We have just returned from a week in the Loire area of France, staying with friends. Each day they took us to a different town or region within the area between Lyon and Roanne. The area is very beautiful hill country, and well worth venturing out of Lyon for!

Lyon is down in the river valley, having two rivers running parallel through the centre. The main shopping area lies between the rivers and everything is in walking distance.

The town is dominated by the Fourviere Basilica which stands on a steep escarpment overlooking the town on the west side of the river Saone. This can be reached by a short trip on the Funincular train.

There are many fine buildings and bridges to see; and in the old town (Vieux Lyon) there are many "traboules" covered passageways which form a network to take you from one street into another! So there is much to see and explore!
Here also, you will find many outdoor restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal to wind down after a busy day.

The Parc de la Tete d'or is north of the city, boasting a large lake, a rose garden, a zoo and a boanical garden! You could easily spend a whole day here and not see it all! Well worth a visit...bring a picnic!

We only spent a day in Lyon, but would love to go back!