A LOOK AT THE REGION IN DETAIL

Situated in southeast France, and capital of the Rhône-Alps region, Lyons is the second conurbation in France, with its 1.2 million inhabitants covering an area of 55,000 hectares.
The geographical position industrial situation and history of the Lyons region make it a privileged staging point both from the economic and tourist standpoints.


At the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyons has its own specific identity linked to the very symbol of this major river and tributary.
With a wealth of history behind it and a policy of valorising its inheritance, in 1999, the city of Lyons was honoured to be awarded the title of world patrimony by UNESCO.

Lyons is also imbued with numerous traditions and in particular the illuminations of 8th December. If you have the lick to be in Lyons on this date, you will see on window ledge, in the shops and streets, millions of small candlelights. Originally, these candles were an expression of thanks to the Virgin Mary for saving Lyons from the bubonic plague. And the tradition still remains today.


ON THE ROADS OF GASTRONOMY

Aside from the wealth of its history, the city of Lyons is also known as the world capital of gastronomy. The city owes its reputation to the “mothers” of Lyons – “famous and robust cools who have given all its character to Lyons gastronomy” * Let us not forget its geographical location in the reputation of this gastronomy. “At the gates of Lyons, the husbandry of La Bresse and the Charolais cows, the game of Dombes, the fishes of the lakes of Savoy, the early vegetables and fruits of the Rhône valley and Forez” * All these fine things underpinning the savoury dishes and varied gastronomic specialities, amongst which feature the famous Lyons dumplings.
*The Lyons web site: http://www.lyon-city.org
Lyons Dumplings