Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Professional basketball club |
40-44 Avenue Marcel-Cerdan BP 5010 Lyon 69100 France +33 4 7214 1717 http://www.asvel.com asvel@asvel.com |
ASVEL is a professional basketball club that started in 1948 and has since won 15 championships and 7 'coupes de France,' which makes it the club with the most titles in France. The club managed to overcome financial difficulties in 1992, and has risen to the top of the European Basketball League. ASVEL has had a 5,400 seat arena built (called the Astroballe). Under the guidance of Greg Beugnot, ASVEL is now one of the best teams in France. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A Catholic pilgrimage |
Rue Jean Marie Vianney Rue Jean-Marie-Vianney Lyon 01480 France +33 4 7400 7247 |
Ars' claim to fame is its priest who was canonised in 1925. His body is laid out in the basilica built by Pierre Bossan (who was also the architect of Notre Dame de Fourvière), which welcomes many pilgrims every year on the 4th of August. J M Vianney evangelised the entire region and the presbytery where he lived has now been completely renovated and converted into a museum which any self-respecting pilgrim has to visit. The kitchen and bedroom still contain some of the priest's personal effects and the reliquary of his heart is displayed in the nearby chapel. Last but not least, a museum, called the "Historial" reconstructs the life of J.M. Vianney. Take the D933 towards Trévoux then the D28 to Ars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
An important medieval fortress built in the 11th century and restored during the Renaissance |
Pont-Evêque Lyon 38780 France +33 4 7458 2605 |
This castle was restored in the 15th and 16th centuries. Built next to the ancient medieval city for protection, it was restored in the 15th and 16th centuries and parts of the ramparts remain today. Most of the buildings from the end of the Middle Ages (14th-15th century) remain and bear witness to the changing lifestyles compared to earlier buildings (towers, chimneys etc.) The inner courtyard was reworked during the Renaissance when a loggia and gallery were added. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Mountain pass, forest hikes & splendid views |
Monts du Lyonnais Lyon 69210 France |
In the heart of the Lyonnais mountains, Col de la Luère mountain pass is sandwiched between the villages of Chevignay & Grezieu-la-Varenne and like most passes in the area is prone to black ice from November to March. In the Summer, Col de la Luère is the perfect place to escape from the heat of the city and naturally has spectacular views of the adjacent valleys. There are also plenty of paths to guide you through the surrounding forests. D489 from Craponne and then just before Vaugneray take the D24 direction Bessenay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A perfectly preserved medieval town with a 12th century castle |
9 Place Nation Place de la Nation Lyon 38460 France +33 4 7490 4513 office.tourismecremieu@wanadoo.fr |
Classified as the "City of Art & History", this market town has preserved its Medieval charm with ramparts, a 12th century castle, narrow streets as well as many 15th and 16th century houses. The perfectly preserved 15th century covered market is a rare example of this type of building. At the beginning of the 14th century Crémieu became one of the most important towns in the north Dauphiné region. In 1315, the dauphin set free the bourgeois which increased the town's commercial activity and a regional lord took up residence in the castle, giving the place further importance. The Augustinians created a convent inside the walls (17th century cloister) which is today's town hall. T Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Georges von Karnitsk |
 A tremendous collection of old dolls displayed with furniture and accessories |
Route de Sain Bel Marcy l'Etoile Lyon 69260 France +33 4 7887 8700 |
The Château de la poupée, built in the 16th century by the Laval family, has been converted to house a tremendous collection of dolls, which have been bought from a private collector by the general council of the Rhône. Some of the dolls are extremely old (the majority are 18th and 19th century), but the real interest of the museum lies in its presentation rather than in the vintage of the items on show. Dolls are displayed with furniture and accessories from the 18th century to present day. The museum also shows how the production of the dolls has changed through time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Luxury golf course |
Golf du Gouverneur Lyon 01390 France +33 4 7226 4034 http://www.golfgouverneur.fr/ info@golfgouverneur.fr |
