Things to see and do Rhônes-Alpes

Everyone knows its name. Famous for its basilica, but also for its Roman theatres. From its 300 m high, it dominates the Saône-Rhone confluence. A strategic location which therefore explains that, on the orders of the Roman senate, Munatius Plancus established a colony there. Palaces and various buildings were built around the forum, Lugdunum was born; the emperors often stay there and christianity settled there.

The fall of the Roman Empire has caused change in spaces's occupation, the inhabitants have settled in the valley, along the Saône and the slopes cover vineyard and farmings. A basilica was built on the hill of Saint-Just and religious congregations settle. Fourvière became "the hill where people pray". To reach the hill, there are several possibilities: to climb in the "thread" (the funicular) to the metro station "Old Lyon" or to visit the various montées: the montée des Epies in the southern part, leaving the church Saint-Georges, joins the montée Gourguillon which was the only entrance in Lyon in the east and ends in the Saint-Just district; the montée Chemin-Neuf, that of Chazeaux, that of Change. You can also rush into the montée Saint-Barthélemy which is one of the oldest roads linking the city to the hill; the bravest will prefer to climb the 244 steps of the montée Garillan.

A symbol of the city, the Grenoble are used to preaching the merits of the "eggs" that take you to the summit of the Bastille. However, we often forget that we can climb this mountain on foot in 1 h from the Porte de France. A pleasant walk, certainly sloping, but offering a breathtaking view on arrival: on the left of the mountains, in front of the mountains, and to the right still mountains! You can know it by heart, the view always leaves speechless. A trick, make it at dusk, because the view on the illuminated city in the night is even more striking!

Less known than that of the Tête d'Or or that of Parilly, the park of Gerland is yet a green lung between the banks of the Rhone and the facilities of the Matmut Stadium. In the south of the city, this park is also called Confluent Park, offering natural continuity to the banks of the Rhone, or even privileged access to the Confluences Museum. Created by the landscape architect Michel Corajoud and inaugurated in 2000, this 18 hectare park occupies a former industrial site which has been preserved a building to house the Maison des Fleurs where you can discover all the natural interest of the famous Megaphorbiaie, the park's garden-promenade composed of 18,000 plans of 300 different species, water lilies, trees and vast lawns. A park naturally focused on sports activities: children's games, skate parks indoor and outdoor, carousel… You can also see many ducks in the canals or an astonishing chromatic garden that lights up in the evening.

The mine was dug in 1907 and began operations in 1919. It was the largest mining operation in the basin. The site, closed in 1973, was classified as a historical monument in 2011. Rediscover the route taken by these workers who started by going to the checkroom: the hanging room, then into the underground galleries by taking the elevator. This visit offers a glimpse of the danger and fear that these miners could feel because of the numerous blasts of firedamp.

Exceptional collections for a museum that should highlight an entire part of Lyon's and the world's heritage through more than 4,500 years of textile history. However, the Musée des Tissus is currently undergoing a complete renovation. Work that will not begin before 2024, if all goes well, and that will last at least 18 months, if all goes well... To be continued.

Pedestrian and cobbled street of the 5th arrondissement, rue Saint-Jean dates from the 3rd century, when Lyon was still called Lugdunum. Today, it is the main axis of the pedestrian traffic in the Old-Lyon, a district listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most popular streets in the Lyon city. Remarkable houses, mansion houses and museums are legion, at the same number as the tourists who walk its cobblestone streets.

Discover Lyon while preserving our environment. Original tours with Cyclo City Tours. Aboard comfortable electrically-assisted three-wheelers (cyclo-pousse), equipped with a panoramic roof so you don't miss anything during your city tour, you can travel smoothly with your local guide according to the chosen themes: history, gastronomy, Guignol... A child under 6 years old can be taken on board for free. And to make sure you don't sit idly by, you can complete your visit with a gourmet treasure hunt.

This walk from Bellegarde-sur-Valserine is quite unusual. Unusual initially because the place is full of history: during the Second World War, more precisely between 1940 and 1942, Valserine served as border - hence the presence of the customs house early walk. Unusual then for its landscape: the river is sinking gradually under the rock, you get some waterfalls and sometimes even, disappears completely in the plains and chap; striking! Be careful if you are accompanied children: a certain caution is obligatory.

Price: free.

Duration: 2:15.

Problem: easy.