Lyon & Area at a Glance
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.
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