The summer Olympics are in full swing across France, with cities like Marseille, Saint-Etienne, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes, and Lyon among those chosen as Olympic venues. Lyon, strategically located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers, is not only hosting several football matches but also offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. A two-hour train ride from Paris, Lyon invites visitors to explore its ancient Roman roots, unique museums, and the art of silk weaving, alongside savoring local delicacies.
Lyon's historical significance dates back to 43 BC when it was known as Lugdunum. Fourvière Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the starting point for exploring Lyon's Roman past. From here, one can witness the awe-inspiring Roman ruins excavated in the 1900s, including a majestic amphitheatre and the Odeon. Today, these ruins host the annual Les Nuits de Fourvière arts and music festival.
To delve deeper into Lyon's Roman history, visit the Lyon Fourvière Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation, which houses a vast collection of artifacts. Fourvière Hill is also home to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a minor basilica attracting millions of pilgrims and visitors each year with its Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque architectural styles.
Lyon boasts a plethora of museums catering to various interests, including the Museum of Confluences, dedicated to science and anthropology, and the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts, the second-largest in France. For cinema enthusiasts, the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures offers a unique glimpse into movie sets and props.
The city's silk weaving heritage is showcased in the historic La Croix-Rousse neighborhood, once the epicenter of silk production. Visit La Maison des Canuts to see historical weaving tools and the Canuts Wall, a mural depicting life in Lyon's past.
Vieux-Lyon, the city's old town, offers a medieval charm with its ochre-facaded houses and Renaissance architecture. Key attractions include the old Saint Jean cathedral and the Place Bellecour. Lyon's gastronomic scene is vibrant, with dishes like Salade Lyonnaise, Cervelle de Canut, and Tarte aux Pralines Roses to savor.
