Sunday 19 June 2011

Lyon, 15-18 June 2011

Cheap Easyjet 4-day trip to capital of the Rhone area. Well worth a visit, plenty of tourists but not touristy. Huge city but all the sights are in a compact area called the Presquille forming a penisular between the Rhone and Saone rivers, like a mini Manhattan. Its got everything you want really; more bars, shops, cafes and bistros than you could count, more high-end or chain store shops than you could ever want to visit, Roman remains, gothic churches, imposing squares and a charming old town just across the Saone.

Best to actully stay in the Presquille and not in the mass of the newer town, that way you are never more than a few minutues walk from anywhere. Loads of hotels in the area to choose from; we had pre-bokked the Boscolo Grand Hotel just off the main shopping and eating areas and only a 10 minute walk to the old town. A 4 -star which has a touch of faded granduer about it but ideally located and with a full-size bath - heaven for me. Got the whole flight and hotel deal for about £230 each B&B. As always in the Euro zone it ridiculously expensive but still spent no more than about £200 quid (me being me).

Airport is a good distance away but easy to reach. They have just opened a tram shuttle called the Rhone Express which runs into the city. If staying in the Presquille, get off at the second last stop (Vaulx-en-Velin) and then take the adjacent metro line A (the red one) to which ever tube station on the Presquille suits.

Beware Terminal 3 at Lyon ariport! It should be in quoatation marks as its just a glorified corridor squeezing in Easyjet fights and is so small and chaotic I'm amazed there aren't riots. Never spend any more time there than necessary.

The weather was warm but often cloudy and wet, especially in the afternoons, which was disappointing but fortunately its not a city that is weather dependant, so always plenty to do. A real find and we'll be back. Great place to do day trips from too. Bit of a hidden gem, like Bologna.