This private golf course is located in a superb area a few hundred yards away from Lyon. A four star hotel with a swimming pool and tennis courts, which are accessible to all, the Golf du Gouverneur has a reputation of being quite expensive. However, there are other price categories, which are more affordable - especially the ones for couples and those under 30. For these prices, customers have access to the two 18-holed courses as well as the nine-holed one. The surroundings are quite simply ideal, and experts as well as beginners will find something here to keep them happy. Take N83 towards Villars-les-Dombes, then D82. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Caves of geological and historical interest on the Rhone river |
Les Grottes de la Balme Lyon 38390 France http://www.grotteslabalme.com/ info@grotteslabalme.com |
These caves, located on the banks of the Rhone, are impressive both for its maze of galleries and its history dating back to the Middle Ages. King François 1er came here and declared the cave another wonder of the world. Later on in the 18th century, Mandrin the bandit and his gang used the caves as a hiding place. The cave entrance is somewhat unusual in that it houses a monumental chapel. Apart from the historical aspect, the caves are now visited by countless geologists who come to study the series of small pools which lead to a subterranean river as well as the more usual, but nonetheless fascinating galleries of stalagmites and stalactites. Dress warmly for this visit. Access: Take the D512 road from Meyzieu towards Pont-de-Chéruy then the D65 towards la Balme/Lagnieu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Ornithological park |
Route Nationale 83 Lyon 01330 France +33 (0)4 7498 0554 http://www.parcdesoiseaux.com/ info@parcdesoiseaux.com |
This ornithological park is set in the marshes of Dombes and has a unique type of wildlife (mostly feathered) and flora. Over 2000 birds of at least 400 different species live here in total freedom and you can see herons, ducks and kingfishers in their natural habitat. A permanent exhibition helps you recognise the distinctive signs and characteristics of each species. There are some birds in captivity which can be seen in various buildings: exotic birds in the "bird house", Australian penguins, vultures, pelicans, flamingoes, etc. Most of the fish that live in these marshes can be viewed in an aquarium. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A trip to the stars |
Place de la Nation Lyon 69120 France +33 4 7879 5013 http://www.planetariumvv.com |
Eclipses' have encouraged individuals across Europe to look at the sky in a different light. Children's minds are filled with all kinds of new ideas since the eclipse; understanding the stars and their alignment to the planets, imagining themselves in space like the little prince (le petit prince). Who could forget that Lyon is the birthplace of Saint-Exupery, writer of Le Petit Prince? The planetarium at Vaulx-en-Velin has various programmes for all age groups; sessions oscillate between storytelling and science, using the latest in technology. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Guided tours from Lyon to Perouges |
29 Avenue Barthélemy Thimonnier Lyon 69300 France http://www.philibert.fr escapades@philibert.fr |
The city of Pérouges is undoubtedly a place in which you should stop if you are in the Lyon region: it's beautifully restored houses and little medieval shops alone make the visit worthwhile. Gourmets can also come and taste the famous galette de Pérouges with their eyes closed. The company Philibert offers a coach tour from Lyon to Pérouges. The final stopping place is not the sole aim of this visit: a crossing of the Dombes and its numerous lakes in included in the price, as is a short stop at Ars-sur-Formans, a famous place of pilgrimage birthplace of the curate of the same name Jean-Marie Vianney. Your guide will speak both English and French. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Philip Yook  |
 Photo: Josefina Guida |
 Photo: tuxisnotapenguin |
 Photo: christophe dayer |
 Photo: gautehop |
 Photo: paprikaOptic |
 Zoological park |
Parc Zoologique St Martin la Plaine Lyon 42800 France +33 4 7775 1868 http://www.espace-zoologique.com/ zoo.st.martin@wanadoo.fr |
This nature reserve is located in the very pleasant Lyonnais hills to the South-West of Lyon. It is a place where threatened species are cared for rather than a zoo where animals are stuck behind bars. The keepers like to make the visitors aware of how the animals live and the problems they may have encountered in their homeland. The park specialises in protecting gorillas and Siberian tigers, but has plenty of other species, including wolves, chimpanzees, birds of prey and parrots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Gallo-Roman museum |
