Lyon Hotels

A supreme destination for gastronomy, cinema and fashion, Lyon has international recognition as a cultural capital. A fortuitous location on the Rhône and Saône rivers provides the city with theatrical scenery and the ideal backdrop for some of the best architecture in Europe, let alone France. With superb museums, restaurants, proximate wine regions and nightlife, Lyon is rich in tourist appeal.

Attractions

Like Paris, Lyon is a city of districts, or arrondissements. In 1998 the areas of Saint-Jean and Croix-Rousse became World Heritage sites in recognition of exceptional architecture from a variety of periods and roles in the development of Europe.

The seat of the Archbishop of Lyon, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste sits on the ruins of a church from the 6th century. Built in 1476, the cathedral contains several notable works of art.

The Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a formidable landmark built between 1872 and 1896 to illustrate Lyon's status as a major city. The Byzantine and Romanesque cathedral draws 1.5 million visitors a year.

Place Bellecour is a wonderful city plaza, exceptional in Europe and replete with landmarks and nearby commercial streets.

Fans of Modernist architecture will fall in love with Sainte Marie de La Tourette, a Dominican priory built between 1956 and 1960. The architectural oddity is a ceaseless object of study.

Saint-Martin d'Ainay dates back to 1107. The small church is a popular attraction in Lyon, with a stern design aesthetic and Middle Ages aura.

The Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône areas around Lyon provide the city with a remarkable wine region, with available tours of world class wine producers.

Events

Olympique Lyonnais is one of the most successful football clubs in Europe. The excellent Stade de Gerland serves as their home in the city. "The World Pastry Cup" comes to Lyon every two years in January. The event draws some of the best pastry chefs in the world.

Nuits Sonores is a celebration of electronic music, with raves that last until dawn. The annual event takes place in May.

The major contemporary arts festival in France, the biennial Art on the Square takes over Place Bellecour every other September.

Bastille Day celebrations in Lyon are festive, with myriad fireworks displays around the city.

The Beaujolais Nouveau festival in November heralds the arrival of the popular wine, with celebrations and special menus at restaurants around Lyon.

Climate

Lyon's Rhône Valley location means occasional cold fronts from the Alps and warm Mediterranean winds. As a result, the weather in town is often unpredictable. Thankfully however, temperatures are fairly moderate year round.

• Winter (November to February) 1-10°C

• Spring (March to May) 3-19°C

• Summer (June to September) 12-27°C

• Fall (October to November) 4-16°C