why choose holiday autos?
- Price match guarantee
- Unlimited mileage
- Includes local taxes
- 24 hour helpline
need help?
Still got questions?Call us and we'd be happy to help. 0871 472 5229
(calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)
Car hire in Lyon
Hiring a car in Lyon
Pick up your hire car in the second city of France and discover some of the world's most elegant and exclusive ski resorts.
60-second guide to Lyon
in its own head
"Paris can keep the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower - who needs monuments when you can spend all day gorging on the best food and wine in all of France?"
but more realistically
Lyon isn't only the gastronomic capital of France. The city also has its fair share of historical and architectural landmarks.
the vibe
Lyon is as hip a city as you're likely to come across. Among the museums and art galleries are countless trendy bars, club and restaurants - in short, the Lyon scene is tres cool.
the natives
Lyon is home to more than 20 universities and colleges, so expect to see plenty of young studious types rubbing shoulders with the art and wine buffs.
the weather
With winter temperatures on or slightly above freezing, Lyon and the surrounding area benefits from some heavy snow falls - meaning exceptionally good powder in the Alps during ski season.
the local speciality
After a long day of sightseeing in your hire car, what better way to relax than with coq au vin and a glass of Beaujolais?
the celebrity
Andre-Marie Ampere, who lends his name to that well-known unit of electric current, was born in Lyon. Put the autograph book away, though - he died in 1836.
did you know?
One for the trainspotters: Lyon was the first city to be connected by the TGV (Train a Grand Vitesse), France's high-speed rail service in 1981.
they say
"Just like Lyon's night owls, be sure to have a look at the city's monuments at night, as 100,000 projectors illuminate 200 sites, bringing the city's night scene to life." - Lyon Tourist Office
We compare prices from leading suppliers
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
5 to see in town...
1. Musee des Beaux Arts
The museum of fine arts takes pride of place in Lyon's historical district. The former 17th-century royal Benedictine abbey houses work ranging from ancient Egyptian artefacts to 20th-century sculptures.
where to park?
You can park at the Terreaux Hotel de la Ville car park in Louis Pradel for 80 cents an hour.
2. Palais de la Miniature
This museum displays thousands of tiny versions of all kinds of different things - from notable Lyon landmarks to curios from around the world. Don't worry, though - the building itself is large enough for fully grown humans to wander around.
where to park?
You can park your hire car at either the St Jean or the St George car park.
3. Opera de Lyon
Even if you don't know your Don Giovanni from your Don Pasquale (apparently he's not a comedian with a silly high-pitched voice), Lyon's beautiful opera house is still worth a visit.
where to park?
You can leave your hire car at the Parking Parc Opera car park in Place Tolozan, which is free for ticket holders.
4. Institut Lumiere
Lyon played an important role in the birth of cinema. Brothers Auguste and Louis Lumiere were among the world's first filmmakers and their house in the city is now a museum.
where to park?
The museum offers free parking on Rue du Premier-Film.
5. Place Bellecour
Lyon's main plaza is one of the largest squares in Europe. Check out the views of Fourviere Hill and visit the nearby shopping streets.
where to park?
Park at the Place Bellecour car park for €1.80 an hour.
and 4 to drive to...
1. Val d'Isere
Boasting a brand spanking new sports centre, this glamorous and fashionable resort has fantastic snow throughout the ski season thanks to its super-high altitude.
how to get there?
It will take around three hours to reach Val d'Isere from Lyon. Pick up the A43 heading for Saint-Priest/Grenoble/Chambéry and continue on the A430. Merge into the N90 and exit for the D1090 towards N90/Séez.
2. Courchevel
The so-called 'Queen of the three valleys', Courchevel is the Rolls Royce of the Alps. Smart but happily not pompous, this is the place to strike a pose.
how to get there?
Follow the A43 heading for Saint-Priest/Grenoble/Chambéry and take exit 13-14. Merge into the N90, then exit onto Avenue de la Libération/D915 towards Courchevel. The journey will take around 2 and a half hours.
3. Megeve
One of the prettiest places to ski in the Alps, Megeve's medieval town centre has bundles of old-world charm and beauty, while the resort is ideal for families.
how to get there?
It will take you over two hours to reach Megeve by car. Pick up the A42 and then merge into the A40. Take exit 20-Sallanches towards Megeve/Albertville and pick up the D1205, following signs for the resort.
4. Beaujolais region
This lovely area gave the world a glut of palate-pleasing wines, including Côtes de Brouilly, Fleurie and Saint-Amour - a great place for wine tasting if you are planning an overnight stay or a weekend visit.
how to get there?
Pick up the A6 and follow this for around 19 miles, taking exit 31.1. At the roundabout, take the ramp onto the D306. The journey should take around 40 minutes from Lyon.
Local taxi driver Charles Papin on car hire in Lyon
" Although we have good public transport services, a lot of them end at midnight, so having a hire car is useful if you don't want early nights in. Most one-way streets have a separate lane for buses and taxis that goes in the opposite direction to cars, which can be confusing if you're not used to it, so be cautious. The old part of Lyon is accessible by car but you can't drive up the Fourviere Hill - so if you want to enjoy the wonderful view of the city and catch a glimpse of the Alps and Mont Blanc, then either walk or take the tram. "
holiday autos is part of the lastminute.com group.
© holiday autos 2010
lastminute.com |
travelocity.co.uk
|
allhotels.com
|
holidayautos.com
|
carhire4less.co.uk