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 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.

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

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

Transport: Lyon is a major transport hub with Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, high-speed rail connections via Lyon Part-Dieu and Perrache stations, and a metro system with lines A and B, complemented by trams and funiculars serving Fourvière and La Croix-Rousse.