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Lyon (population 1.2 million) is the second largest French metropolitan area after Paris. Capital of the Rhône-Alpes region, it is located in south-east France. Lyon's geography is dominated by the Rhône and Saône rivers which converge to the south of the historic city centre, forming a sort of peninsula or "presqu'île", which is the heart of life in the town. |
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Lyon has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with its 2000 year-old historic center recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of Lyon began under the Romans when the city was proclaimed capital of the three Gauls. Some remarkable Roman remains can be visited still today. |
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Lyon rose in prominence in the 15th century, when it became the European trade capital. This period of prosperity left in heritage one of Europe's largest Renaissance quarters. The French Revolution in 1789 brought a brutal halt to expansion but development was re-vitalized under the Napoleonic empire. Lyon became an industrial city and enjoyed an undeniable power which it carried into the 20th century. |
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