Lyon
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Introduction
Famous for its food and film history, Lyon is a city of 1.7 million residents in eastern France. Lyon has its origins in the century before Christ's birth, when it was founded by the Romans and named Lugdunum. A rich history has seen Lyon develop into a vibrant, culturally significant metropolis at the convergence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Place Bellecour
The Place Bellecour is the largest plaza in Lyon and is the largest clear square, meaning without any kind of obstacles like trees, in Europe. In the center of the square there is a large statue of King Louis XIV mounted on a horse, which was made in 1825. The square is the focal point of the city and has the largest metro staion, Bellecour Station, beneath it that connects the A and D lines. The major shopping streets of Rue de la République and Rue Victor Hugo also intersect with the square.
Churches
- Notre-Dame de Fourvière - This large basilica was built between 1872 and 1896. The church is a mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine designs and styles giving it a unique look. The interior of the church has great mosaics, stunning stained glass and the tomb of Saint Joseph. The church has four main towers and tall bell tower and is topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The church has over 1.5 million visitors each year and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon) - Construction of this cathedral began in the 12th century and was not completed until 1476. The main feature of the church is the two crosses to the right and left of the altar, which are preserved since the council 1274 as a symbol of the union of the churches. There is also a 14th century astronomical clock in the church.
- Saint Martin d'Ainay Church - Located in the historic centre of Lyon, this church was constructed in the late 10th century. It is one of the few Romanesque Basilica style churches left in Lyon. The church gives a powerful sense of what life was like on the French frontier during the dark ages. The church is built like a fortress with thick walls, heavy doors, narrow windows and large bell tower for sounding the alarm.
Museums
- Museum of Contemporary Art - Is great contemporary art museum in Lyon.
- Fine Arts Museum (Musee des Beaux-Arts) - Is a great fine arts museum housed in a former Benedictine convent with a nice garden outside. This museum is considered the second best fine arts museum in France. Adress 20, place des Terreaux.
- Natural history Museum - This is a good museum, with some dinosaurs, located at 28 Boulevard des Belges.
- Museum of Gall-Roman Civilization - Located underground this museum houses many of the artifacts discovered in the Lyon area. The museum is located at 17 rue Cleberg.
- Institut Lumiere - Is a museum dedicated to the two brothers that invented the cinematograph in Lyon in 1895. The museum is located at 25 rue du Premier Film.
- Museum of Printing - This museum is dedicated to the history of printing and graphic arts. The musuem is located at 13 rue de la Poulaillerie.
- Musee des Sapeurs Pompiers du Grand Lyon - Is one of the biggest firefighter museums in all of Europe. The museum is located at 358 avenue de Champagne.
- Textile Museum (Musee Des Tissus)) - Located in a beautiful 18th century mansion this museum has exhibits on Lyon's 19th century textile industry. The museum is located at 34, rue de la Charité.
Other Sights and Activities
- Lyon Town Hall - Is a beautiful 18th century building that is worth seeing.
- Tour Métallique de Fourvière - Is a large steel framework tower that is 85.9 m high and weighs 210 tons. Construction on the tower was completed in 1894. It was built to be a secular landmark to contrast with the Notre-Dame de Fourvière. At present the tower is used as a TV broadcasting tower.
- La Mouche - Is a large market that was created in 1914
- Sainte Marie de La Tourette - Is a Dominican priory located in a valley near the city. The priory was built in the late 1950s and has a late modernist design. Built with reinforced concrete in a bare style the site has become a major visiting place for architecture buffs. Due to the number of monks dropping in the last few years, it is possible to arrange an overnight in the priory in one of the empty cells.
- Opéra National de Lyon - Is the opera company performing in a modernized version of the original 1831 opera house.
- The Medieval Quarter - Explore the old buildings, and cobbled stone streets in this quarter.
- Roman Ruins - Located on the hillside near the Fourviere Basilica is several nice Roman era ruins including a nice theatre. There is also a Gallo-Roman Museum near the ruins located underground.
- Ile Barbe Island - is a nice island located along the Saone.
- Shopping - Go buy some world class stuff on the streets of Rue de la République and Rue Victor Hugo.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Saint-Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is located 12 kilometres east of Lyon. It services flights to and from other cities in France, Europe and Africa.
Air France is the main airline providing domestic routes to Lyon. It is in Terminal 2, along with KLM and Alitalia, while all other airlines are based in Terminal 1.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Eat
Drink
Work
Learn
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