1. Let Lyon Spin
You Right ‘Round

2. Avant, avant,
Lion le melhor!
Translated, this franco-provencal
motto from the medieval times reads
“forward, forward, Lyon is the best!”
Humble isn't it?
Centuries later, the motto may have changed, but
theprideamongtheLyonnaispeopleremainsthe
same...withacitylikethis,whocouldblamethem?
The capital of gastronomy, the birthplace of
cinema, the home of a century-old silk weav-
ing tradition. There are many reasons that
Lyon could be considered 'the best'. Most no-
tably, its clever paradox of being old yet mod-
ern. Uniting UNESCO listed heritage sights
with daring new architectural creations Lyon
has managed to achieve big city convenience
whilst maintaining a small town 'human' vibe.
Unlike other cities overpopulated with tourists,
you will find that Lyon has all the attractions
and charm without the price tags and crowds.
With a plethora of things to see and do, you will
never find yourself bored in this dynamic, inter-
national, yet quintessentially French metropolis.
DEMOGRAPHIC:
The atmosphere in Lyon is vibrant and youthful.
Thanks to its world class education opportuni-
ties and increasing economic attractiveness, the
city of Lyon has become one of the biggest cities
in France with a population of 470, 000 in the
inner city and over 1, 700, 000 in greater Lyon.
GEOGRAPHY:
Shadowed in the north by Croix-Rousse, ‘the hill
that works’ and in the west by Fourviere, ‘the
hill that prays’, Lyon, the former capital of Gaul,
is now the capital of the Rhone-Alps region. At
the bottom of Fourviere lies the heritage listed
city centre of Vieux-Lyon, beyond which the riv-
ers Rhone and Saone converge in the south to
form the Presqu’ile.
ECONOMY:
Driven for centuries by the silk industry, the
economy of Lyon has shifted its focus in recent
times.
Said to be one of the most favourable cities in
the European Union for company creation and
investment, Lyon is a place of innovation and
wealth creation. With many multi-national com-
YOUR GUIDE:
Join us on a journey through the main arron-
dissements of Lyon. After discovering the city’s
main sights and scenes, the rest of the adventure
remains entirely up to you.
Bon Voyage!
panies, like Euronews and Interpol, establishing
themselves in Lyon, the city is well on it’s way
to becoming a top European centre for business.
Fuelled by a strong history of bio-technological
research,Lyonpridesitselfonhavingtheworld’s
best doctors and medical research facilities. For
this reason pharmaceutical companies such as
Pasteur and Bio Merieux have chosen Lyon as
their headquarters. Interestingly, some of the
world’s deadliest diseases (think Ebola, Hendra,
Marburg) are housed in this city’s labs.
Tourism also plays huge role in the modern
economy of Lyon with over six million tourists
visiting the city each year, a statistic that is only
going to grow as the city of Lyon continues to
develop.

3. Table of
Contents:
This guide has been broken down into several sec-
tions pertaining to the four distinct geographical ar-
eas. Following this, you will find a series of subsec-
tions to equip you with all the information you will
need to make the most of your time in Lyon.
Fouviere Hill - Known as the hill that prays, this
area still has the remnants of its Roman origins
Vieux-Lyon - The oldest part of town, this
UNESCO heritage listed area will take you
back in time
Croix-Rousse - Known as the hill that works,
this area forms the heart of Lyon's silk in-
dustry
Presqu’ile - Contemporary & vibrant, the
peninsula is a hive of activity, not to be
missed by any high street shopper
Tips - Transport, accommodation, phrases,
day trips and dates... everything practical
you need to know about visiting Lyon
Shopping & Fashion - If museums and gal-
leries are not your thing, this section is
for anyone requiring a little retail thera-
py.Also, if you are a little low on funds you
can still enjoy your time in Lyon with the
help of a few innovative suggestions
Dining and Nightlife - Where to eat, what
to eat and of course how to spend your
evenings, you will find it all in this sec-
tion
Culture - Diverse and rich, this section
will expose a little about what makes the
people of Lyon who they are
Special dates: guide on typical Lyonnais
and French celebrations

