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Lyon

The cathedral of Lyon sport

Situated on a confluence of roads, rails and rivers, Lyon is the second largest urban area in France and one of Europe's leading commercial and financial capitals. It's also the gastronomic capital of France and its Renaissance-styled centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stadium: Stade Gerland. Capacity: 43,051

Stadium History: The stadium was started in 1913 but construction was halted during World War I. The stadium was only finished in 1919 with the help of German prisoners of war. Gerland has been completely rebuilt twice, firstly in 1960, which featured the removal of a cycling track and again in 1998. It currently holds around 43,000 spectators but Olympic Lyonnais, the tenants, are looking at building a new stadium in 2010. Gerland has been used several times by CS Bourgoin-Jallieu in the French Championship.

Town: Lugdunon (meaning "the hill of light") as it was known, was founded on the site of a Celtic settlement by a lieutenant of Julius Caesar, in the first century BC. From this spot, all Roman roads fanned out across France, meaning that Lyon became a hub for communications and trade across all of Gaul under Roman rule. But this period of success could not survive the fall of the Roman Empire and after 3 centuries, the city fell into disrepair. It was the church which gave Lyon new momentum in the 11th century when Rome declared the city to be the Primate of Gaul. From that time on, the city prospered, becoming hugely important not only as a trading centre but as an educational and ecclesiastical hub also.

By the 15th century, Lyon had entered its golden age, benefiting from the attention and favours of successive French kings. Merchants came from as far as the Middle-East and Asia to buy, sell and trade silk, leather goods, spices and metals. Soon, the social, intellectual and artistic elite settled here. Banking families arrived from thriving Italian cities like Venice, Florence and Genoa which led to the opening of Europe's first stock exchange or Bourse. Development continued through the 17th and 18th centuries with the Lyon silk industry dressing the rich the world over and decorating their interiors. The city continued to gain in size and equipped itself with hospitals, public squares and impressive edifices.

It was the French Revolution in 1789 however, that brought a halt to the economic development of Lyon. Upwards of 2000 people were shot or decapitated during these troubles with much of the architectural and building work suspended and numerous frontages ruined, especially in the Place Bellecour neighbourhood. The industrial revolution of the 19th century brought about huge advances not only in the silk trade but in the garment industry too. Lyon became a base for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The great banking institution of Credit Lyonnais was born in 1860 as a result of the prosperity of these sectors. By the end of the 19th century, the Brothers Lumière had perfected the cinematographe which provided the basis for the motion-picture industry. During World War II, Lyon's proximity to the border between the free and occupied areas of France meant that the city became the headquarters of the French Resistance. Although it was bombed in 1944, much of the city escaped the destruction that was suffered by other cities. Like all of France, the city boomed in the post-war years and its role as a European city grew with its infrastructural improvements. The city continues to dominate the banking and chemical sectors but has in recent years diversified its economy with equally an important service sector.

Rugby Clubs: Lyon Olympique Universitaire or LOU currently competes in Pro D2, the second division of French pro rugby. Founded in 1896, the club was originally a merger between two clubs, Racing Club de Vaise and the Rugby Club de Lyon. In 1910, the club changed names to become Lyon Olympique Universitaire. The club had its heyday in the early 1930s, taking part in three consecutive French Championship finals and winning two (1932, 1933). The club slumped in the post-war years however, spending much of the 20th century at the bottom of the French senior leagues. In recent years, LOU has benefitted from money and town hall backing in its attempt to gain entry back into the Top 14.

Location: Capital of the Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is situated on a confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers and is a major hub of road and rail for southern France.

Tourist attractions: Visitors to Lyon would be advised to plan their sightseeing by neighbourhood, starting with the Vieux Lyon.

Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) - The area was little more than a slum in the 1970's but has been completely transformed in the years since. Boasting many historical buildings and culturally significant sites, the entire area was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). One of the largest and best preserved Renaissance quarters in Europe can be found here as well as three remarkable churches.

Saint Jean cathedral, which still has its medieval apse, is the oldest of the three, and a fine example of the Gothic art tradition. Of special interest are the remarkable astronomic clock and the impressive central stained glass rose window. The chapel of the Bourbons was built later, in the 15th century. The splendid medieval church of Saint Paul with its octagonal bell tower, its frescoes of musician angels dated 1480 and its excellent acoustics make it a charming venue for concerts while Saint Georges church was built in the 19th century by Bossan, the architect of Fourvière basilica. The surrounding homes date back to the Middle Ages and were extended and embellished in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Fourvière Hill - The most striking testament to the city's Roman past, Fourvière Hill is home to some sites straight out of the Gallo-Roman era, like the Roman theater, the Temple of Cybele and the Odeum. Also known as the "praying hill," it is where you can find the Basilica of Fourvière.

