Lyon

Lyon is a metropolitan city located in the east central part of France. The city was built on the banks of two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône. It is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and boasts of a huge textile industry, particularly in the production of silk. However, it is for its rich culture and heritage that people from all over the world come to visit and experience.

Sights & Activities

Lyon boasts of two areas that are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites—the neighborhoods of Saint-Jean and Croix-Rousse, which are known for their narrow passageways.

Perch atop the Fourvière hill is the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an impressive structure that was built in the later part of the 19th century. Among the notable features of the basilica are its beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows. It also contains the crypt of Saint-Joseph. This religious structure can be accessed via the Montée Nicolas de Lange.

Near the basilica is another interesting landmark, the Tour métallique de Fourvière or the Metallic Tower of Fourvière. It bears a striking resemblance to the Eiffel Tower though it is not accessible to the public. It is considered as the highest point in the city, with a height of 372 meters.

Another impressive structure in the city is the Lyon Cathedral or more formally known as the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon. Situated on Place Saint-Jean, this Roman Catholic cathedral was built in 1476, atop the site of a 6th century church. Inside the cathedral are two religious antiques, the crosses on both ends of the altar that was used in the council of 1274.

The Place Bellecour is a large plaza located in the center of the city and is quite striking in that it bears no greenery at all. It is considered the largest clear square in the continent, featuring only the equestrian statue of King Louis XIV in its middle.

The largest park in Lyon is the Parc de la Tête d’Or, which translates to Golden Head Park. It is a popular outdoor destination of the area, which features a large lake ideal for boating, especially during summer. There is also a small zoo as well as several sporting facilities within the park such as a velodrome, a mini-golf course, space for horseback riding, and a boules court. Visitors should also take note of the elaborate iron gate located in the southeast corner, named the Porte des enfants du Rhône or the Gate of the children of the Rhone. On the northern edge of the park is the headquarters of the International Criminal Police Organization or the Interpol.

Another interesting destination within the city is the Musée Africain de Lyon or the African Museum of Lyon. Located on Cours Gambetta, this museum is considered the largest of its kind in the whole country. Established in 1861, it showcases items related to Africa, particularly on its social and religious aspects.

Every December 8, the city celebrates the Fête des lumières or the Festival of Lights. Candles are lit and placed on the windows of houses and other buildings to honor the Virgin Mary, whom the city believed to be its savior and protector from a plague during the Middle Ages. Spectacular lights shows are also put up in several well-known monuments all over the city.

Weather

The best time to visit Lyon is during the end of spring, either at the later part of May or early June when the temperature does not get too hot and the summer visitors have not yet descended into this beautiful city. Autumn is particularly wet, with rain occurring frequently in the months of October to November. Winter temperature can be just slightly above freezing, with the winds from the Alps making the nights fairly cold. Rainfall, however, can occur in just any season of the year and weather in Lyon can be notoriously changeable, so visitors should come prepared with rain gear.