Compare Lyon campervan hire prices with Compare & Choose, but whats in and around Lyon you may ask yourself. Well Lyon is located in the central east of France. The population of Lyon is almost half a million people. But when combined with its suburbs and satellite cities it cracks over 2.1 million people, which in turn makes it the second biggest metropolitan area in France. The city itself consumes just under 48 square kilometres of land, and is situated in the Rhone-Alpes region, of which it is also the capital. The locals of the city are referred to as Lyonnais.
This beautiful city has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and has a rich history and wonderful architecture. In days gone by, the city 's primary industry came from the production of silk, and woven silk goods. But today, it is known as one of the gastronomical hubs of the world. In addition to food, the city is also a major centre for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotech and banking. Oddly enough the city also has also become a major player in software development, in particular gaming, and plays foster parent to a number of start-up companies.
Every year from the 8th December, and lasting for four days, a light festival known as the Fete des Lumieres is held. Folklore states that the Virgin Mary protected the city from the plague. In an effort to thank her, the locals built a statue in her honour. On the day it was unveiled, the entire city was illuminated by candles that the townspeople had placed in the windows of their houses. Subsequently, the tradition is still carried through to current times.
Due to its deep heritage, as a tourist you will have several days of must see attractions which include the Roman ruins, the Fourviere Basilica, the Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, the Odeon, the Gallo-Roman Museum, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, the Cathedral of St. John,the Basilica of St-Martin-d 'Ainay, the Eglise Saint-Paul, the Eglise Saint-Bonaventure, the Eglise Saint-Nizier, Vieux Lyon, the Hotel de Bullioud, the Place des Terreaux, the Baroque chapelle Saint-Pierre, the Hotel-Dieu de Lyon, the Temple du Change, Place Bellecour, the Chapelle de la Trinite, the Eglise Saint-Polycarpe, the Eglise Saint-Just, the Saint-Bruno des Chartreux, the Eglise Notre Dame Saint-Vincent, the Opera National de Lyon, Tour metallique de Fourviere, the La Mouche Cattle Market and Abbatoir, the Sainte Marie de La Tourette Monastery, the Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupery, the Palais des congres de Lyon, the Tour du Credit Lyonnais, the Tour Oxygene and Tour Incity.
Make sure that you also take the time to visit some of the absolutely brilliant museums in Lyon like The Gallo-Roman Museum, the African Museum of Lyon, the Centre d-histoire de la resistance et de la deportation, the Musee des Confluences, La Sucriere, the Musee des Hospices Civils, the Musee des Tissus et des Arts Decoratifs, the Musee d-art contemporain de Lyon and the Musee Gadagne.
The city also is home to some truly stunning parks such as Parc de la Tete d-Or, Jardin botanique de Lyon, Parc de Gerland, Parc des hauteurs, Parc de Miribel-Jonage, Parc de Lacroix-Laval and Parc de Parilly.