Lyon

Lyon is a city at the heart of many currents, located as it is where the Rhône and the Saône rivers meet. The city's illustrious heritage is marked by a litany of notable people, from the Lumière brothers, the godfathers of cinema, to Paul Bocuse, a three-star Michelin chef for 53 years. The history of Lyon, the capital of Roman Gaul, reads like a Who’s Who of French cultural pioneers.

Situated at the centre of the major wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes-du-Rhône, Lyon is famous for wine but also has a rich food tradition. No visit to Lyon would be complete without a visit to one of the ‘bouchons’, traditional restaurants unique to Lyon serving the local specialties and found in the alleyways of the Old Town, the Terreaux district, Rue Mercière and Rue des Marronniers.

Lyon dazzles, especially during the annual Festival of Lights when the city organises a remarkable visual and interactive display that illuminates the masterpieces of the Basilique de Fourvière, the Place Bellecour, the Théâtre des Célestins and the Fresque des Lyonnais among others.

It is in this context of hospitality that during Rugby World Cup 2023 Lyon will welcome the world’s best players to the OL Stadium, the third largest in France. After hosting RWC 2007 and the European Challenge Cup final in 2016, Lyon is again ready to shine and host another major event. 

(Photo: Tristan Deschamps)