Area #2 Lyon, Val de Saône Ward: 14 August 17 - present
Location: City in east central France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Inhabitants are called Lyonnais Population: 506,615 in Lyon, making it the 3rd largest city in France. The metropolitan area of Lyon has a population of 2,237,676, making it the 2nd largest in France after Paris. Quick History: The city of Lyon was founded in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus, and was originally named Lugdunum by the roman colonists. Lugdunum was known as the Three Gauls, and served as the capital of the Roman territories due to its strategic position. For 300 years, Lugdunum was one of the most important cities in Europe, and saw the birth of two Roman emperors. Due to it’s position and influence, Lyon became very wealthy under Roman rule. Lyon was one of the first cities to embrace Christianity as we know it, and thus spread the religion across Europe. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, Lyon survived as a lucrative strong hold. Though it was a wealthy city, Lyon didn’t hit it’s now well-known fame and fortune until the 15th century. In 1473, moveable type was created. Lyon became Europe’s publishing capital. It was this publishing industry that brought Lyon its fame and prosperity. This period of prosperity was disrupted when the French revolution swept across France in 1793. Lyon chose to side with the Girondists against the “Convention”, this was the government that sat in power from September 1792 to September 1795, in what became known as “The revolt of Lyon against the National Convention”.
Lyon endured a two month siege at the hands of the government forces. 2000 people were killed in Lyon, due to their support of the Girondists. Lyon suffered great losses, and damage to historical architecture, especially in the Place Bellecour area. Although the revolution halted development in Lyon, the city managed to come out of the revolution, once again prosperous. Lyon became an industrial city, making much of its wealth from the textile industry. Lyon became famous and well-known for its textile industry. Lyon was particularly known for its silk weaving. In the mid-18th 40% of Lyons entire textile work force were related to the silk industry. During the 17th and 18th centuries Lyons’ prestige within the silk industry came to the fore. When Napoleon I declared the use of Lyonnais silk in all the royal courts of Europe, the silk industry within Lyons boomed. With supply to the royal court, demand for silk from Lyon boomed across the world. Lyon became known for its fine silk products. As a result of this increases industry demand; the number of silk looms in operation dramatically increased between 1800 and 1848. The number of looms went from 6,000 to 60,000, and the number of people employed in the silk looms increased by 90,000. The ongoing relationships between the people who made the silk, and the merchants who bought and sold the silk were tremulous.
A lot of Lyon’s architecture can be contributed to the renaissance movement. With many skilled craftsmen and artists moving through the city on their travels to Italy, Lyon’s received a wealth of artistic influence throughout the middle ages. Due to its high demand for trade, Lyon’s population tripled in size over the next century. The population expanded to cater to the industrial demands. Lyon continued to prosper well into the 19th century, with its silk industry playing a dominant role in its success. By the end of the 19th century, Lyon boasted 310 silk factories, housing 210,000 workers. The 20th century brought with it war again, and Lyon was once again at the center of the French revolution. Lyon suffered a lot of casualties during World War II, with 4000 people being killed in the war and 7,500 others deported to Nazi death camps, under orders from Gestapo Chief Klaus Barbie, also known as The Butcher of Lyon.
When the war ended in 1944, the retreating Germans blew up 26 of Lyon’s 28 bridges. Klaus Barbie was sentenced to death by a Lyon court for his crimes against his own countrymen. Lyon is known in modern times for being the headquarters for Interpol, the international police agency, and has been since 1989. To date Lyon remains a pillar of history and prosperity, with stunning historic architecture all over the city. It’s a very popular tourist spot, and possibly one of the most famed places in France besides Paris itself. Few cities offer such a rich history, reaching all the way back to 43BC. Lyons has seen the rise and fall of empires and survived wars. Its walls still stand to tell the tale. https://scarfaround.com/a-brief-history-of-lyon-france/
Fun Facts:
More than 120,000 students flock to Lyon every year.
There are more than 360 foreign capital companies in the Lyon region.
Lyon is the world headquarters for companies such as Atari and Renault Trucks.
Lyon is home to several international organizations such as INTERPOL (The International Police Criminal Organization) and Euronews, Europe’s #1 non-stop news channel.
Lyon is the gateway to Europe allowing one to travel to most major European cities in under two hours.
From Lyon, one can ski in the Alps or swim in the Mediterranean in under two hours.
According to the Michelin Guide, Lyon is home to 22 of the best restaurants in France.
Lyon has the #1 French mass public transit system outside of Paris.
Lyon has more than 40 museums and theaters providing various cultural attractions.
Lyon’s Tête d’Or Park is the one of the world’s largest urban parks.
Lyon is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
In 1895, the Lumière brothers invented film-making in Lyon
You can dive into the past by walking through the Traboules - Traboules are typical and odd lyonnaise hidden streets perpendicular to its main old streets. Silk workers used them to bypass the main roads to reach the fabric merchant places. Some are easy to find and walk, some aren’t!
