Central France

The 3rd largest city in France and the birthplace of cinema, Lyon is located in the Rhone-Alpes region and is a vibrant and cultural city with an interesting history that dates back to ancient Roman times. With the Rhone and Saone Rivers running through the city, it includes nine neighbourhoods, all of which offer their own unique features.

Lyon stands on the site of the ancient Roman city called Lugdunum, which was founded in 43 BC, and so it is home to the oldest ancient ruins in France, along with fine Renaissance houses and medieval quarters – with all of this ensuring its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

While visiting the city, be sure to sample the famous regional cuisine including meat dishes, sausages, and salads; learn all about the cultural heritage of the city at the Musée des Beaux-Arts; take a walk through the old town - Quartier Saint-Jean and Quartier Saint-Georges; explore the Museum of Archaeology; and see the historic neighbourhood Colline de la Croix-Rousse.