Written by: Anita Lišková & Todd Shaw
Photo by: Allphoto
Two hours from the alpine ski resorts and three hours from the sea, Lyon is more than worthy of a detour from Paris. With a temperate climate and historical districts that have conserved their architectural character, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region is best explored on foot.
| Jean-Pierre Hottinger general director, Vins de France Favorite hotels: Royal hôtel, 20, place Bellecour, tel.: +33-4-7837 5731 The Beatles stayed here. Favorite restaurant: Paul Bocuse, Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or, tel.: +33-4-7242 9090 Favorite attraction: Maison des Canuts, 10-12, rue d’Ivry, tel.: +33-4-7828 6204 Best-kept secret: There are three rivers in Lyon: La Saône, le Rhône and le Beaujolais…! Advice: Institut Lumiere, 25, rue du Premier Film, tel.: +33-4-7878 1895 Where cinema became reality. |
| Emmanuel Faverjon general director, BARCLAYSFavorite hotel: La Cour des Loges, 6, rue du Boeuf 69005, tel: + 33-4-7842 7575, In the old district of Lyon. Favorite restaurant: La Bourse, 45-47, rue de la Bourse, tel: +33-4-7892 8296 Favorite night club: Le club Saint-Antoine, 37, quai Saint-Antoine, For people 35-45 years old Favorite attraction: The old district of Lyon (part of UNESCO heritage) Advice: Do your shopping in La Halle – all of the best cooks shop there. They have the best cheese and “rosettes” (smoked goods, speciality of Lyon), and you can sample oysters with white wine. |
| Pavel Holomek commercial manager, French-Czech Chamber of CommerceFavorite hotel: Libertel Carlton, 4, rue Jussieu, tel.: + 33-4-7842 5651 Favorite restaurant: Chez Marcel, 13, rue Désiree, tel.: + 33-4-7207 9776, Presqu’ile -Authentic Lyon “bouchon” (typical small restaurant). Favorite night club: Loft Club, 7, rue Renan, tel.: +33-4-50 77 10 07 Favorite attraction: Small horologe in Saint-Jean cathedral. Favorite shop: Fantastic shirts and ties you can get right on Place de la République in front of the Printemps department store. Best-kept secret: If you want to take your friends out in the evening, try Le Tire-Bouchon pub, 16, rue du Boeuf, Old Lyon. If you want to cheer yourself up, the opera in Lyon is quite good. Those with taste will appreciate Jean Nouvel’s renovation. Advice: Take the time to visit Beaujolais. You will discover the fairy-tale beauty of rippling vineyards, large oak forests, and castles where you can drink and dine with pleasure. |
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Where on the web?
For further information, we suggest the following websites dedicated to Lyon:
http://www.hotelstravel.com/france-paris.html -a bit limited, but a good starting off page when looking for accommodation in France.
http://www.cybevasion.com/hotels/france/lyon-4etoiles.html -another hotel guide, aimed at the well-heeled traveler.
http://www.kasbah.com/guides/lyons_editorial.htm -nice descriptions and links for many activities in the city.
http://www.blackworld.com/country/france.htm -a portal-type site with avenues to many French destinations.
– billed as “the complete guide to Lyon”, this site offers useful insights and info.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187265-Lyon_Rhone_Alpes-Vacations.html – articles, books, websites, etc. focused on Lyon and intended to help you plan your trip.
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Business PROFILE
· Lyon was the first French city to exchange currency and the first center of banking in France. The city and its hinterland still account for some 10% of French GDP, and is the largest area for development outside Paris. Other factors behind its success include its geo-strategic position, excellent communication network and the interplay between the private and public sectors of the economy.
· The city is home to a diverse range of businesses. Those that enjoy an international reputation include textiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Lyon and the surrounding area are home to more than 100 hi-tech companies employing some 2,000 people. Additionally, the region is considered the French and European capital for interactive leisure.
· To the northeast of central Lyon is La Cité Internationale, which has been home to INTERPOL, the international police organization, since 1990. For the past couple of years, Lyon itself has steadily had one of the highest rates of job creation in France, particularly in the service sector.
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Source: www.cityguide.travel-guides.com
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