Lyon Luxury Hotels & Destination
Lyon, France Destination
A powerhouse of a place, Lyon captures the hearts and minds of luxury hotel visitors not only with its gastronomic and historical reputation but its vibrant cultural scene as well. Lyon is the second largest city is France and the capital of the Rhone-Alps region making it an attractive destination for luxury hotel travelers. A UNESCO World Heritage site, silk capital of the world and culinary capital of France, Lyon invites you to enjoy the timeless comfort and sophistication of a luxury hotel stay.
Lyon Luxury Hotels
The small luxury hotels of Lyons offer everything you’re looking for and more. The elegance and opulence of a villa or chateau are amongst the choices offering sublime panoramic views and a spectacular journey through the history of France. Step back in time with antique furniture and decorative items fashioned by some of the world’s finest craftsmen while experiencing sophisticated and attentive personalized service. Whether travel to Lyon is for business or pleasure, the locations of Lyon’s luxury hotels, downtown or countryside make an excellent starting place for a memorable experience. You may even be able to bring your pet along. Plan a Lyon luxury hotel stay and receive the ultimate pampering.
Lyon History
The earliest hints of human habitation in Lyon predate even the Romans. However, Lyon as a city was founded under the Gauls and sanctioned by a Roman legate. The city, known as Lugdunon, sat as the ruling city of the three Gauls until the fall of the Roman Empire, and was a center of learning and art. Lugdunon became known as Lyon during the 9th century, when a rebirth of the city began. Lyon began to reassert its place as a center for learning and the arts, and also as a center for commerce. The riches of the city flowed into architectural projects like bridges and cathedrals, some of which still stand. By the 15th century Lyon’s reputation as a city powerhouse was unsurpassed; Lyon was a center for commerce, especially in textiles, and for banking. Two centuries later, the banking power of Lyon had waned, and Lyon had become a manufacturing city, specializing in textiles. At the time of the French Revolution, however, Lyon suffered. The new French resistance thought the city to be too royalist, and sought to destroy most of the buildings in the Place Bellecour. Lyon was actually struck from the map for a time, due to the French revolutionaries. Napoleon, however, sought to reverse this. Lyon flourished once more under his reign, again as a city manufacturing silk. With the progress of the loom, Lyon became an undisputed powerhouse of the area. During WWII, however, Lyon again suffered misfortune; Nazis used the city as a base. Lyon also was a center for the French Resistance at that time, and due to that a resistance museum has been built in Lyon. Lyon’s exceptional power lead to modernity, as architects and city officials sought to implant new buildings alongside the historical sites, and to preserve Lyon’s history while launching Lyon into the 20th century. The pursuit of modernity has created a unique way for the past and present to coexist in Lyon, and it has created a stunning city that luxury hotel visitors will enjoy exploring. Be sure to see Lyon’s famous cathedrals and historical sites during a small luxury hotel stay.
Lyon Attractions
Lyon is a most welcoming city to the luxury hotel traveler and is a more relaxed and friendly place than Paris. With a collection of attractions such as golf clubs, spas, and vineyards, the leisure activities in Lyon abound. However, they contrast with the outdoorsy spirit of the nature reserves, skiing, and the scenic Alps. Lyon offers such an abundance of activities that it’s possible to find something for every luxury hotel guest. One of the most highly recommended activities is attending one of Lyon’s many annual festivals. In December each year since 1852, Lyon hosts its famous Festival of Lights, a festival that should not be missed. With numerous buildings lit in fantastic arrays of light, Lyon mirrors the night sky and its stars. Any luxury hotel traveler would be excited to visit any of Lyon’s parks, including the largest in Lyon, the Golden-Head Park. With 117 hectares of beautiful landscaping, this park is one of the most beautiful places in Lyon to visit and spend an hour or two. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the weather while drinking in the spectacular scenery and greenery. Lyon is also a center for architecture, especially in the form of cathedrals. A great example of this is the St. Jean Cathedral, covered with ancient gargoyles, spectacular stained glass windows, and baroque flying buttresses. This example of Renaissance architecture at its finest, St. Jean Cathedral also showcases Lyon’s urban beauty. For luxury hotel museum lovers, Lyon is a dream come true. The variety includes the Institute Lumière, dedicated to film, the Musée des Arts-Décoratifs containing furniture and objets d’art of many centuries, the Musée des Tissus featuring priceless fabric from around the world and the Musée de L’Imprimerie de Lyon devoted to Lyon’s role in the world of printing to name a few.
Lyon also has a vibrant nightlife for the luxury hotel guest to enjoy. The Théâtre des Célestins and the Opéra, place de la Comédie provide a diverse season of comedy and drama. The Smoking Dog is one of the best pubs in town where luxury hotel guests will find a mixed age crowd. These attractions are just sample of what Lyon presents to the luxury hotel visitor. Consult with your Lyon luxury hotel concierge and discover all the excitement Lyon has to offer.
Lyon Shopping
Lyon is a hotspot for fashionable boutiques and designer fashion is never hard to find. A rather promising boutique in Lyon is La Fêe Maraboutêe, specializing in women’s wear. A custom label, anything found here will certainly be unique and memorable for the luxury hotel shopper. Lyon’s La Fêe Maraboutêe promises chic modern fashions with ‘noble’ textiles like jersey and high quality linen. A winner for any woman, a dress or outfit from this Lyon boutique will cause a stir. To match whatever outfit you find in La Fêe Maraboutêe, visit epOx, a bag and accessory shop. Trying to break the mold of conventional style, epOx has many unorthodox and original approaches to handbags and other accessories. Lyon’s epOx features brands like Tramwear, Anne Thomas, and S. Tel, promising quality for any luxury hotel traveler. For men, Lyon’s shopping is a bit more subdued. For those wishing a luxury wardrobe, Zilli will gladly provide one. Zilli is Lyon’s first luxury menswear store with its own fashion line. Leather jackets, sweater, slacks and shoes are all offered in this spectacular boutique dedicated to the luxury hotel man. Whatever the taste, Lyon has a boutique which will provide. Luxury hotel travelers will find in Lyon exactly what they are looking for, given the wide selection of shops.
Lyon Dining
Lyon has fine dining in its heart, being a city known for its gastronomy. One of the finest restaurants in the world that luxury hotel guest will find it nestled in Lyon, managed and owned by renowned chef Paul Bocuse. The restaurant, sometimes called Bocuse, sometimes called L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges, boasts a stellar menu, with local favorites along with Bocuse’s own creations. The food is well the worth the fancy price tag, as Bocuse is considered one of the world’s greatest chefs. For a more genuine Lyonnaisse experience, the Auberge de l’Ile is one of the finest restaurants in the city. Situated in a 17th century structure, on an island in the Saône River, Auberge de l’Ile may be difficult to get to, but it offers the best local favorites mixed with a wonderful French wine list. Be sure to try both restaurants and many more of Lyon’s favorites on a luxury hotel stay.
Lyon is more than the typical tourist destination. A rich history, fascination with food and wine and life in general has transformed Lyon into a terrific place for a luxury hotel stay. Be adventurous and explore all that Lyon brings to the table with a luxury hotel escape.
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