Lyon

What it's known for

Lyon is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is known for its food and cooking. In Roman times, as Lugdunum, it was the capital of the Gauls, and it hosts the world headquarters of Interpol, the international police organisation.

Fun facts

1. Auguste and Louis Lumière invented the cinematograph, an early film camera and projector, in Lyon.
2. Every year from 8 December the Fête des Lumières fills the city with lights; it began in 1852, when people lit up their windows for a new statue of the Virgin Mary.
3. The old parts of Lyon have traboules, hidden covered passageways that let silk workers carry cloth through the city sheltered from the weather.