Discover Lyon - 10 reasons to come to Lyon
This human-scale city is one of the loveliest and most attractive urban destinations in Europe. As the scene of 2,500 years of history and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and an internationally recognised capital of gastronomy thanks to chef Paul Bocuse, Lyon is the ideal city to discover all the charms of the French art of living.
A UNESCO city
Lyon has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998! The city’s UNESCO Site covers 500 hectares and four districts: the hills of Fourvière and Croix-Rousse, Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) and the Presqu’île. It offers a chance to explore 2000 years of history, from the founding of Lugdunum by the Romans until the nineteenth-century city.
Capital of Gastronomy
Awarded in the 1930s, this title highlights the excellence of the neighbouring terroirs and the quality of Lyon’s gastronomic experience. From street food to traditional ‘bouchons’ serving local specialities and Michelin-starred restaurants, Lyon is a magnet for food lovers and gourmets!
The French Art of Living
Lyon wonderfully combines history, heritage and gastronomic food, offering an authentic stay built on the French art of living, in a city on a human scale. Whether they’re enjoying a traditional meal at a Lyonnais bouchon or a break on a cafe terrace, visitors absorb the city’s energy and become immersed among its residents.
A cultural city
With 30 museums, the Lyon metropolitan area offers visitors a kaleidoscope of options for all audiences. With fun and educational museums covering art, history and many other topics, the only difficulty is choosing! The city’s calendar is busy all year round, with major events and the cultural offerings of Lyon’s institutions. Cinema, the silk industry and murals are all key parts of the city’s identity.
A city committed to responsible tourism
The City of Lyon preserves its assets and authenticity while respecting local residents. A city on a human scale, it encourages the use of public transport and non-motorised modes. The Tourist Office is also engaged in ecological transition for tourism professionals, providing support to achieve environmental certification throughout the year.
A nature-loving city
With its two hills and two rivers, Lyon has a green side that is ideal for non-motorised travel and bike rides. Along the Rhône and Saône, visitors can enjoy a slice of nature in the city on the redeveloped banks reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. France’s largest urban park, Parc de la Tête d’Or is the city’s much-loved green lung, where locals like to take leisurely strolls.
A destination that adapts to all needs
An inclusive city, Lyon won the European Commission’s 2018 Access City Award, in recognition of its efforts in the area of accessibility. The city caters to all audiences, including people with disabilities, families and visitors on a tight budget, with its varied range of accommodation and high-quality offerings to explore the city.
An ideal location
Served by several motorways, the city of Lyon is easy to access by car or coach. The city has a direct train connection to many major European cities, including Geneva, Brussels, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Turin and Milan. It is only a 2-hour train journey to Paris and a 1½-hour journey to Marseille. For air travel, there are 120 direct destinations.
In the heart of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region
Our city is an ideal base for days out to explore the surrounding area. Just half an hour from Lyon, in the rolling vineyards of the Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône, you can enjoy tastings at wineries. The city is also 2 hours from Annecy and its lake, the Drôme Provençale and the Alpine ski resorts.
A team on hand to serve you
Our qualified guides/lecturers will take you on a discovery tour of our city of Lyon, with a group size that allows for exchanges.
