Lyon

The old city center is divided by two rivers – the Seine and the Rhone. Start your exploration of Lyon at Place Bellecour with the statue of King Louis XIV. Cross the Seine via Pont Bonaparte to see the Gothic church Église Saint Georges and visit the 12th-century Cathedral. Stroll through the Vieux Lyon district (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The most beautiful streets with shops, bistros, and medieval mansions are Saint-Jean and du Bœuf. Visit the Musée Cinéma et Miniature and the Lyon History Museum.

Return to the peninsula via one of the bridges, find the magnificent Palais de la Bourse de Lyon, which often hosts exhibitions and multimedia shows. Walk to the Opera building. Nearby are the City Hall and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Relax at a café by the fountain on Place des Terreaux. Walk a few blocks north to see the Roman amphitheater from Nero's time.

To enjoy city views, head to Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière (reachable by funicular). Nearby, you'll find the Metal Tower, the Museum of Arts, and the grand complex of ancient monuments, Lugdunum. In the evening, stroll along the banks of the Rhone or take a river cruise. Try the famous wines of the Beaujolais region and pink praline. Lyon guarantees maximum impressions during the festivals des Lumières and Les Nuits de Fourvière.

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