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Lyon

Lyon is a city in east-central France, the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. It is France’s third-largest city, with a population of about 520,000 in the city proper and a metropolitan area exceeding 2 million. The Presqu’île, the area between the two rivers, and the hilly districts of La Croix-Rousse and Fourvière are prominent features of the urban landscape.

History: Founded as Lugdunum by the Romans in 43 BCE, Lyon became the capital of the province

Culture and landmarks: Lyon is renowned for its gastronomy, with traditional bouchons serving regional dishes. The

Economy and education: Once a silk capital, Lyon now has a diversified economy with sectors such as

Transport: Lyon is a major transport hub with Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, high-speed rail connections via Lyon Part-Dieu

of
Gallia
Lugdunensis
and
a
major
trading
hub.
In
the
medieval
and
Renaissance
periods
it
developed
as
an
important
episcopal
city
and,
from
the
15th
century
onward,
as
a
leading
center
of
silk
production.
The
city
underwent
substantial
growth
and
modernization
during
the
19th
and
20th
centuries,
shaping
its
urban
and
industrial
character.
historic
core
includes
Vieux
Lyon
with
its
traboules,
the
Basilica
of
Notre-Dame
de
Fourvière,
the
Roman
theatres
on
Fourvière
hill,
and
Lyon
Cathedral.
The
city
center,
Vieux
Lyon,
Fourvière
and
the
Presqu’île
form
a
UNESCO
World
Heritage
Site
designated
in
1998.
Cultural
institutions
include
the
Opera
de
Lyon,
theatres,
and
contemporary
art
events
such
as
the
Biennale
de
Lyon
and
the
Nuits
Sonores
festival.
biotechnology,
pharmaceuticals,
chemicals,
and
digital
services.
It
hosts
several
universities
and
grandes
écoles,
including
Université
Claude
Bernard
Lyon
1,
Université
Lumière
Lyon
2,
and
Université
Jean
Moulin
Lyon
3,
along
with
engineering
programs.
and
Perrache
stations,
and
a
metro
system
with
lines
A
and
B,
complemented
by
trams
and
funiculars
serving
Fourvière
and
La
Croix-Rousse.