Bonjour Bienvenue a Lyon! Welcome to Lyon. As the third largest city
in France, Lyon has seen a lot in its 2,000 years of history. But all that
history means there is a variety of thing to do here in the city from
culinary delights to secret passageways, historic architecture and
the largest revitalization project currently happening in all of Europe. So,
to help you get the most out of your visit here, I'm breaking down the top 5
things to do in Lyon.
Number 5, step into the future in the Confluences neighborhood.
In stark contrast to Lyon's historic architecture is the
ultra-modern Confluences neighborhood. Located right where the Rhône and Saône
rivers meet, Lyon's newest neighborhood is currently the largest
urban redevelopment project happening in all of Europe. The Confluences district
spreads out over 150 square hectares of land and brings together work living and
entertainment facilities in unique architectural and environmentally
friendly design. Make a point to check out the sprawling shopping complex and
the Musée des Confluences, the Natural History Museum which showcases over 2.2 million artifacts.
Number 4, learn about Lyon's silk weaving history.
Silk weaving plays a vital role in Lyon's history. Due to its position on the Rhône and Saône rivers
it became the only city in France that was allowed to import raw silk and weave
it into various textiles. The Croix-Rousse district was the center of the silk
weaving industry in the city and is where you can learn more about it today.
Pop into Maison des Canuts where you'll learn about the invention by
Joseph Marie Jacquard of using perforated cards to produce patterned fabrics.
Another option is Soierie Vivante one of the last family-owned workshops in the area.
In the trimmings workshop you'll get live demonstrations of trimmings being assembled
on looms that haven't been moved since the 19th century.
In the weaving workshop, you can see how silk workers lived and worked in the same space
plus how the looms evolved from hand to electrical powered machines.
Number three, get lost in Lyon's traboules.
The traboules are secret covered passageways
found in the old parts of the city, some of which date back to the 4th century.
They connect the buildings and courtyards and weave their way up and down various staircases.
During the height of silk production, they were used to transport silk goods to avoid
any damage happening to the products.
Today, there are estimated to be about 40 traboules open to the public. Most of them
are found in Vieux-Lyon and Croix-Rousse and many are marked with a special seal.
Number 2, explore the Fourvière district.
Rising high above the Saône river is the Fourvière district, a charming and popular
area to visit in the city with lots to see and do. At the top of the Fourvière Hill is the
Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière. It was built in the 1800s and features intricate detailing both on the
exterior and interior. On the south side of the Fourvière district are the vast Roman ruins.
There is the partially intact ruins of a Roman theatre dating back to 15 BC
and a 2nd century Roman Odeon where concerts and operas are performed in the summer months.
At the base of the Fourvière district is Vieux-Lyon, the city's oldest district.
This picturesque area is lined with narrow cobblestone streets and features well-preserved buildings from the
Renaissance period. In the 60s, the fate of Vieux-Lyon was uncertain as many of the
buildings had become inhabitable. But the city stepped in and Vieux-Lyon became
the first protected historic district in France.
And the number one thing to do in Lyon? Eat your way through the city.
While Paris may be the capital city of France,
Lyon is the gastronomical capital of the country.
From street-side markets to over a dozen Michelin-star restaurants, there's something for every palate and
budget in Lyon. So make sure you pack your stretchy pants!
Make a point to pop into Les Halles de Lyon created by famed French chef Paul Bocuse.
This indoor market features over 60 food stalls showcasing the best regional
products found around Lyon.
Also, don't leave the city without grabbing a meal at a bouchon.
These are traditional restaurants found only in Lyon that have deep historical roots within the city.
Bouchon's are typically family-run and feature menus filled with hearty homemade dishes.
Alright, so there you have it. My top 5 things to do in Lyon, those things that I feel you cannot miss
when you're here visiting the city. If you have any other suggestions please
leave them in the comment section below this video.
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Thank you all so much for watching we'll see you soon.