Lyon is the dynamic, thriving city that somehow avoids the extraordinary high costs and weighty expectations of Paris. The city is divided into 12 arrondissements (neighborhoods), each one as different as the next. From the ever-popular and bustling streets of Presqu'île, to the historical cobblestoned alleys of the Croix-Rousse hill, to the rollerblading group that zips through the city streets every Friday at 8:30 p.m., there’s something for everyone in Lyon.
Lyon is famous for its food and local wine, but it also lays claim to one of the most popular festivals in the world: Fête des Lumières, or The Festival of Lights. Starting on December 8th and lasting for approximately four days, Lyon becomes a spectacle of living art with buildings, rivers, bridges, and parks adorned with millions of lights that dance to different colors and music. It is a celebration that goes back for centuries, showing just how proud the city is of its heritage and culture.
Since Lyon is home to one of the largest universities in France, amongst many other academic institutions, there is a very strong student culture within the city. Lyon is also an excellent city for those looking for a bit of the outdoors within city limits; many students spend sunny afternoons alongside the banks of the two rivers, which cut through the city. Lyon is also home to one of Europe’s largest urban parks (including a free zoo) as well as numerous cafes and museums that are studded along the wide, neoclassical streets.
The city is connected to the rest of France and Europe by its multiple train stations and international airports. Paris is just a two-hour train ride away, while Italy and Switzerland are also easily accessible. Much of Lyon can be reached very easily by foot, however it is also equipped with a metro system, trams and buses, allowing you to explore every arrondissement of the city.