Lyon

Happily tucked between Paris and Marseille, Lyon is the third largest city in France and is a major hub for banking, commerce and industries. It proudly plays host to the headquarters of the Interpol, International Agency for Research on Cancer and the media giant Euronews. While it certainly is no Paris, it possesses a unique charm considering the many architectural and historical landmarks dotting it. Interestingly, the Cinematographe was invented in Lyon by Louis and Auguste Lumiere and it therefore has a vital role to play in the birth of cinema. Apart from being an educational Mecca, it is also quite a bit of a shopping paradise, especially for the connoisseurs of silk.

The layout of the city is a lot like Paris given the fact that is divided into nine municipal arrondissements. There are a multitude of cathedrals, city halls, museums and gardens waiting to be explored, and Musee Gadagne, Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, Opera National de Lyon, La Place Bellecour and Jardin botanique de Lyon stand out. The historic setting of Lyon is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Life in Lyon is pleasant and dynamic with constant club hopping and fine dining, and this probably is the reason why it is one of the most liveable cities in the world. Additionally, the tradition of culinary art has continued since time immemorial and the Rosette Lyonnaise, Coq Au Vin and Marrons Glaces are popular gastronomical delights. There is so much to Lyon—you only have to visit in order to find out.