Lyon

Lyon offers many refined tastes, and much to see, too

At the junction of the turbulent Rhône and the tranquil Saône, Lyon is the third-largest city in France. The city has a population of 400,000, with more than a million more people spread across the large urban area that surrounds it. Lyon is the center of an industrial region; textile manufacturing is especially important. It's a leader in publishing and banking, and it's one of the world's silk capitals. Some of the country's best restaurants, including Paul Bocuse, are in and around Lyon and are worth traveling for.

Lyon has urban sprawl, and some of France’s most humid summers in France. Still, it's much more relaxed and friendlier than Paris (which is 268 miles to the northeast). Parks in full bloom, skyscrapers and sidewalk cafes, an excellent transport system, and a nightlife scene fueled by student energy invigorate Lyon, along with talented chefs, both young and old.

Lyon is the best base for exploring the Rhône region. Aside from having France’s finest food—which is saying a lot—its historic core unequaled in the region.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.