Your Holiday at a Glance

Holiday	City Break Lyon and Festival of Lights: 3 nights
Dates	Early December (centred on 8th December)
Price	Please contact us for a quote
Profile	4 days (2 full days): City visit at your own pace with the help of detailed notes, and 2 evenings to discover all the exhibits of the light festival Ideal for those looking for a short city break with a cultural experience and a unique event
Highlights	Large number of sights: Roman remains, Old Lyon, renaissance town, Basilica etc World renowned light festival throughout the city Efficient public transport and bikes for hire. Compact city means walking is often the best option City known as the gastronomic capital of France A number of interesting museums and exhibits Great location for christmas shopping
Accommodation and Meals	3 nights in a hotel of your choice on a bed and breakfast basis (book early to get the hotel of your choice - high demand during festival)
What's included	3 nights in a hotel of your choice on a bed and breakfast basis
Optional	Transfer from airport or train stations to hotel Day visit to Beaujolais region including guide and wine tasting Transport between England and France
What's not included	Lunches and evening meals Public transport Entrances to museums or exhibitions

Lyon City Break and Light Festival

Lyon is a beautiful city dating from pre-roman times, located in the heart of France at the confluence of the Saone and Rhone rivers.

France’s second city and gastronomic capital, is a lively historic city ideal for those in search of lots to see and do. Classified as a world heritage site, Lyon has it all; Roman amphitheatres, medieval streets, renaissance architecture and modern art.

Situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhone and Saone, Lyon is made up of several distinct zones, each with its own special character. The slopes of the Fourviere hill, rising high above the banks of the Saone, are home to a number of remarkable Roman remains, including an impressive amphitheatre that overlooks the town and hosts the summer’s arts and music festival. On the banks of the Saone lies the “old town” consisting of a maze of narrow, cobbled medieval streets and alleyways. Many of the buildings contain elegant towers housing spiral staircases and a series of tunnels, known as “Tabouls”, designed to escape invaders.

Between the rivers lies the renaissance town, full of opulent squares and buildings. Place Terreaux and Place Bellecour are just two of the highlights of an area that stretches for over a mile in length. This area contrasts starkly with the simple buildings which climb the steep slopes of the Croix Rousse. This former silk Industry quarter is full of character and interest and, like the Fourviere hill, offers great views across the city.

In addition there are a host of other sights to see in this often overlooked city, including one of the largest and most interesting parks in France, the Park de la Tete d’Or, and an extraordinary 19th Basilica with its golden Virgin Mary keeping a watchful eye over the town.

We provide maps and notes on suggested walking tours, but there is also an efficient public transport system with an underground metro, trams and buses. Bikes can also be rented and dropped-off from a large number of bike-stations dotted around the city. We also provide information on places to visit, events, restaurants and bars. In addition, a number of other tips will help you make the most of your visit (for example explanation of some of the local dishes).

The detailed page of our holiday packages indicate a basic price for the hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. Please tell us your requirements in terms of transport, transfers and excursions and we will be delighted to give you an inclusive price.

Each year in early December the histroric city of Lyon becomes one giant free exhibition for 4 nights. Buildings, streets and monuments are lit-up and a multitude of exhibits bring the city to life with colour and light.

Day 1: Arrival Arrival in Lyon, transfer to Hotel and start of visit Day 2: Visit Lyon Visit Lyon at your own pace. Suggested circuits and sights are included in our detailed notes, as well as places to eat and drink. Handy tips are included to help you make the most of your holiday. Spend the evenings enjoying Lyon's light festival. Day 3: Lyon or day visit to the Beaujolais region Visit Lyon at your own pace. Suggested circuits and sights are included in our detailed notes, as well as places to eat and drink. Handy tips are included to help you make the most of your holiday. Also the possibility of visiting the Beaujolais region, including a guided visit to some of the prettiest villages in France, wine tasting and lunch in a traditional restaurant. Day 4: Departure Visits (depending on time of your departure), transfer to Lyon airport or station

 

Accommodation & Meals

Choose which of the hotels below you would like to stay in. They will all be booked on a bed and breakfast basis.

Name	Type	Details	Rating
Hotel Saint-Paul	Hotel (B&B)	The only 2 star hotel in Old Lyon. A 14th Century building, overlooking a pedestrian street . 20 rooms equipped with shower and toilet, direct dial telephone and TV. Great Location	2 stars
Hotel Saint-Antoine	Hotel (B&B)	Located close to the Saone in the presqu'ile area within the town centre, in an 18th century building. 35 comfortable rooms with air conditioning, TV, bathroom, Wifi. Elegant common lounge and bar areas with plenty of old world charm. Good location and great value for money	3 stars
College Hotel	Hotel (B&B)	Located in the Saint Paul's area of the Old town. High quality 3 star hotel designed in the theme of a school. Lots of quirky school features in the bar, breakfast and library rooms. Garden roof. 39 very modern minimalist rooms decorated in white, some with balconies and view. Great location for those wanting comfort and originality.	3 stars
Grand Hotel des Terreaux	Hotel (B&B)	Located close to Place de Terreaux and the opera building in the heart of Lyon between the rivers. High quality 3 star hotel in historic building. 53 individually decorated rooms. Amazing indoor pool under vaulted stone roof. Great location for those wanting comfort and historic charm and character.	3 stars

Travel Options

Flight Options

Transfers possible from Lyon airport

Easy jet: London Stanstead – Lyon

Bmi: Manchester – Lyon

British Airways: London Heathrow - Lyon

Please note – This information is correct at the time of publication. High Point Holidays cannot be held responsible for any change in schedules made by the above operators. Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. In addition, we can only guarantee transfers from the practical flights listed above. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you.

By Train

Eurostar and the TGV provide a quick and relaxing journey from London to Lyon.
Transfers possible from Lyon St Exupery and Lyon Part Dieu.
www.eurostar.com

By Car

Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Lyon area takes about 7-8 hours (excluding long breaks). Tolls amount to about 30 euros each way. Controlled parking is available at the airport for 50 euros. Channel crossings are provided by the following companies: P & O Ferries, DFDS Ferries, Eurotunnel