Holiday in Lyon

What makes Lyon special as a destination?

Lyon, France's third-largest city, is considered the gastronomic capital of the country — none other than Paul Bocuse, the most famous chef of the 20th century, made the city at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône a mecca of French cuisine. The historic old town with the Vieux Lyon district and the slopes of Croix-Rousse is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses Europe's largest Renaissance ensemble after Venice. The Traboules, secret passages through courtyards and staircases, crisscross the Vieux Lyon district and the Croix-Rousse hill like a hidden network — over 400 of these passages connect the narrow streets and were once used by silk weavers for the protected transport of their precious fabrics. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooks the city and offers a breathtaking view from its terrace over the rooftops to the Alps. The Bouchons Lyonnais, traditional taverns with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, serve Quenelles de Brochet (pike dumplings), Andouillette, Tablier de Sapeur, and Praline Rose — hearty, authentic, and incomparable. The Paul Bocuse market hall brings together the best products of the region under one roof. Lyon is also a city of light: The Fête des Lumières in December transforms the facades into glowing works of art and attracts four million visitors. The Musée des Confluences, a futuristic building at the confluence of the two rivers, combines natural science with ethnology. Lyon is only two hours from Paris by TGV.