Lyon is France’s second largest city in terms of urban area population. It is located 460km south of Paris on the Rhone River which is one of Europe's key waterways. Lyon is well regarded in France for its cuisine and is a good base for exploring the Alps and the wine regions of Burgundy, Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone. The city has many elegant historic buildings and its situation on the banks of the Rhone is very attractive. It is one of France’s oldest cities having been established as a Roman colony in 43BC. It was a major centre for resistance in the Second World War and there is a Resistance Museum in the city. Lyon is a transportation hub, being on is on the main TGV line and Autoroute corridors as well as being a river port for barges and cruise ships going to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. Lyon Airport is busy with short and long haul international flights and is easy to reach from the UK.

Lyon Official visitor site

Timeout City Guide for Lyon

Major event: Festival of Lights  

Major sporting team Olympique Lyonnaise