Your next destination in France should be Lyon: Here's why

Looking for your next French adventure beyond the iconic sights of Paris? Consider exploring Lyon, France's second-largest city. While Paris will always be loved, Lyon offers a delightful change of pace! As the ancient Roman capital of Gaul, Lyon boasts a history dating back two thousand years. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural hub with fantastic food, architecture, and museums worth discovering. Best of all, Lyon welcomes visitors with an ease Paris sometimes lacks.

So, here are 5 reasons why you will love traveling to Lyon!

1. Not one but two mighty rivers flow through the city: the Rhone and Saone. Stretching for miles along their banks are scenic promenades perfect for strolling or biking. The rivers' confluence is also a highlight, especially combined with the natural history museum nearby.

2. Lyon is stunning with architectural treasures ancient and modern. You can wander cobbled streets past two ornate Roman theaters or admire contemporary marvels like the opera house. And don't miss the hilltop Notre Dame Basilica for sweeping city views.

3. You will find an impressive selection of art inside Lyon's famous museums, from the Gallo-Roman Museum's history lessons to art museum masterpieces spanning centuries. And for that, a Lyon City Card pays for itself with free admission and transportation.

4. Getting around is super easy thanks to fast, affordable public transit. Trams, metros, and funiculars reach all top areas, like the Old Town and hilltop attractions, with fewer crowds than other cities.

5. As France's unofficial cooking capital, Lyon is an extraordinary food adventure. Browse bustling markets, dine at Michelin stars, or tuck into tradition at a local bouchon.

So for your next delightful discovery beyond the Tower and Mona Lisa, join me in exploring vibrant, welcoming Lyon. The history, sights, and tastes await your visit. Speaking of history, did you know that the city was founded in 43 BC by Romans? It was originally established as a trading settlement and had the name of Lugdunum. This made it one of the earliest Roman foundations in Gaul. It also had a very strategic location, and the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers made it an important hub for trade and transportation even back then. This contributed greatly to its early growth -- as Lyon became the capital of the Roman province of Gaul during the 1st century AD.

Many ruins remain from this period, including two well-preserved Roman theaters that you can visit during your stay in France. During the Middle Ages, Lyon flourished as a center for international trade thanks to its location along major transport routes. Silk production also began playing a major economic role starting in the 15th century and by the Renaissance era, the city had become one of the main cultural hubs of France where printing and publishing industries boomed! Then came the Industrial Revolution and silk mills drove further development. Unfortunately, during World War II, Lyon suffered under Nazi occupation from 1942 until its liberation by Allied forces in 1944.

And if you want more attractions, here are a few:

• Fourvière Basilica - a stunning 19th-century basilica offers beautiful architectural details and views of the city.

• Traboules - secret passageways winding through the Old Town buildings are a unique part of Lyon's heritage. Wander their cobblestone paths.

• Parc de la Tête d'Or - France's largest urban park provides a green escape amid the city with gardens, lakes, and a zoo.

• Cathédrale St-Jean - a Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 5th century and contains religious artwork treasures.

• Musée des Tissus - a silk museum that houses stunning historical textiles and costumes from around the world.

• Parc de Parilly - an expansive park that offers trails, sports facilities, and an arboretum.

• Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière