Lyon

Lyon lies in the region of Rhone-Alpes located between Paris and Marseille. This city is renowned for being the French capital of Gastronomy thanks to the abundant restaurants found here. Lyon is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many historical monuments and other tourist attractions can be seen here which is why it remains one of the top travel destinations in France.

Lyon is renowned for being home to the most spectacular tourist attraction sites:

The Amphitheater of the Three Gauls was built around 19 BC. It is located in Croix-Rousse near Lyon’s northern perimeter. The three Gauls were known as Lugdunensis, Belgica and Aquitania which were the three regions that made up Roman France. It can accommodate about twenty thousand people and was said to be the location for Gallic tribe meetings long ago. It was also here that Christian Martyrs were thrown to their death in 177 AD. The most famous of the martyrs was St. Blandine. Legend has it that when she was thrown in the amphitheater, the lions refused to eat her. Later, the lions were replaced by a bull, but it, too, refused to attack her. In exasperation, Roman soldiers finished the deed themselves.

Standing on the site of a former salt storehouse is the Grand Synagogue of Lyon. It was built in 1864 and is located on the Saone River. This impressive structure still retains the soul of synagogues but has hints of western architectural style.

The cathedral of the leading archbishop in France is the Cathedrale St. Jean. It is said to be standing on the site where former churches, Ste Croix and Ste Etienne, stood. The cathedral is done in Romanesque and Gothic style. The west façade of the cathedral is said to resemble the Notre Dame de Paris. This cathedral is home to the impressive 14th century astronomical clock which chimes every 12 pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4 pm.

Eglise St. Bruno des Chartreux was built in 1584 and was designed by Jean Maignan. It is a Carthusian monastery church that accommodated monks travelling to the Grand Chartreuse. This strucure was done in Baroque style and was said to have been bought by Napoleon’s uncle who founded the Saint Bruno parish.

The St. Nizier Church is another sight to behold in Lyon. The church was originally dedicated to the Christian martyrs of Lyon and was built during the 14th and15th century. The St. Nizier can be found at the heart of the Presqu’ile.