Located in the Rhone-Alps region in east-central France, Lyon is the second largest city in the country after Paris and followed by Marseilles. Situated between the other two large cities, Lyon is a major center of business and trade and is also know as the capital of gastronomy in France. Lyon is also the industrial center for chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech industries with a growing software industry as well. Historically, the city was the silk capital of the world developing an important silk trade with Italy. Today, the Italian influence can be seen in the architecture of the French city.
Lyon is perhaps most famous for its Fete des Lumieres, or Festival of Lights, which takes place over 4 days every December. During this time, the city is transformed into an illuminated urban spectacle. Huge light installations by well-known artists and architects illuminate public buildings throughout the city, and local Lyon inhabitants decorate the city streets with lanterns made from paper bags and candles. The vent attracts 4 million spectators and is Lyons most established and well-known festivals. 
Lyon is also famous for its traboules, or secret passages, that liter the city. These traboules are mostly located in Vieux Lyon and are indoor passageways that were originally used by the city’s silk manufacturers to transport products. The traboules also were used by Resistance fighters during Nazi occupation in WWII and are credited with preventing the Germans from taking complete control of the city. Today, these traboules are popular tourist attractions and there are over fort that are free and open to the public.
Widely known for its food and culinary heritage, bouchons lyonnais offer delicious French bistro cuisine at usually affordable prices. Lyon can credit its famous food to high quality local produce, fresh meats and cheese from the livestock in neighboring areas, and local wines. Menus are marked by specialty pork dishes, soft cheese with herbs, and doughy beignets.
Lyon is also marked by two large a hills– the Croix-Rousse or “working hill” and the Fourviere or “praying hill” located across the river. The Croix-Rousse is a must see area of the city with steep slopes, winding narrow streets and stairs. The buildings are tall with huge windows and were once where silk workers lived and wove their fabric. Today, this area is known for the traboules linking apartment buildings and many bars and restaurants that climb the windy streets to the top of the hill. The view from the top of Croix-Rousee should also not be missed. Lyon is also a perfect city to jump off your explorations of the neighboring Alps or Mediterranean regions.
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