Lyon

The Romans founded a colony here in 43 BC, and as Lugdunum it became the capital of Gallia Lugdunensis and was described as the capital of the Gauls. Its theatres and the amphitheatre of the Three Gauls survive in part. In the Renaissance, fairs, banking and the silk trade brought wealth and close links to Italy, and the merchant houses of Vieux Lyon date from this period.

Silk weaving later moved to the Croix-Rousse, where the silk workers, known as canuts, rose up in 1831 and 1834 over pay and conditions. The Fourvière basilica was built from 1872 after a vow made during the Franco-Prussian War, and each December the city lights candles in thanks to the Virgin Mary, a tradition behind today's Fête des Lumières. During the Second World War the traboules helped people escape raids. In 1981 Lyon became the first city linked to Paris by TGV, and UNESCO inscribed its historic site in 1998.

Lyon is France's third-largest city and a busy university and business centre, but its old quarters feel lived in. Bouchons serve traditional dishes such as quenelles, saucisson, andouillette and praline tart, washed down with Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône. The chef Paul Bocuse helped make Lyonnais cooking famous worldwide, and Lyonnais take their food markets seriously.