Introduction
The third largest city in France, Lyon is a city brimming with culture and history. Famous for food and film, there is a thriving population who enjoy the finer things in life without the high price found in larger cities. Beyond the popular cultural elements, Lyon’s founding Romanic features have been well maintained and preserved, dotted throughout the city and integrated with more modern features. The numerous districts of the city offer a variety of different activities, from sightseeing to late-night clubbing.
Ideal car
Economy
This is the ideal choice for getting to and from the airport as well as zipping around the city streets.
Driving in Lyon
Road Driving Side
Urban Speed Limit
Rural Speed Limit
Motorway Speed Limit
Important things to note
As a major city in France, Lyon can be accessed by various highways from all parts of the country. It also has easy accessed to the likes of Paris and Marseille along with direct links to Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Germany.
Highlights & Hotspots
Old Lyon offers an insight into the lives of those living in the city from the Middle Ages onwards as it is Europe’s second largest Renaissance area. St Jean Cathedral is one of the impressive highlights of the area feature Gothic and Romanesque building work.
In contrast, the district of Prequ’ile is the number one place for shopping, dining and clubbing. With a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the rich economic atmosphere is nicely balanced with the likes of St Nizier church, designed in a Gothic style.
There are numerous museums and galleries to explore, including the socially significant Musee urbain Tony Garnier. The project was heavily influenced by the residents of the city in the 1980s and contains recreations of apartments during the 1930s to depict the life and style of those living during that period.
Lyon has been named the birthplace of cinema which is evident all across the city. Institut Lumiere is a museum and a theatre featuring cinematic masterpieces in their original form. It is also the home of the scenery used in the first movie ever made.
Airport Information
Saint-Exupery Airport is based 25 km to the east of Lyon and is constantly under development for growth. The airport serves the majority of airports in France and most major European ports.
A smaller and usually cheaper option is a flight to the less-busy Geneva airport and transfer to Lyon by car.