4. Lugdunum, now modern Lyon, was founded in
43BC after the Romans conquered the Gauls in
the expansion of their empire. Ancient Roman
structures from this period such as the two Ro-
man theatres, the Odeon and the grand theatre
still occupy the hill today. Identifiable by the Ba-
silica sitting atop its peak, this 'praying hill' is the
perfect vantage point from which to absorb pan-
oramic views of the whole of modern Lyon and
beyond.
FOURVIERE
Les Nuits de
Fourvière
A Festival of Nights
Imagine a modern graduation ceremony, when the students thrust their mortarboards into
the air in a moment of cheer. Turn those hats into the little green complimentary cushions you
receive on entering Les Théâtres Romains de Fourvière, the oldest Roman Amphitheatre in
France, and you might be able to imagine the scene at the end of a stirring concert on a warm
summer’s eve. Emerald squares litter the sky, thrown by the two thousand strong audience
in a spectacle that we were told has become an unofficial tradition of Les Nuits de Fourvière.
The Funiculaire (Vieux-Lyon station) is the traditional mean of trans-
portation to get to the top of the Fourviere Hill.
A Roman Riot

5. Practical Information:
Les Nuits de Fourvière
5 June- 31 July
Tickets purchased from any
FNAC store
Names of justice
The exterior of the Basilica is
outstanding in its magnitude
and intricacy, exemplifying the
significance of the Virgin Mary
as the guardian of Lyon. The
building itself is a massive 86
metres in length with a breadth
of 35 metres. Carrying the
names of the cardinal virtues,
Strength, Justice, Temperance
and Prudence, the towers stand
to a grand height of 48 metres.
Once inside, you will be tak-
en aback by the beauty of the
sculptures and stained glass.
Evenifreligionisnotyourthing,
you will find Basilica Four-
vière absolutely remarkable.
If you have the capacity to ab-
sorb some more local culture
then the Museum of Fourvière
displaysvariousartisticobjects,
statues, religious trinkets and a
variety documents pertaining
to the building of the Basilica.
Otherwise, take a walk behind
this grand building to find a
breathtaking panoramic view
ofthecityofLyonbeforefollow-
ing the rosary beads back down
to the old town of Vieux Lyon.
Tales of the Fourvière Basilica
Practical Information:
Museum of Fourvière: Open from March to January daily, from
10.00a.m. - 12: 30p.m. and 2.00p.m. - 5.30p.m.
Entry is usually free for children under 16, students, Lyon-City-
Card Holders or teachers. Otherwise, prices vary dependant on
the exhibition.
Basilica: Open from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. daily.
Call +0030478251301 or Email info@lyon-fourviere.com for
more information.
Our Lady of Fourvière dominates the sky-
line of Lyon.
Take the rosary pathway up the hillside, then
the dreaded staircase… This will surely re-
pent your days (dining) sins. If you’re feeling
less athletic then catch the Funiculaire. Pil-
grimage or Funiculaire ride, the trip is cer-
tainly worth it.
Virgin Mary Salvation
Confronted by its enormity and sheer beauty
you’ll probably be awestruck by the Basilica.
Built in the 19th century by architects Pierre
Bossan and Sainte Marie-Perrin to show the
mercy of God, the Basilica was constructed to
give thanks to the Virgin Mary for her protec-
tion from the Prussians during the Franco-
Prussian war.
Sitting atop the two thou-
sand year old steps overlook-
ing the night lights of Lyon,
you can’t help but be taken
over by a swell of majesty. If
you listen hard enough you
can hear your own voice dis-
appear amongst the million
whispered memories held in
the stones. You become over-
whelmed with a sense of your
own insignificance when you
take in the crowd and pon-
der how many others have sat
here before you to share in the
artistically holy feat. You’re
a drop in the giant ocean of
people this ancient place has
seen. But being able to cause
a cushion riot, plants your feet
firmly back in the 21st century.
Les Théâtres Romains de Fourvière
6 Rue de l’Antiquaille 69005 Lyon

