Lyon

As the epicenter of French gastronomy, Lyon is a city of tantalizing contrasts. There's much to explore here, from the work of culinary visionaries to silk weavers' secret passageways. Some of the sights to behold...two rivers: one tranquil, one torrential; two hills: one for labor, where the sound of silk weavers' looms used to echo, the other for prayers, crowned by a spectacular basilica. Two cities: as different as night and day: one boasting colorful Old World facades, medieval mansions and hidden passageways; one with a sophisticated urbanity reminiscent of Paris. Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saôane rivers, and with roots stretching back over 2,000 years, Lyon is a place of fascinating dualities.