The city is overlooked by two hills, Fourvière and Croix-Rousse, and embraced by two rivers, Rhône and Saône. This exceptional location

owes Lyon a distinctive feature, the Presqu'île district on the peninsula formed at the confluence. This European metropolis, and capital of the Rhône-Alpes region, covers an area of 4787 hectares.

With 1.2 million inhabitants, Lyon is the second largest city in France and attracts a large number of vacationers and business travelers every year.

The city and its surroundings have always been a crossroads between northern and southern Europe, and thus an important place for trade and cultural exchange. A position that Lyon still holds today in many areas. As numerous Gallo-Roman remains attest, the city's history dates back to antiquity. Magnificent buildings remain from later periods of prosperity, especially in the old town with its rich Renaissance architecture.

Roman theaters and aqueducts, churches, castles, fortified villages, museums.... the list of historical and cultural sites in Rhône-Alpes is almost inexhaustible. Traces of an eventful past can be found everywhere, as the region boasts an exceptional historical heritage. An outstanding example is the old town of Lyon. Since December 5, 1998, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its universal significance. Its old quarters are considered, with those of Prague, to be the most extensive in the world.

In Rhône-Alpes, gastronomy is elevated to the rank of art. This peculiarity is due, among other things, to a traditional cuisine. Its influences are noticeable in the upscale gastronomy as well as in the "bouchons". In these typical restaurants of Lyon, the tradition of a folk cooking is still particularly cultivated. Lyon cuisine continues to owe its reputation to the variety and high quality of regional products. And the region proudly points to its excellent wines, as 36 AOC wines thrive here, as well as internationally renowned site wines. The festivals and celebrations, whether folkloric, cultural or traditional, are an expression of a way of life that guests enjoy participating in. These events also offer a good reason to stay in Rhône-Alpes!

Festival of Lights Lyon (First week of December)
For over 150 years, the Festival of Lights has been celebrated here in honor of the Virgin Mary. Millions of candles light up the city, along with fantastic light installations by famous artists, action groups, street theater, and much more - all in winter.