"Lyon is a prime example of human settlement, an exceptional witness to enduring urban installation over more than two millennia", declared UNESCO'S World Heritage Committee. In the heart of a five hundred hectare site, the entire 2000 year history of Lyon unfolds before you. Lyon invites you to discover the secrets of the city's past, from Roman times to the Neo-classical period.

Lyon is highly reputed for its cuisine . This centuries-old tradition for cooking is an intrinsic part of the Lyon way of life. Since the 16th century, Lyon's cuisine has delighted many customer in its "bouchon" bistros and in its leading restaurants.

From the early 1900s Lyon pursued its drive for modernity. Industry (Berliet, Rhône-Poulenc, Mérieux, etc.), Lyon’s “Chemistry Valley” and Universities continued to flourish; great names emerged and contributed to develop the name of Lyon, including Grignard, Chauvin and Claude Bernard.
The post-war years gave the city a European dimension with the development of transportation, municipal infrastructures and business district.

In 1968, the 54 towns surrounding Lyon gathered forces in the form of a "Greater Lyon", making it the second most important metropolitan area in France.