the grandeur of Place Bellecour.

This huge square is quite magnificent, unless you've parked your car in the car park beneath it, and can't remember which entrance to use! This heart of Presqu'ile is overlooked by the dominating basilica of Fourvière Hill. At the centre of the square is the Dominicans' Fountain. Place Bellecour is undoubtedly the centre of city life.

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Wile away a few quiet hours in the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

20 Place des Terreaux 69001 Lyon. Tel: 04 72 10 17 40; www.mba-lyon.fr.

OPEN: daily except Tuesday and public holidays, 1000-1800 (Friday, 1030-1800) - partial closure between 1230 and 1400.

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© ATOUT FRANCE/Maurice Subervie