Discount Hotels Lyon
Historical interest: Lyon
    
The history of Lyon reaches more than 2,000 years back in time. The name of
the city as we know it today stems from the Roman name Lugdonum. The site where
Lyon is today has been inhabited since the early bronze-age but the foundation
of the first actual town dates back to the year 43 BC, at the time when the
Roman Empire used the location as a fortress.
In 1079 AD Lyon became the seat of the Primate of the Gauls and rose in importance
and power. Houses, churches and abbeys were rebuilt and some the quarters of
Old Lyon became structured: in the centre the quarter of Saint Jean housed the
ecclesiastic powers; craftsmen inhabited the south at St Georges; while men
of the law lived in the north.
At the beginning of the 15th century Lyon saw a time of prosperity. It became
the European trade capital. Its fairs (granted by Charles VII and then Louis
XI) enjoyed an international influence. Merchandise and merchants came from
afar, even from the east.
A new phase of growth began in the 17th and 18th centuries. The dazzling reign
of Louis XIV benefited the people of Lyon and it was during this time the town
saw real changes.
In the early 20th century, war pervaded the country. Lyon, being a centre of
industry, played a pivotal part in France's struggle.
Today Lyon is focused on progress and the future, while at the same time valuing
its heritage as it should - for UNESCO has classified 500 hectares of the city
as sites of historical interest.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Boscolo Hotel Grand | | Hilton Lyon | | Novotel Lyon La Part Dieu | | Mercure Grand Hotel Chateau Perrache | | Charlemagne | | Hotel Axotel Perrache | | Le Meridien Part-Dieu | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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