Lyon

France's second biggest city in terms of population and third largest geographically, Lyon is best known for being the international headquarters of Interpol. While the city is not renowned for being a popular tourist destination, its long history and cultural highlights make it a must for anyone wanting to get a full picture of modern French life.

The city’s industrial successes are built on the foundations of its history as a silk producer and indeed today many of the old silk mills still stand, providing some fine examples of classic Renaissance architecture. Elsewhere, development has flourished and the city is well known as a thriving industrial region.

Lyon's old town plays second fiddle somewhat to its central business district; however, it’s here that you'll find some of the most interesting sights. The pedestrianised rue St-Jean area is home to an intricate network of narrow streets which, besides being home to some charming traditional establishments, conclude at the magnificent Cathédrale St-Jean, one of the area's finest ecclesiastical constructions. The city's history as a Roman owned area is still evident in the remains scattered around Adolphe-Max and Pont Bonaparte and the Vieux Lyon metro. Here you'll also find the Musée Gallo-Romain et Parc Archéologique de Fourvière, which is one of the old town's most noteworthy attractions.

Just outside of the city and within easy driving distance are places such as Golden Head Park (Parc de la Tête d'Or) where visitors will find botanical gardens, rose gardens, ponds and a small zoo, plus various amusements for the little ones. Courzieu's Animal Park, meanwhile, is a nature reserve where visitors are offered the chance to get up close and personal with various wild creatures such as wolves and eagles.

Back in the city, the cosmopolitan influences take hold and chic modern bars and eateries can be found serving the equally modern residents. Lyon is home to a number of universities, the area's around which are filled with trendy nightspots and bustling drinking establishments.

Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport provides air transport between the city and other major French cities as well as a variety of European and international destinations. Rail services in Lyon are significant as are options for drivers due to the city's well organised road network.