French Courses in Lyon: about Lyon, France

Learn French in Lyon, capital of the Rhône-Alpes region

About Lyon, France Half way between the sea and the mountains, Lyon is characterized by duality. The two hills overlooking the city: -Fourvière and Croix-Rousse- and the two very different rivers running through Lyon reveal the two faces of the town. Another remarkable feature is the location at the confluence of the two rivers, the Rhone and Saône. The climate in the Lyon region is temperate and sunny.

Both a European metropolis and capital of the Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is France's second largest metropolitan area with 1.2 million inhabitants. It attracts large numbers of visitors every year for both pleasure and business tourism. With its ideal location between North and South Europe, the Lyon region has always been a major crossroad and relay point for exchange of all kinds. This position is confirmed still today in many sectors. Two thousand years of history have left their mark on the cityscape too. Lyon's rich heritage resources reflect the different eras and tell the story of the city.

The Rhone valley has always been a major axis for road and river traffic. Lyon has taken full advantage of this prime location by developing a network of exceptional infrastructures: Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport with its TGV high-speed train station facilitating air-rail connections, the highly developed TGV network and freeway system.

The City of Lyon has a multitude of facilities to guarantee an intense cultural life: some thirty museums house permanent collections and frequent temporary exhibitions, contributing to the cultural and artistic renown of the city; a network of 15 libraries continues to develop, thanks to the recent opening of a specialized media library of the theater arts. The Dance Theater, attracting troupes and audiences from around the world, is a unique institution in France for the depth and range of dancing performances it offers, be they of French or foreign origin, classical or contemporary.

The city is home to both an Opera Orchestra at the Opera House and a National Orchestra at the Auditorium, whose reputation goes far beyond national borders.