The Presqu'île - The Presqu'île is where the past and the vibrant present come together, much like the confluence of the two rivers that form the peninsula itself. Here the centuries-old winding streets are lined with both some of Lyon's most storied sites (Célestins Theater, City Hall, Place Belle and its hottest spots for nightlife. Some of the sights include:

Mairie de Lyon - Built by town architect Simon Maupin in 1646, it was restored by Jules Hardouin-Mansart following a fire in 1674 which partially destroyed the building. The interior decoration was completely redone during the Second Empire.

Saint Pierre Abbey - A former convent of the Ladies of Saint Pierre, and whose origins go back to the 7th century, this abbey was completely rebuilt in the 17th century, under the direction of abbess Anne de Chaulnes. In 1803, the building became a museum. A haven of peace in the heart of the city, the cloister is now a public garden with a central fountain, flagstones and benches.

Opera House - built by Chenavard and Pollet in 1829 on the foundation of the theater by Soufflot; the building was completely renovated by Jean Nouvel and topped with a glass vaulted dome in 1990.
Today's Presqu'île is a bustling shopping and business district with one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, Rue de la République, with its many banks, boutiques, department stores and cinemas. Numerous cafés and restaurants enliven the area.

Transport connections:

The stadium is located in the South of Lyon, close to the borders of the river Rhone and the motorway A7, app. 5km from the city centre.

By car: Leave the A7 at the junction Gerland.

Bus: Line 32 to Etats-Unis Viviani (from the station Lyon Perrache). Get out at Gerland.

Metro: Line B (blue on the maps) to Gerland (from the station Lyon Part-Dieu). Get out at Terminus.

Nearest airports: Aeroport Lyon Saint Exupery (22km), Saint Etienne Aeroport (71km)

RWC Matches:
08 Sep: Australia V Japan
1 Sep: Argentina V Georgia
15 Sep: New Zealand V Portugal

Post-match hostelries: Lyon, like Paris, has the critical mass to support a buzzing nightlife a variety of different bars and clubs. Lyon has the second largest population of anglophones (English speakers) in France, with some 14,000 people from either the UK or Ireland, and another 9000 Americans (excluding students). As such, it has some excellent, and some not so good, theme pubs.

The Planet Rugby Choice:

Ninkasi Gerland
267 r Marcel Mérieux
A great industrial size brewery with a giant bar set within it, the Ninkasi also has the advantage of being within walking distance of the stadium. They brew a number of beers on site and the venue has become a local hotspot for live music with several gigs on per week.

Antidote Saint-Georges
108 r St Georges
A bit of a student hangout, this bar is frequentled mainly by English speakers and has regular live music. There is also a smaller bar downstairs for those who want to chat amongst themselves as opposed to listening to the music.

Café Chantecler
151 bd Croix Rousse
Situated in the centre of the Croix-Rousse, this café has reasonably priced drinks and a beautiful terrace from which to survey the city. The bar is run by an Englishman and has occasional live music and short films on offer. What's more, the owner brews his own beer.

Other Bars:

The Shamrock
15 r Ste Catherine.

Cafe Francis
Bellecour
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

L'Espace Brasserie
Bellecour
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

La Taverne De Maitre Kanter Bellecour
Bellecour
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

Le Melhor
Bellecour
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

Bar Americain
Cordeliers République
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

Forum Bar
Cordeliers République
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

La Ruche
Cordeliers République
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

Le Grand Café Des Negociants
Cordeliers République
Location: 2nd Arrondissement

Ayers Rock, Australian Café
Terreaux
Location: 1st Arrondissement

Cafe Leffe
Terreaux
Location: 1st Arrondissement

Le Boulevardier
Terreaux
Location: 1st Arrondissement

Mi Barrio
Terreaux
Location: 1st Arrondissement

Ol Cafe
Terreaux
Location: 1st Arrondissement

Accomodation:

Luxury:

Chateau de Bagnols
Tel: +33 (0)4 74 71 40 00
Location: North of city (Bagnols)

Le Pavillon de La Rotonde
Tel : +33 (0)4 78 87 79 79
Location : East of city (Charbonnieres les Bains)

Villa Florentine
Tel: +33 (0)4 72 56 56 56
Location: Vieux Lyon (5e arrondisement)

Autrefois
Tel +33 (0)6 89 74 03 52
Location: St-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or

Mid-Range:

Au Manoir Des Forges
Tel +33 (0)4 74 16 05 68
Location: Pont-Eveque

Chateau de la Charmeraie
Tel +33 (0)4 74 70 50 70
Location: Saint Laurent-de-Chamousset)

Au Logis de Vendome
Tel +33 (0)4 78 52 09 31
Location : Brotteaux (6e arrt)

Budget:

Au Domaine de Cheron
Tel +33 (0)4 72 31 06 62
Location Brignais

Akena
Tel +33 (0)4 78 88 38 38
Rillieux-la-Pape

Auberge de la Boucle
Tel +33 (0)4 74 02 01 59
Location: Saint Nizier d'Azergues