6. Swarming with tourists, expats and locals alike, the
old town is a hot spot in Lyon. The busy nightlife,
rich history and Renaissance architecture of the dis-
trict of Vieux Lyon can be appreciated by any visitor.
The Malraux Law in 1954 and its World Herit-
age listing in 1998, mean this districts quar-
ters, Saint Jean, Saint Paul and Saint Georg-
es are all filled with historic character.
The heart of the old town, the Saint Jean quarter
dates back to the middle ages where it served as
the hub for political and religious power in Lyon, in
particular the Saint Jean cathedral. As well as its ap-
parent striking gothic architecture, the most unique
feature is the 14th century astronomical clock in
the north transept. It chimes at 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
and 4pm, during which a rooster crows and an-
gels herald. Look out for the 'rock and roll' angel.
The Saint Paul quarter situated to the north of
Saint Jeanand is most known for its influx of Ital-
ian bankers and merchants during the 15th and
16th centuries. Here, Renaissance beauties like
the Hôtel de Gadagne, or the Hôtel Bulliourd, de-
signed by Philibert Delorme in 1536, are typi-
cal sights of the architecture from this period.
This zone is served by metro line D but is easily ac-
cessible by foot from the adjoining districts of the
Fourvière Hill, la Croix- Rousse and the Presqu'île.
VIEUX LYON
ESCAPE ROUTES:
THE TRABOULES
"Every week
I come to the
traboules to
sketch. Yet
every time
I discover
s o m e t h i n g
new" (local
artist)
These se-
cretive pas-
sageways are
a huge part
of the Lyon-
nais history
and identity.
Binding the streets of the city
together with their coloured
walls, ancient wells and intri-
cate stone work, the traboules
are postcard perfect.
Vieux Lyon holds the
oldest traboules in Lyon.
Originally built in the 4th
century as shortcuts to
fetch water from the riv-
er Saône and transport
goods with ease, these
hidden passageways
now make for an exten-
sive 'traboule' hunt. Fol-
low the bronzed plaques
through the old town to
discover the most im-
pressive passageways.
As for the others, you'll
just have to keep your
eyes open.
Traboule de la Tour Rose
is one of a kind. The pink
watch tower with its nu-
merous arched windows
and winding spiral staircase
stands out in the pastel col-
oured courtyard. Between rue
Saint Jean and Rue du boeuf
lies the longest traboule in
Lyon, simply named la Longue
Traboule - it’s the
most famous in
Lyon.
"In the Cour des
Voraces, hive of
silk work, canuts
struggled for
their lives and
their dignity”,
reads a plaque in
the Cour des Vo-
races.
Whilst stand-
ing in La Cour de
Voraces you are
transported to another time.
You can almost picture the
silk weavers carrying their
bolts of silk down to the mar-
kets; or the enraged workers
gathering around plan-
ning the famous Canut
revolts in 1831. This tra-
boule was the home of
the underground resist-
ance and shelter from
the Gestapo during the
German Occupation in
World War II. Follow
the blue lion to guide
yourself through the tra-
boules of Croix-Rousse.

