We all know that France has a reputation for its excellent cuisine, but despite it being the 3rd largest city in France, not many people know about the city which “put France” on the map for culinary arts. Lyon might not be as well known as Paris, but it certainly has contributed its fair share to French culture. Lyon has produced magical stories (Le Petit Prince, or the Little Prince was written by a local), movies (the Lumiere brothers invented moving pictures) and more!

The first thing you should know is that Lyon is simply not a tourist hot spot, but that's the best part about this city. For the students studying abroad, the traveler passing through, or the young-at-heart who just want a relaxing French vacation away from the noise and life-threatening traffic circles (of doom) found in Paris, here is the place to see and to truly experience the French culture. You can grab a drink and chat with some locals in a bar, get from one major sight to the next without having to take the metro, and even eat a cream-filled pastry and drink a large (double, pronounced doo-bluh) cup of coffee for 5 euro!

I'm Sydney - a budget-conscious American student with a serious sweet tooth and an endless appetite for all things good (food, wine, company, and culture). Let me show you around this wonderful town I love, and you'll see the sights rarely seen by tourists casually passing through.

My itinerary includes useful phrases, easy-to-follow directions, and many, many pictures. This was created for the person looking for a French experience; sitting in a cafe, taking in the architectural beauty, strolling through pedestrian streets, and enjoying the bustle of local markets.

So, as the French say, on y va! (own-ee-vah) Let's go!