Last Saturday, we proposed to our students to do a day visit of Lyon. Located only 2 hours by bus from Annecy, Lyon is a very popular city in France with many attractions to see and taste !

Here are some information about the city:

Lyon is a French city located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is the third largest city in France, after Paris and Marseille. The population is 1,859,000 in the Greater Lyon area.
Two rivers run through it: the Rhône and the Saône.
Lyon has an important ancient heritage represented by the remains of very well preserved Roman theatres.
It is famous for its historic centre (Vieux Lyon), where the largest Renaissance quarter in Europe is located and which is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Furthermore, it is one of the most important places concerning the medieval and renaissance period in Europe together with the Italian city of Venice.
Lyon has two main areas of interest, the historical centre and the modern city !
In the historical centre you will find the Vieux Lyon with the Cathedral Saint Jean : a building mixing gothic and roman styles, built during three centuries (1175-1481) and the Fourvière hill : you can reach it on foot (for sportspersons) or by funicular, and you will be able to admire the view on the city of Lyon and visit the basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
In the modern city you will find the Place des Terreaux with the City town hall, one of the most important buildings in the city and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Place Bellecour : the largest square in Lyon and the fifth largest in France, and the peninsula classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
This French city is also famous for its gastronomy, it is considered the gastronomic capital of France ! You can walk around the old town of Lyon where there are many small restaurants called “Bouchon”. Sit down in one of them and enjoy a local speciality in a very typical atmosphere.
Lyon is also famous for its universities, hospices and the many events that take place throughout the year. One of the most famous is the “Fête des Lumières” which takes place every year around 8 December. The people of Lyon put “lumignons” (small candles) in all their windows to honour Notre Dame de Fourvière. This event lasts 4 days during which many light shows are broadcasted throughout the city.

See you soon for a stay at Ifalpes !

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