Built where the mighty river Rhone joins up with its smaller cousin Saone, Lyon is an elegant and prosperous city, one of France's largest. It has a dramatic geography, spread out over steep hills and a flattish between-river peninsula.

Two thousand years ago the city was the capital of Roman France (Gaul) and known as Lugdunum. Silk was the foundation of its early modern wealth; "high tech" industries are now its mainstay.

Some of this wealth has gone into its physical fabric. Fine Gothic and Renaissance buildings line the atmospheric streets of Vieux Lyons. The Fourviere hill has ancient temples and more modern churches. Presqu'ile peninsula, the busy heart of the city, has medieval and modern works. Sloping upwards from there the Croix Rousse boasts elegant streetscapes.

Bustling with citizens, students, and visitors Lyon offers entertainment in the form of drama, music, film and, above all, cuisine. Many of France's top chefs are at work in Lyons, and its local "bouchons" (restaurants) have an impressive reputation.