Lyon

Lyon sits at the junctions of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and its history dates back to ancient Roman times. This is expressed most clearly in the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, a beautiful and partially intact Roman amphitheater. At the same time, many of the ancient ruins can be found at the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière. Many of the riches of the city can be traced back to Renaissance times and the silk trade, and this is most evident in Vieux Lyon, the district where wealthy merchant families from all over Europe settled and built beautiful homes. The Traboules are another unique feature of Rennaissance times, as these hidden passageways allowed silk merchants direct access to the Saône River. The city is also well known for its 19th-century architecture, which is visible in the Presqu’île district, which is the center of the action today, featuring world-renowned restaurants, shopping, nightclubs, and anything else one might imagine. The glorious Fourvière Basilica overlooks the city from atop a hill all the while.