During World War 2, Lyon was named Capital of the Résistance
Things to do (according to TripAdvisor): #1:Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere - Standing atop Fourvière Hill, this basilica, constructed in the late 19th century, has an ornate interior to contrast its grave exterior. It was built with private funds between 1872 and 1884 in a dominant position overlooking the city. The site it occupies was once the Roman forum of Trajan, the forum vetus (old forum), thus its name (as an inverted corruption of the French Vieux-Forum).
#2: Parc de la Tete d'Or - ("Park of the Golden Head"), in Lyon, is a large urban park in France with an area of approximately 117 hectares (290 acres). Located in the 6th arrondissement, it features a lake on which boating takes place during the summer months. Due to the relatively small number of other parks in Lyon, it receives a huge number of visitors over summer, and is a frequent destination for joggers and cyclists. In the central part of the park, there is a small zoo, with giraffes, elephants, deer, reptiles, primates, and other animals. There are also sports facilities, such as a velodrome, boules court, mini-golf, horse riding, and a miniature train.
#3: Vieux Lyon - (English: Old Lyon) is the largest Renaissance district of Lyon in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon.
#4 Traboules du Vieux Lyon - During the Middle Ages, Lyon had a flourishing silk trade. In order to allow the silk merchants to transfer their goods from barges in the river, or to and from their storage areas or shops, they had to walk through the narrow streets of the old Lyon. On its own not a problem except when it rained. Silk does not like rain, so the merchants needed to keep their goods dry. So they thought up a smart system. Throughout the buildings in the older part of Lyon, they transposed passageways. During WWII, it was this reason that the Germans were never fully in control of the city, since the resistance was able to hide from the Germans, striking when they wanted and then leaving without being seen.
Area #1 Grenoble: 2 March 17 - 14 August 17
Location: Southeastern France. It lies along the Isère River. The Isère divides the city into two unequal parts. Population: 158,300 Quick History: Grenoble’s history stretches back over 2,000 years! Some of the first references to Grenoble were of the small Gallic village of Cularo around 43 BCE. Cularo was located in a valley in the mountains where the Drac River and Isère River met. The Romans conquered the village, built great walls around it, and renamed it Gratinopolis after Emperor Gratin.
After the collapse of the Roman empire and being controlled by a few kingdoms, the growing city became part of the Holy Roman Empire in the 11th century as the capital of the Dauphiné region. When the Dauphiné region was sold to France in the 14th century, Grenoble became part of one of the most important provinces of France. Due to its location, Grenoble played an important role in both World Wars. During World War I, hydroelectric power was developed on a large scale, several industries contributed to the war effort, and chemical factories were built along the outskirts of town. During World War II, Nazi invasion forces were stopped near the city in 1940, though it later became a site of Italian and Nazi occupation. During the German occupation, members of the Resistance blew up an artillery, destroyed an arsenal, and in general reeked havoc on the German troops. The University of Grenoble even stepped in, creating false documents. http://trekity.com/grenoble-france/
Fun Facts:
Capital of the French Alps.
Has an extensive tram and bus network within the city limits.
Flattest city in France.
Host to the 1968 Olympic Winter Games.
Voted the best city in France to be a student. There are around 58,000 students living in Grenoble.
Things to do:
1. Bastille Top tourist spot in Grenoble. The Bastille is a fortress that looks over the city of Grenoble. Once a prison, it now houses several museums. You can reach the top by walking or riding in bubble-shaped cars.
2. Museums
Musée de Grenoble - The museum's expansive collection ranges from antiquities and medieval art to European paintings of the 15th through 20th centuries. Especially well represented are 18th-century Italian masterpieces and paintings of the Ecole Française.
Musée Archéologique Grenoble-Saint Laurent - a listed Historic Monument of France. The Romanesque-style Carolingian (8th-century) church was built on a Merovingian (6th century) crypt. This fascinating crypt offers a rare glimpse of the art and architecture from the earliest period of the Middle Ages.
Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l'Isére - The Museum of the Resistance traces the history of the French Resistance from 1941 until the Liberation.The Museum of Resistance and Deportation provides somber but informative insight into the rise of the French Resistance and the wartime deportation of Jews and other groups to Nazi concentration camps. Grenoble had one of the largest Resistance movements in France.
Musée Dauphinois -The museum illustrates all aspects of life in the region through archaeology, history, and ethnology exhibits.
3. Vielle Ville (Old Town) The Vieille Ville is a delightful area to explore with its lovely old houses, narrow cobblestone lanes, and little squares.
4. Jardin de Ville Bordering Grenoble's Vieille Ville (Old Town), this elegant garden was once the private property of the Dukes of Lesdiguières and became a public park in 1710. This mansion now houses the Maison de l'International that welcomes foreigners and promotes cultural exchanges. With its gated entrance, vibrant rose gardens, and French-style flowerbeds, the Jardin de Ville has a special charm. When the weather is pleasant, many locals are found lounging on the lawns. It's a great place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.