I can't believe Lyon is not promoted more in the UK! We had the task of picking up a relative from the train station (Lyon Perrache) and so we decided to make a weekend of it. And what a weekend! The shopping, for a start is formidable, from the huge mall at Lyon Part Dieu to the small shops and department stores in the city. However, the buildings, architecture and sights of the city are quite something else.
The massive squares in the city have to be the best in Europe. My favourite is in front of the Hotel de Ville. The building is magnificent and the square has decorative fountains and a huge fountain with four horses depicting the four great rivers of France. Adjacent to the hotel de ville is the Museum des Beaux arts with some very impressive pieces. This is just a short walk from the Opera House and also the old part of Lyon. There are many narrow streets to meander through with traditional restaurants and cafés and bars too.
The transport system is fast and efficient; from Lyon Perrache you can take the train (obviously), the bus station (national and international), the tram, the local buses and the underground system. For 4.20 euros a day you can use the tram, underground and local buses without limit. You can also take the funiculars up the steep cliffs to visit the roman amphitheatre and the Basilique Notre-Dame.
At the top of the city (north of Perrache) is the Parc tete d'or. This is a massive park with formal gardens, rose gardens, a massive animal park where you can see elephants, panthers and giraffes etc., and plenty for the children to see and do.
I can't praise this city enough. Old and new mix with ease and this gives a cosmopolitan feel to the city.
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