7. Gargoyles & Heads on
Buildings:
Fire, decapitated heads, and
Gargoyles appearing to attack
for prey. No don’t worry this
isn’t a horror film. It’s only the
gothic architecture in Lyon.
Bring classical to gothic
Rayonnant, a classical and or-
ganic style of Gothic architec-
ture, prevails on many of the
buildings around Lyon. Exam-
ples of this style can be seen in
the fiery branches of stone that
stem into thistles on the many
archways of the city.
Fight away the demons
Gargoyles, though menacing
and evil looking, are actually
Practical Information:
Opening times: Mon - Fri
8:15a.m. - 7:45p.m.
Sat 8:15a.m. to 7:00p.m.
Sun 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Opening only from 1.00p.m on January 1, Easter Monday, May 18th
and Monday July 14th and November 11
Peering inside a Bob Marley
fan’s apartment, a drum kit fills
the centre of the room, colour-
ful pictures are hanging on the
walls and an unfinished joint is
lying on the table. You may be
wonderingwhatissoextraordi-
nary. Well, the joint is approxi-
mately2mminsize.Welcometo
the Miniature Museum in Lyon.
Dan Ohlmann, the owner of the
museum, discovered his pas-
sion for tiny reproductions of
real life objects more than 20
years ago when he was work-
ing as a stage designer. “I get
my ideas from everywhere” he
explains, “but I especially like
mysterious places.” This affec-
tion becomes very obvious in
the exhibition room devoted
to the most bizarre and origi-
nal reproductions Ohlmann
has created. Here you stumble
across a spookily demolished
and aban-
doned thea-
tre and a
s w i m m i n g
pool viewed
from below
the surface.
But this is not
all you can
d i s c o v e r…
See the World From
a Different Perspective
An itsy bitsy passion
Practical Informa-
tion:
60, Rue Saint Jean
69005 Lyon
Mon – Fri 10:00a.m.
– 6:30p.m. Sat– Sun
10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
5.50€ Student ticket
Meet the murderer
The first thing you recognise is
the clammy air that fills your
lungs with the rotten smell
of long gone times. A slight
breeze makes you shiver as
you wander further into the
dark cave. You see light and
a few steps further you are
looking right into the eyes of
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille; the
murderer of The Perfume.
Oh my!
said to protect the people
from the evil demons that
lurk within us. Adorn-
ing to the cathedral, these
kings of the sky warn us of
sin and ward off evil. Cross
the threshold of the doors
if you dare to uncover the
gothic depictions of decap-
itate heads.
Dan Ohlmann has dedicated
the other half of his museum
to the world of cinema. “This
is my second passion” clari-
fies the owner as he contin-
ues to describe how he travels
the world to collect original
pieces and props from film
sets. Sets from The Perfume,
costumes from The Gladiator,
and The Planet of the Apes,
are just some of the collec-
tions highlights. ‘Making-of’
videos expose the ‘spe-
cial’ in special effects.
Watching a film will
never be the same again.

8. Winter Time is Skiing Time
Whether you prefer down-
hill skiing, cross-country
skiing, or snowshoeing –
Lyon has access to it all.
The mountains Vercours,
Chartreuse, les Arcs, la Nor-
ma and even the Mont Blanc
are easily reachable from
Lyon and provide great ski-
regions for downhill fans.
A day trip, a weekend, a week
or more, everything is possible.
Those who like to stay on the
ground should go to Autran,
a town that hosts the yearly
Nordic Combined competition,
called “La Foulée Blanche”.
Website:
h t t p : / / a b o u t - f r a n c e .
com/tourism/skiing.htm
A Journey Through
Time – Pérouges
“One of the most beauti-
ful towns in France” wel-
comes the sign of Pérouges.
You wonder whether this might
be an overstatement until you
are standing in the middle of
the Medieval Town of Pérouges.
Whatever you expect, the
charm of this town will cap-
tivate you within seconds.
Walking through the cobbled
streets, you wait for a black-
smith crossing your way. To get
a feeling for the place, simply
dander along, try a galette and
feast your eyes on what you see.
Meet The CTR Lyon Team
From left to right and up to down:
Seona (Scotland), Therese (Sweden), Jes-
sica (Australia), Tiffany (USA), Mareike
(Germany), Shakira (England), Nora
(Germany), Kirstin (Scotland), Susanna
(Germany), Ozel (England), Charlotte
(England), Jelke (Belgium), Lauren
(South Africa) and Simon (Germany).