 Lyon, past and present
It was the Romans who established the military colony of Lugdunum, now modern-day Lyon, in 43 BC, on the convergence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. It became the capital of Gaul and, thanks to its position as commercial and cultural gateway to the rest of Europe, Lyon has prospered ever since.
Today, France's second city is a major commercial, financial and industrial centre whose wealth was generated in the 15th and 16th centuries through printing, the silk trade and banking. Lyon constantly asserts its independence and singularity in the face of Paris. The city's population may have a reputation for reserved conservatism but the Lyonnais can be very welcoming.
Lyon has a wealth of lavish shopping streets, ancient buildings and fine museums relating to its past. The vestiges of Roman heritage can be found on the site of the 2000 year-old amphitheatre or in the Gallo-Roman Museum. The city has always been recognised as a seat of learning, it has fostered scientific research since the 18th century and still has an important university to this day. Lyon has given us many well-known figures like the Lumière brothers, the inventors of cinema, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author, Jean Moulin, the resistance leader and Paul Bocuse, the world-class chef.
Links
Lyon, France
French and English content dealing with all aspects of Lyon, especially where to stay and the sights of interest in Lyon.
Webcity - Lyon
French site dealing with all aspects of Lyon, especially where to go and the events of interest in town.
Mairie de Lyon, Lyon City Council
French and English details of the nightlife, events, accommodation and facilities of the city.
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