Lyon
Capital Of Gastronomy
General Information
Other Name: Cuisine`s Paradise, District: NA, State: Rhone Alpes, France
Area: 0 -
Languages Spoken: -
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: - to - and June and september
International Access: -Description
Lyon is the third largest city in France.Is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and the second largest contributor to the French economy after Paris, has a population of 413 000 inhabitants.Lyon is a very industrial city, textile manufacturing is one of the most important here, but not only that, this city is known as the capital of gastronomy, like Paris, this city has the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, the most famous chef Paul Bocuse has his restaurant in Lyon and this city can be called the cuisine`s paradise.Lyon is considered an UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1998, specifically the Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas. A very beautiful city with its architectural renaissance buildings and monuments.Lyon was historically known as the silk capital of the world and is a centre for fashion. It is also hosts the international headquarters of Interpol and Euronews.Location
Is located 431km southeast of Paris and 311km north of Marseille.Climate
Temperate climate
This world famous event offers a reflection of worldwide art based on a chosen theme. Many international artists come here to exhibit various trends in modern art: conceptual art, photography, sculpture, painting, video, and more.
Built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan, what has been nicknamed the "upside down elephant" is representative of the eclecticism of the end of the 19th century. The oriental and neo-classic influences (twisted columns and columned porticas) are mixed with architecture inspired by the medieval style machicolated towers, which creates a shocking fortress church. An observatory offers spectacular views, and under the basilica is a crypt, accessible from the esplanade.
From the outside, the Cathédrale St-Jean appears solid and determined, having withstood the sieges of time, revolution, and war. Its apse is a masterpiece of Lyonnais Romanesque architecture.Inside the cathedral, architectural highlights include the fabulous 13th-century stained-glass windows in the choir and the varied window tracery and vaulting in the side chapels.The most unique and interesting feature of Lyon''s cathedral is the 14th-century astronomical clock, in the north transept.
The esplanade on the left side of the Basilica of Fourvière provides one of the best views of the city: the Croix-Rousse and the Terreaux district on your left, the rooves of Saint Jean lower down the hill and on your right the place Bellecour . Panoramic signs point you in the right direction, but don''t forget your binoculars! For those who are not put off by climbing 200 steps, a staircase takes you to the Observatory right at the top of the basilica giving you practically a bird''s eye view.
Following the example of the Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, the Rosa Mir Garden is a place where the marvellous and the artistic mingle into one. A mason, Jules Senis Mir built this stunning place in honour of his mother. It is something in between a private garden and a small temple consisting of naturalistic art: there are concrete sculptures with shells pressed into them, and untouched forests.
Since 1803, this museum has housed premier collections and exhibition. Today it boasts of more than 700 paintings, 300 sculptures and thousands of objets d''art, including antiquities, coins and medals. The ground floor houses the refectory and chapel (formerly the church of St Pierre), containing 19th- and 20th-century sculptures. The first floor includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman (before 200BC) antiquities; the second floor is dedicated to paintings from the 15th-20th centuries.
This is a stock exchange built by R. Dardel between 1855 and 1862. The main room is a glass-roofed, atrium-style hall with ancient galleries facing the exterior and the sculpted decor is sumptuous. Place de la Bourse on the northern side of the building was recently converted into a pretty little garden by A. Chemetoff.One must visit this attraction.
The Palais de la Miniature is an astonishing little private museum tucked in on the corner of Rue Juiverie near to Gare St. Paul. It is of international standing and children will love the games and dolls houses, while adults will appreciate the reconstruction of the famous theatre and restaurant on site.
UNESCO recently listed the old part of Lyons, Vieux Lyon, including the Croix-Rousse and Presqu''île areas as a world heritage site,this Gothic and Renaissance district, famous for its maze of narrow streets and elegant buildings certainly deserves it! The office du tourisme de Lyon organizes guided tours in English and French, which help you discover the complexity and beauty of cathedrale Saint Jean and the maze of streets and passageways, such as the famous traboules.