Lyon

Lyon is a prime example of a human settlement, an exceptional witness to enduring urban installation over more than two millennia, where cultural traditions from many parts of Europe have come together to create a coherent and vigorous continuing community, declared UNESCO'S World Heritage Committee. Founded in the first century B.C. by the Romans and proclaimed the capital of the three Gauls, Lyon is located at the heart of the European Union and is France's first largest city after Paris, with a population of over a million.  Lyon is located in the Rhône-Alpes region, which is the first economic region in France after Paris, and one of the largest in Europe. Two hours from Paris, Lyon is on the doorstep of Italy, Switzerland, the Alps, Provence and the Côte d'Azur.  Lyon is well known not only as a culinary center, but also for its fine historic buildings and its unique medieval and Florentine heritage, which led to its appointment as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Since its establishment, Lyon has played a major role in Europe's political, cultural and economic development.  It is home to Interpol as well as hundreds of NGOs.  In June 1996, Lyon was the location of the G7 summit.

Lyon is a centre of study with 12 educational establishments, universities and specialized schools and more than 100,000 students.