Founded by the Romans, with many preserved historical areas, Lyon is the archetype of the heritage city, as recognised by UNESCO. Long seen as a dreary, grey city, partly because of urban planning errors such as building motorways right through the city centre, Lyon is now a vibrant metropolis which starts to make the most out of its unique architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, its dynamic demographics and economy and its strategic location between Northern and Southern Europe. It is more and more open to the world, with an increasing number of students and international events.
The city itself has about 470,000 inhabitants. However, the direct influence of the city extends well over its administrative borders. The figure which should be compared to the population of other major metropolises is the population of Greater Lyon (which includes 57 towns or communes): about 1,200,000. Lyon and its metropolitan area are rapidly growing and getting younger, because of their economic attractiveness.
The city itself has about 470,000 inhabitants. However, the direct influence of the city extends well over its administrative borders. The figure which should be compared to the population of other major metropolises is the population of Greater Lyon (which includes 57 towns or communes): about 1,200,000. Lyon and its metropolitan area are rapidly growing and getting younger, because of their economic attractiveness.
Lyon's Neighborhoods
Strolling about the different quarters of the city, you find yourself transported into any number of historical eras.
Lyon Tourism
Lyons (in French spelling Lyon), France's second largest industrial and commercial city, is well situated at the junction of the navigable Rhône and Saône. It is the chief town of the ...
Main sights
If you're planning your visit to Lyon, or a local looking for something different to do, here are the main sights in and around Lyon!
Lyon Economy
The Lyon region is an economic powerhouse of European stature and is France's second-largest business capital after Paris.
Lyon's Transportation
The Rhone valley has always been a major axis for road and river traffic. Lyon has taken full advantage of this prime location by developing a network of exceptional infrastructures: Lyon ...
Lyon Culture
Lyon culture can be well understood by taking an insight into the dance, music, theatre and various cultural events of the place.
Lyon's geography
The Lyon metropolitan area is the largest in the Rhône-Alpes region and lies in the natural plain of the Rhone Valley. In terms of waterways, the Rhône-Alpes region is among the best served in ...
Climate in Lyon
Enfolded deep in the Rhone valley, Lyon is subjected to cold winds from the Alps and warm breezes from the Mediterranean.
The people of France
The modern French population is largely native-born and represents a fusion of many peoples of Celtic, Germanic, Latin, and Slavic origins. Contrary to what has happened in many other countries, the immigrants ...