Lyon is the third largest city in France, in the east-central region of the country. With a long history dating back to the Roman Empire, the city is known for its architectural landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was historically an important area for the production and weaving of silk. Sometimes nicknamed "France's gastronomic capital", Lyon is also famous for its Michelin-starred cuisine, remember to try local specialities at a "bouchon". About 2 hours east of Lyon is the city of Annecy. Once a Gallo-Roman town, it is nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy offers one of the best views of lakes and mountains in the French Alps.
Lyon, Lyon-2E-Arrondissement, Lyon-1ER-Arrondissement
La Place Bellecour is a large square in the centre of Lyon, to the north of the Ainay district. It is one of the largest open square in Europe, and the third biggest square in France. In the middle is an equestrian statue of king Louis XIV. There is also a statue of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry sitting in front of the Little Prince, the author was born in Lyon.
The Hôtel de Ville de Lyon is the city hall of Lyon and one of the largest historic buildings in the city, located between the Place des Terreaux and the Place de la Comédie, in front of the Opera Nouvel. Since 12 July 1886, the building has been classified as a Historic Monument.
The Place des Terreaux is a square located in the center of Lyon. The square belongs to the zone classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fontaine Bartholdi is a fountain sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who also created the famous Statue of Liberty for US, and realised in 1889 by Gaget & Gautier.
Lyon
The Vieux Lyon (English: Old Lyon) is the largest Renaissance district of Lyon. At the foot of the Fourvière hill, it is one of Europe’s most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods. There are three distinct sections: Saint Jean, Saint Paul and Saint Georges. A lot of small restaurants and local traditional food can be found here.
The Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière (French: Musée gallo-romain de Lyon-Fourvière) is a museum on the Gallo-Roman civilisation in Lyon, previously located in the heart of the Roman city and now sited near the city's Roman theatre on the Fourvière hill, half-buried into the hillside on the edge of the archaeological site.
Annecy, Veyrier-du-Lac
The Château d'Annecy is a restored castle which dominates the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie département. It was bought by the town, restored and transformed into a museum, le musée-château d'Annecy. The castle is listed as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture. (NOTE: There are several trains a day between Lyon (Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu) and Annecy (Gare d'Annecy). It takes about 2 hours one-way,)
Palais de l'Isle is a castle in the of Geneva's administrative headquarters, then alternately a courthouse, a mint, and the Middle Ages until 1865 and then again during World War II. The Palais de l'Ile was classified as a Historical Monument in 1900, and today houses a local history museum.
The Gardens of Europe are a vast park on the shores of Lake Annecy. The gardens offer excellent lake and mountain views. It is listed in the General Inventory of Cultural Heritage. The Pont des Amours, built above the Canal du Vassé, connects the gardens of Europe and the Pâquier.