Lyon in Eastern Central France is just 2 hours from the capital onboard a TGV train, total journey time from London St Pancras is just 5 hours via the the Eurostar connection to Paris: prices start at £49.50 if you book in advance.  From the train station, why not boost your green credentials and pick up one of the 2500 “Velo V” bikes located inside the station, where the first half hour of usage is free!
 

Art, culture, food, cobbled streets and history - Lyon has it all. The old town has quaint ancient back streets where you can imagine being part of the French Resistance Fighters!

Some of the greatest chefs hail from Lyon, so indulge on at one of many fine Lyonnaise restaurants where the chefs are waiting to create glorious master pieces for you to try. Lyonnais Michelin starred cuisine is second only to Paris, but for a cheaper eat visit the Sud, Est, Nord or Quest brassieries which are dotted all over the city.

Take a walk down to the Peninsula district and experience 2,000 years of Lyon history; discover where Punch and Judy originated in the Museé de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, or marvel at 17th century silk weavings in the Textile and fine arts museum.The Roman amphitheatre takes centre stage in July with the performance arts festival lighting it up.

Trekking up the Fourvièère hilltop at dusk in vieux Lyon is a must do, from this stunning vantage point you can gaze down at the city mirrored in the sparkling reflections of the two great rivers Rhône and Saône.  For the less adventurous traveller you can cheat and take a cable car to the top.

If you’re in the city in November don’t miss the opportunity to join in with a mad local Lyonnais tradition, the Beaujolais Nouveau, held on the 3rd Thursday in November, celebrations begin at midnight held at all the tavern inns across the city.