The Berkeley Guides:
Berkeley Guide to Europe:
France:
Lyon
Lyon's history stretches back to 43 bc, when the invading Roman army found its position at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers an ideal site for the future capital of Roman Gaul, Lugdunum. During the Renaissance, Lyon became a center of silkworm cultivation; evidence of this prosperous era is still visible in the Croix-Rousse district, where a maze of traboules (covered passageways) protected the precious silk as it was carried from place to place.
Including the surrounding suburbs, Lyon's population exceeds two million, making it the second-largest city in France. Lyon continues to prosper from industry, particularly metallurgy and chemical production. Easy access to the Alps and to the Beaujolais is what tempts many visitors to set up camp here: The pristine Alps are only an hour away by train, and the city is the best place in the region to catch trains and planes, visit museums, and enjoy lively nightlife and superb food.
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