Discover the Heart of Europe
in France Rhône-Alpes
By Chantal Guillou-Brennan
Once capital of Gaul, Lyon has for the past 2000 years been a strategic city in the heart of Europe. In the past, the meeting of the Saône and Rhône rivers in Lyon made it a desired city hub for the silk trade. Today, the modern infrastructure allows Lyon and the Rhône-Alpes region to be a strong player in world economy and tourism.
The Rhône Valley is famous for having the largest ski area in the world, with resorts such as Chamonix and Val d’Isère. The region is also renowned for its nature parks, which are home to a rich flora and fauna and three major lakes: Lake Geneva (also known as Lac Léman), Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy.
Location is everything
The Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport is one of Europe’s leading hubs and the railway links Lyon to Paris in just 2 hours via high-speed TGV rail service from Paris’ Charles De Gaulle airport (Lille/Lyon with a stop in Roissy, CDG Aerogare). If you have opted to begin your trip to France with a stay in Paris, the TGV runs from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon, Part-Dieu in 90 minutes and trains run hourly.
Transportation in Lyon is as modern as it is diversified. Top choices are the bus and metro systems: fast, efficient and reliable. A funicular can get you up the hill to visit the Fourvriere basillic and a unique reproduction of the last level of the Eiffel Tower, both offering a panoramic view of the city.
The Velo’v are a network of individual bicycles centrally located throughout the city which can be picked up and dropped off at many locations throughout town (using a simple credit card). Following Lyon’s initiative, this unique ecologically-sound, individual public transportation model was adopted this past summer by the city of Paris.
For a similar touring experience without the physical effort are the CycloPolitain (electrically assisted tricycles) which can be rented with driver. They are an excellent option to take pictures at your own pace. www.CycloPolitain.com
Not to be Missed
Known as the second largest city in France, the area of the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) was declared in 1998 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the top of the Hill Fourvrière in the Old Lyon one can see the vestige of the Roman Empire. The Fourvrière Gallo-Roman Museum, located in the very centre of the archaeological area, accommodates rich collections from Gallo-Roman times. From the 12th century onwards, and especially in the 17th century, religious congregations arrived on the hill and its slopes. The Basilica of Fourvrière, built by Pierre Bossan in 1896, is a magnificent icon from anywhere in the city. Farther down the Hill, the Presqu’île, between the two rivers, was further embellished. The City Hall: built by the city’s architect Simon Maupin in 1646, was restored in 1674 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart who also built the Château de Versailles.
The narrow streets of the Vieux-Lyon district and “traboules” (320 covered passageways which found new purpose during the WWII resistance) form a sharp contrast with the wide avenues opened up during the era of Napoleon III.
Located between the river Rhône and the Parc de la Tête d’Or, the Cité Internationale (international center) was designed in the 1990’s, by architect Renzo Plano with cinemas, restaurants, hotels, the Modern Art Museum, a casino and the imposing Convention Centre with its 3,000 seat amphitheater. During the same period, Calatrava designed the high-speed rail station at the Saint-Exupery airport.
A stop at the Lyon Tourism Office to pick up the “Lyon City Card” can help you save on museum entries. The $26 card allows for free public transport, Tourist Office guided tours, pleasure cruises (April - October), shows (in April 2008: the International Puppet Festival by the Compagnie des Zonzons); and free entries to many of the 21 Lyon museums. Of particular interest is the Institute Lumière–a cinematographic museum inside the Lumière family’s villa near which in 1895, the Lumière brothers filmed “Leaving the Lumière factory”which credited the Lyon brothers’ for the invention of cinema. The Tourist Office is located on Place Bellecour. www.lyon-france.com.
Famous for its gourmet cuisine, Lyon boasts over 1500 restaurants, 14 of which have been given stars in the Michelin Guide, including three star’s Paul Bocuse’s five Brasseries, (East, West, North, South, L'Argenson, having each their own theme and flavor; www.bocuse.fr). Nicolas Le Bec, two star: Auberge de l’Ile, Léon de Lyon and La Rotonde (Hotel de la Rotonde).
Mix art deco and fine cuisine for an evening of fun at La Brasserie des Brotteaux across the majestic Gare des Brotteaux. www.brasseriedesbrot teaux.com
To tantalize your taste buds further make a stop at the Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse in the Part-Dieu (train station) neighborhood; or take a walk through the Croix Rousse food market–a real village inside the city offering a wide range of products. Both open every day except Mondays.
One cannot visit Lyon without a taste of the world famous Beaujolais wines. In certain “bouchons” or taverns in Lyon, sample the traditional “mâchon”–delicatessen meats complmented by a local Beaujolais wine.
