Lyon

M: Vieux Lyon· Free

The traboules are a typical architectural feature of Lyon's historical buildings. They are corridors which link two streets through a building, and usually a courtyard.

M: Vieux Lyon· Free

The cathedral is dedicated to St John the Baptist (St Jean-Baptiste) and St Stephen (St Etienne) and has the title of primatiale because the Bishop of Lyon has the honorary title of Primat des Gaules.

M: Vieux Lyon

This cobblestone pedestrian street is the main axis of the area. It is full of souvenir shops and restaurants mainly intended for tourists. Local people are aware that real good bouchons are extremely rare here.

M: Vieux Lyon· Free

Next to St Jean cathedral (on the northern side), this small garden shows the remains of the religious buildings which occupied the site before the cathedral was erected.

M: Vieux Lyon

Parallel to Rue St Jean, this street is much more quiet and just as beautiful. It also has a number of restaurants, more expensive than in rue St Jean but, on average, much more worth the money.

M: Vieux Lyon· Free

Besides the buildings cited above, some have very beautiful courtyards but no real traboules (that is to say, no crossing from one street to another).

M: Stade de Gerland

This is a modern-day institution in Lyon. Ninkasi has two places for live music: Kafé (free shows, essentially electronic music) and Kao (a concert hall dedicated to rock and electronic music).

M: Hôtel de Ville

The old opera house was completely redesigned by Jean Nouvel in the 1990s and hosts opera and dancing shows, along with a few other concerts (especially jazz) in the smaller "Amphithéâtre" room.

M: Part-Dieu

The Lyon National Orchestra plays in this impressive, modern concert hall which also hosts some jazz and world music concerts.

M: Bellecour

The historical theatre, in a beautiful 19th century building by Gaspard André. Serious programme.

T: Bachut

A theatre dedicated to modern dancing. Also a fine example of architecture of the 1960s.

B: C1-Palais des Congrès

The medium-sized hall (capacity 1,500) for rock or popular music concerts.

12 Pl. Saint-Paul

Very good and a big variety of tacos, burritos and quesadillas as well as toppings and sauces to choose from ranging from mild to spicy. Everything is freshly prepared in front of the customer.

11 Pl. Benoît Crepu

Nice setting on the banks of the Saône, the owner's cooking is a delight. Like a trip to Italy. Quality ingredients, the pastas and pizzas are excellent and the portions generous.

B: C3-Gare St Paul

Small boulangerie near the historic centre with a great variety of breads, cakes, sandwiches, pizza, salads. There is also the possibility to sit down. Very good croissant aux almond. Also nice to have breakfast. Warm welcome.

9 Rue des Marronniers

A dive into the streets of Bangkok and its colourful and tasty street food. Fresh and quality products cooked in the wok at the moment in front of your eyes. Delicious and generous dishes.

On the south-east street of the Place Bellecour

A traditional bouchon (restaurant) with good food.

4 Rue des Marronniers

French cuisine, typical Lyonnais dishes and excellent hospitality. It's a well-run establishment near Place Bellecour. A picturesque place in an endearing environment.

motorway A450, junction 6b· Moderate

Campsite caters for camper vans, chalets and free camping. There is a small shop at reception. It is a couple of minutes' drive from a large shopping centre.

B: C3/Gare St Paul· Expensive

This 2-star hotel offers rather small rooms but very good service and cleanliness. Good value for money. The street can be quite noisy, so ask for a room on the courtyard side or bring your earplugs.

91-95, rue Moncey· Expensive

Housing 98 flats over 7 floors, varying from studios to one-bedrooms; Each apartment has a bathroom with a hairdryer, a separate kitchen area, TV with satellite channels and a direct-line phone.

28 rue Vaubecour (2nd arrondissement), 2nd floor· Expensive

Clean, quiet and friendly hotel with small bedroom and modern bathroom. No air conditioning.

BP 202. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Aéroport· Expensive

245 modern rooms and Nhube restaurant, meeting rooms and a spa.

Take the metro to Vieux Lyon station then the funicular to Place des Minimes (otherwise a serious hike up a steep hill).

Belongs to YHA (international youth hostels association). Bunk bed in a dorm, plus breakfast (plus fee, if not member of YHA). Excellent views over city. Tiny kitchen, extremely limited rooms for couples/families.