25-27 Rue de la Plaine Lyon 69560 France +33 4 7453 7400 |
Like Lyons, Vienne was a major Gallo-Roman town and many remains of the monuments of that era can still be seen today. Great monuments have been excavated in the towns of Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal: the temple of Augustus and Livia, a gallo-roman theater and a whole compound of large villas, workshops and shops. The recently renovated Musée de Saint-Romain-en-Gal depicts the region in Gallo-Roman times based on this compound. The museum displays archaeological materials discovered during diggings, in particular the magnificent mosaics and murals which have been restored (the Sea Gods, wrestlers, waders, etc.). Themed halls explain the various building methods used by the local craftsmen (ceramics and mosaics of course), the daily life of leading citizens, the economy (wine trade, etc.). A model shows the town features based upon the archaeological discoveries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Dominican convent re-built by Le Corbusier |
La Tourette (Arbresle) Lyon 69210 France +33 4 7426 7970 http://www.couventlatourette.com/ |
A visit to a working Dominican convent is nothing special, but this one is different as Saint Marie de Tourette was completely re-designed and re-built by Le Corbusier between 1956-1960. Up until then, the original 12th-century plan seemed ideal for a monastery, a church and the communal buildings. LeCorbusier managed to re-create a traditional monastery in keeping with the monks' lifestyle (enclosure, refectory, dormitory, study, and kitchens), and their spiritual needs (meditation, prayer, restraint and humility), while modernizing the architecture. Visits are conducted at specific times so as not to disturb the monks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: IVOBO |
 Horse Stables |
Rue du manege Lyon 01000 France +33 4 74 21 31 78 http://www.seb-equitation.com |
Classes, competitions, and care are all available for riders and horses at the Société d'Equitation Bressane in Bourg-en-Bresse. Students are trained in proper riding and prepared for competition with riding stables for horses and ponies. The club covers 4.5 ha (11 acres) of land, including multiple competition spaces, a lead ring, three saddleries, a meeting room, and a club house providing snacks. The land offers direct access to the Seillon forest. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Sports Arena |
14, rue Paul et Pierre Guichard Lyon 42000 France +33 04 77 92 31 70 http://geoffroy.guichard.free.fr geoffroy_guichard@yahoo.fr |
Inaugurated in 1931, this stadium has been a fixture in the sporting culture of the Lyon region for decades. Come watch the fierce competition between Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, and other rival cities as they face off at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Mediaeval town |
33 Rue Gouvernement de Dombes Place du pont Lyon 01600 France +33 4 7400 3632 http://www.mairie-trevoux.fr/ |
Trévoux is a mediaeval town on a hill, overlooking the Saône. The town grew in the Middle Ages and flourished thanks to its port and the taxes received from traders using the river. For 300 years, this town was the capital of the Principality of Dombes until it was returned to France in 1762. The political and economical influences are still felt in this town dominated by a mediaeval castle dating from the 14th century. In the rue du Palais, the palace built at the end of the 17th century and used by the Government of Dombes is open to the public. In the 17th-18th centuries, Trévoux was known for its intellectuals, especially the Jesuits who published the journal de Trévoux in the early 18th century to contradict the rationalism of philosophers like Voltaire or Diderot. The town no longer has any political or intellectual dynamism but its old, narrow streets and paths along the Saône are full of charm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Ancient and medieval remains |
Cours Brillier Cours Brillier Lyon 38200 France |
As in Lyon, the construction of places of worship goes back to ancient times. Saint-Pierre, a funerary basilica, was built on the banks of the Rhône in the 5th century and after the 8th-10th century invasions was turned into the Roman abbey that can be seen today. Among some of the other Medieval places of worship we recommend Saint-Maurice cathedral (12th-16th centuries) and Saint-André-le-Bas church (12th-13th centuries) which still has its original sculpted decor and cloister. Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéolgie (exhibits from prehistory, paintings, earthenware) are nearby in Saint-Roman-en-Gal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henry Landeau |