Daytripping in Wine Country
Just a short ride from Lyon are the Georges Dubœuf (Hameau du Vin) wine and train museums in Romaneche-Thorins. www.into wine.com/duboeuf.html
On your way to a wine tasting afternoon, worthy of attention is the restaurant Les Platanes de Chenas for an unforgettable meal in a country setting. (011- 03-8536-7980)
Tasting all four types of Beaujolais wine can be enjoyed at the “Domaine Du Cret du Ris” in Salles in the company of third generation vintner Gerard Texier. www.cret-du-ris.com
In the heart of the Beaujolais region, and seventeen miles from Lyon is the 13th century Château de Bagnols, regarded as one of the finest château hotels in the world and one of France's major historic monuments with its dramatic drawbridge entrance. Magnificently and faithfully restored to its 18th century condition the Château has twenty one uniquely decorated bedrooms and suites. Rates range from $684 in the Traditional Room to $3,453 for an apartment. The castle is open to visitors who can enjoy traditional cuisine in the Michelin starred restaurant of the Salles des Gardes, which boasts France’s largest Gothic fireplace. www.chateaudebagnols.fr
For information on the Rhône Alpes, E-mail Martine.Bridier@rhonealpes-tourisme.com
December 2007 Feature
Lyon, ASTA’s Succulent Choice
By Chantal Guillou-Brennan
With Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, ASTA chose an attractive tourist destination and leading location for conferences and trade fairs such as the upcoming International Destination Expo (IDE), April 12-16, 2008, where one can easily mix business and pleasure with style and convenience.
Business is made easy with Lyon’s modern and innovative transportation system and pleasure comes naturally to the equation as Lyon’s rich cultural heritage and history unfolds in the city’s landscape. Less than 2 hours away via TGV, from Paris, the Côte d’Azur, or the Alpine ski resorts, Lyon can be an enjoyable stepping stone to a successful vacation or business trip.
Where to Stay
ASTA selected seven three-star-properties and 14 four-star-properties, all of which JAXFAX reviewed. The following are presented in order of proximity to the International Convention Center (ICC).
Steps away from the ICC and the Tête d'Or Park, the La Cité-Concorde Hotel is a combination of elegance and state-of-the-art amenities. With free Wifi in each room, rates start at $144 for single and $170 for double. A restaurant is on premises conveniently located near the convention center. www.lyonmetropole-concorde.fr
The Residence Temporim Cité Internationale apartments and suites are located at the Cité Internationale, within walking distance of the convention center. Rates start at $231 with breakfast included. Each room includes a kitchen in an open room/studio setting. www.temporim.fr
As part of the Cité Internationale complex, the Hilton Lyon provides all the services to be expected from an international business hotel. Rates start at $184 for an apartment style suite. Breakfast is included. The restaurant has a great buffet ideal for a quick lunch. The Grand Casino de Lyon is across from it. www.hilton-lyon.com
Europe's tallest hotel, the Radisson SAS Hotel is located within walking distance of the city centre and the main tourist attractions. From all 238 rooms and seven executive rooms the panoramic view of the city and the region are visible. www.radissonsas.com
La Reine Astrid all Suites Warwick Residence is ideally located in the elegant residential quarter of Lyon, just across from the Tête d'Or Park. Traditional cuisine is served at the restaurant. Rates start at $173 per person with breakfast included. www.warwickastrid.com
In the Renaissance district of Old Lyon, on the famous cobblestone street of “Rue du Bœuf,” La Cour des Loges offers 62 rooms and apartments, each decorated with a particular theme. Rates with breakfast start at $272 for a classical/superior guestroom and $400 for a Jr. Suite apartment.
Even if you don’t choose this hotel for your stay, it is worth a visit for its unusual architecture. Comprised of four buildings from the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries, the hotel has a courtyard and arcade passageways housing a restaurant. www.courdesloges.com
On the slopes of Fourvrière Hill with a sweeping view of the city, the Villa Florentine, a member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux hotel group, has 28 warmly decorated rooms and eight elegant suites. Among the celebrities who chose the Villa Florentine as their residence was President François Mitterrand. Rates start at $362 per person. www.villaflorentine.com
About a 25-minute drive from Lyon city centre and the Convention Center is Le Pavillon de la Rotonde and Spa which offers 16 sumptuous rooms and spacious Junior Suites, in a superbly landscaped park, including full SPA services. Deluxe room rates range from $243 to $294, Junior Suites from $388 to $439. Taxes included. Additionally, the gourmet restaurant "La Rotonde" a two- star Michelin guide, and the casino “Le Lyon Vert,” are steps away from the hotel. Transportation to the convention center is available by train, metro or bus. www.pavillon-rotonde.com
Booking and Registration
Detailed descriptions and booking information on pre- and post-tours (from a half day to 4-day tours) is available at www.astanet.com as well as a discounted Rail Pass from Rail Europe–the official SNCF (French National Railway Company).
Airfare from the U.S. is available with Air France, Continental, US Airways. Visit www.astanet.com for quick links, discounts and registration information.
For additional information on the city of Lyon, visit www.Lyon-france.com; for the Rhône Alpes region visit www.rhonealpes-tourisme.com.