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Lyon, voted best destination in Europe to spend a weekend

Athens, Berlin, Dublin, Rome but also Madrid, London, Lisbon… The cities nominated for the best weekend destination in Europe were numerous and prestigious. And it was finally Lyon that won the 2016 World Travel Awards! Cocorico!

But then, what do you do in Lyon in a weekend?

We visit La Croix Rousse, the city's flagship district. Starting from the Place des Terreaux, we climb towards the plateau of Croix-Rousse by its slopes steeped in history. Once there, we sit on one of the many terraces (yes, it's sporty anyway!) that are there and then we discover the small shops in the neighborhood.

You can then climb to the hill of Fourvière by funicular (or on foot for the bravest!). Up there, we discover the magnificent basilica of Fourvière, as beautiful from the outside as from the inside and a superb panorama of the whole city. Then, we descend on foot through the gardens to arrive in the district of old Lyon. There, we stroll through the small alleys of the district in search of the famous traboules (small passages hidden behind entrance doors). You can also take a look at Place Bellecour, one of the largest in Europe, and stroll along the quays of the Rhône or the Saône. Then, to rest from this sports trip (the city is not nicknamed the city of two hills for nothing!) we will walk in the Tête d'Or park. With its 105 hectares, it is easy to find a place to rest in peace. You can also go see the animals in the free zoo and discover the many plants in the botanical garden.

We also eat in Lyon. The city is very famous for its gastronomy with in particular the famous Lyonnais corks which the city abounds. These are typical little bistros in which you can taste Lyonnaise salad, cervelle de canut, grattons, dumplings and other delicious dishes!

The city is not outdone culturally either. Lyon lives to the rhythm of the many events it hosts, such as the famous Festival of Lights, the Lumière Festival, the Nuits Sonores, Woodstower, the Biennial of Taste and the Nuits de Fourvière.

Culture, history, gastronomy... The weekend promises to be busy!