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Lyon, France Guide | |
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Lyon, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers 465 km (289 miles) southeast of Paris and 314 km (195 miles) north of Marseille, is the center of France's second-largest conurbation (metropolitan area) (map) When you visit, you won't find the city too big to handle because the most interesting parts are all easily negotiable on foot or in minutes via the city's excellent public transit system of Metro, trams, buses, funiculars, taxis, pedicabs and rental bicycles. More... Capital of France's Rhône-Alpes region, with a history stretching back beyond Roman times, Lyon's claims to fame are as a historic silk-weaving center; as the hometown of André-Marie Ampère, founder of electromagnetism (the unit of electric current—ampere—was given his name); and as the home and workplace of Auguste and Louis Lumière, the world's first filmmakers. More... More recently, Lyon became known for its gourmandise, with local chef Paul Bocuse being a famous exemplar of Lyonnais culinary art. It is also known as a banking center, and for its chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech and video-game software industries. Lyon's two rivers, the broad, swift Rhône and the narrower, more placid Saône, will shape your visit as they shape the city. They define its long narrow presqu'île (peninsula) stretching from the high Croix-Rousse hill in the north 5 km (3 miles) southward to the confluence, or meeting of the rivers.
Because of its rather complicated terrain and layout, it's important to choose your Lyon hotel carefully. More... West of the peninsula, on the west bank of the Saône, another hill, Fourvière, rises over Vieux Lyon, the oldest and most charming part of town.
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Above, Vieux Lyon at dusk.
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