Capital of the storied Rhone Valley, Lyon is France's third-largest city. A leader in publishing and banking, for several centuries the city also produced the world's finest silks. France's capital of cuisine, Lyon has also been known for its first-class food since the 16th century.

Lyon's Roman settlers named their new city Lugdunum, the remains of which are well-preserved atop the historic hill of Fourviere. The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization cleverly disguises itself nearby, protecting artifacts from the Empire, and the adjacent, elaborate Notre-Dame de Fourviere Basilica is only one of the several religious monuments scattering the slopes. Saint John's Cathedral is the centrepiece of Vieux Lyon, which has perfectly restored hundreds of its medieval and Renaissance homes. The area of Croix Rousse was where Lyon's weavers worked, and the city's Textile Museum preserves precious Lyonaisse silks. Lyonnaise love trompe l'oeil, and bright and creative murals have been splashed across buildings throughout the city. Filled with museums, squares and attractions, Lyon is an extremely valuable French property.