Lyon Essentials to Travel

France's best kept holiday secret is out: the beautiful city of Lyon is rapidly becoming a holiday hotspot for globetrotters around the world, and the results are not surprising. With its awe-inspiring architecture, an illustrious cinematic history and internationally renowned cuisine, Lyon has benefited from the influx of tourism and has responded with a wealth of attractions, shopping districts and residences for their visitors. With so much on offer, it's easy to get distracted, but for those who truly want the most out of their holiday, check out these five 'must-dos' in one of France's most exquisite city:

Eat

Lyon is home to all the usual chain restaurants and fast food establishments that any bustling city will be privy to. However, it is also home to some of the most idiosyncratic and gorgeously French eateries in the world. If there is one place you visit, make sure it is Bernachon. Bernachon is chocolate heaven, selling over 50 types of luxurious chocolate, made by none other than renowned chocolatier Monsieur Bernachon himself. Using only the finest cocoa beans harvested in South America, Bernachon carefully selects each ingredient to ensure a tantalising whirlwind for your tastebuds.

Drink

Lyon's native drink is Beaujolais wine, made in the historical province of Beaujolais, just north of Lyon. In Lyon, as indeed the rest of France, wine is taken very seriously, so an excursion to the Beaujolais region is a worthwhile exploit. Learn the basics of wine-making, wine-tasting and try a glass of the beautiful wine straight from the vines.

Talk

It's impressive enough to pick up a few phrases after a trip but why not a whole language? Lyon is also home to the Ecole Suisse de Langues, an impressive language school which actually creates language courses for holiday makers so you do a 'French Course France holiday' that is proving to be quite the craze with travelmakers. Moreover, a French school France-based holiday can also give you a crash course in cuisine, so you'll have more than a silly keyring to show your friends on your return.

See

Lyon has a rich history spanning two millennia, and is exemplified such by its beautiful architecture across the various historic districts. So spectacular were the areas that UNESCO officially declared the historic site of Lyon a World Heritage Site in 1998. Essential sights include the sublime gardens at Parc de la Tete d'Or, and the rare ancient remains of the Roman Theatre on Fourvière Hill.

Shop

Been there, done that, but not quite bought the t-shirt? Lyon is undoubtedly a shopper's paradise with the area of the Presqu'île boasting some of the most attractive streets for shopping in France. All areas of the shopping spectrum are covered, from antique shopping at La Cité des Antiquaires to department store Printemps and the luxury boutiques of Hermes, Cartier and Louis Vuitton in the Presqu'île and Rue du Président Herriot respectively.