Lyon or Lyons as it is also known is located between Paris and Marseille. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the many landmarks are well known.

Lyon was famous as a center for silk weaving and in recent times has also achieved fame as a culinary hotspot.

The international headquarters of the Interpol are also in Lyon.

Lyon’s history goes right back to Roman times.

The city, like many European cities, has had a rather chequered history with its share of battles and uprisings.

Interestingly, during World War II, Lyon was the center for the German occupation forces as well as the French Resistance.

The Alps are just an hour’s journey away from Lyon.

What to see

The African Museum is worth a visit and is one of the oldest in Lyon. There are many buildings of historic nature; one of the best known is the Chateau de Menthon – St Bernard which is like a fairy tale castle. The medieval castle’s walls are still adorned with tapestries and frescoes.

While in Lyon don’t miss the Rue de Boeuf which is resplendent with spiral staircases, towers, courtyards and traboules.

When to visit

Summer is a good time to visit Lyon as it warm, especially July. It is cooler in winter than other parts of France, but not cold.

Where to stay

In Lyon you can stay in a riverboat or in one of the lovely guest houses on the top of the hill in the Croix Rousee district. Up in the Alps all the best hotels are there. Once again it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

Where to shop

There are a number of outdoor markets as well as flea markets in Lyon. There are the usual big brands and the small boutiques where you can pick up souvenirs and other collectibles. At boutiques such as the L’Atelier de Soierie you can pick up silk fabric or prints which are an essential part of Lyon.

What to eat

Make sure you get to taste some of the specialties of Lyon, which have evolved to suit modern palates from its humble beginning as the snacks eaten by silk workers. There are a variety of sausages, salads and cheese dips which are typical of Lyon.

What to wear

Lyon can get quite chill in July when the winds blow so take a light jacket. Trousers, light shirts and light woolens should also be packed. In winter, you will need to layer up.

Local transport

Lyon has a very good public transport system. They have a total of 4 underground rail lines, 2 tramway lines and 2 funicular lines (cable cars). There are also over a hundred bus routes operating in the city and the suburbs. Get yourself a Lyon City Card from the tourist office and you can enjoy unlimited travel on the entire network of TCL (Transports en Commun de l’agglomeration de Lyon). With this card you can also travel on river cruises, get free museum entry and get shopping discounts.

Call TCL on 0 820 42 7000

Besides these you have other modes of transport: Tourist Taxis with specially trained drivers who will educate you on the sights that you see. The Velo’v is a comfortable and large cycle that can be rented for Euro 1 (unbelievable) for a whole week or Euro10 for a whole year. It is the cheapest way to see the city and its suburbs. Or try the Cyclopolitain, a highly modernized rickshaw, cheaper than a taxi or bus.

Banks and Money changing

Lyons is next only to Paris in its economic influence and as a result there are many national, private and international banks operating here. Some of the more well known banking companies are Credit Suisse, Societe Generale, Lazard, BNP Paribas, UBS, HSBC, Barclays and others.

There also many banks with ATMs attached to their offices all over Lyons. You will find many of them in rue Victor Hugo, rue de la Republique and rue du Bat d’Argent.

You can also exchange currencies at most banks and the AOC Exchanges (Global Cash) at the Opera, Pettache, Bellecour and the airport.

Pharmacy and Hospitals

You can pick up prescription medicines from pharmacies in Lyon, which means you need a doctor to prescribe them. OTC drugs can be purchased without a problem. Many pharmacies stock generic drugs due to the government policy of reducing health cost. Pharmacies are generally open to the following timings:

Mon – Sat: 08.30 – 19.30 hours

Sundays: – generally closed but a few ‘Duty Pharmacies’ would be open. You can find this information at any pharmacy, the police station and from local newspapers or call 3237.

Most pharmacies close between 12.00 – 14.00 hours but in larger towns you may find them open all day.

Lyons has both state and private hospitals and the medical care is of a high standard. The only limitation could be the language but many doctors, nurses and administrators may speak English. The treatment could be expensive for tourists unless covered by medical insurance. It would be prudent, therefore, to check this out with you local insurance provider.

Call 112, in an emergency.

Tourist office contact

It is sensible to have the French Tourist office contact handy, should you, unfortunately, need it. The following addresses will be useful: Office du Tourisme & des Congres du Grand Lyon

Place Bellecour – BP 2254 6921 4 Lyon cedex 02
Phones:
For information: 33(0)4 7277 6969
For Reservation: 33(0)4 7277 7250
Working hours: 0900 – 1800 hours all days
0900 – 2100 hours during the Festival of Lights
Closed on Jan 01, May 01 and Dec 25

Visa

US and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for France, but make sure your passport is valid. You can stay visa free for 90 days.

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