Lyon is at the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region - France's second most populated region with around 5 millions inhabitants (9.5% of the French population). It is one of the most industrialized and dynamic regions of France. Its location makes it a favoured crossroads for trade between Northern and Southern Europe. Rhône-Alpes is ranked among the most influential regions in Europe.

As a cosmopolitan city, Lyon puts you within 90 minutes of all the major European metropolitan areas, thanks to its high-performance transport infrastructure.

The Lyon metropolitan area (the largest in the Rhône-Alpes region) occupies a strategic location in the Rhône valley. It is bordered to the north by the Beaujolais country, to the west by the Lyonnais hills and to the east and north by the Dombes and Isere plains. Lyon is equally a gateway to Provence, the Mediterranean, the Alps and the main winemaking areas, and thus offers a wide and varied selection of day or half-day trips.

The city of Lyon will help you discover a certain "art de vivre" that has been forged over the last 2000 years. Lyon also means a rich cultural programme, internationally reputed gastronomy, great shopping & markets, parks & gardens - not forgetting the city's famous illuminations at night.