Lyon

A funicular leads to Roman ruins

Lyon - built on the silk industry but now a commercial centre, this is France's second largest city. A funicular leads to Roman ruins and incredible views of the city are also available from the Basilique de Fouviere. It has a Musee des Beaux Arts as well as museums of contemporary art, textiles and puppets. As you would expect of such a large city, there is a lively nightlife and many restaurants to savour the local gastronomy. It is also near the Monts du Lyonnais, a quieter, forested region dotted with small villages.

Aquarium, urban parks for all the family, zoos, leisure centres and amusement parks: whatever your style – sporty, dynamic, laidback or just plain curious – you'll find what you’re looking for.

Shopping:
Department stores are open 0900-1830 Monday to Saturday. Most shops are closed between 1200-1430. Food shops are open 0700-1830/1930. Some food shops (particularly bakers) are open Sunday mornings, in which case they will probably close Monday. Many shops close all day or half-day Monday. Hypermarkets are normally open until 2100 or 2200.

Post office:
Opening hours: 0800-1900 Monday to Friday; 0800-1200 Saturday.

Banks:
0900-1200 and 1400-1600 Monday to Friday. Some banks close Monday and some are open Saturday. Banks close early (1200) on the day before a bank holiday; in rare cases, they may also close for all or part of the day after. Also look for the French equivalent of the Trustee Savings Bank, 'Crédit Mutuel' or 'Crédit Agricole', which have longer opening hours. Shops and hotels are prohibited from accepting foreign currency by law. Credit cards: American Express, Diners Club,Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Travellers cheques:Travellers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros.