Lyon was founded two thousand years ago in a valley crossed by two rivers. If you look out from the top of the Colline de Fourviere you can see it spread out beneath you, held in the arms of the Rhone and the Saone, whose waters meet at the end of the town. The slopes lead you down traboules and lanes to the old town, a maze studded with galeries, bookshops and craft shops, along streets a narrow as they were in days gone by. A cosy atmosphere surrounds the bouchons - typical Lyon restaurants - where, on a terrace or beneath vaults, you can enjoy slices of rosette sausage or a cervelle de canut (dish made from herbs and fromage blanc). To top it all off, after ambling along the quays of the Saone, climb back up again toward the colourful croix Croix Rousse quarter...

Lyon, arguably, has the finest restaurants in the world, and since its just 1.5 hours from Paris, its often best to take the train there to try them out - its been proven to be quicker time and time again. You can take the Eurostar from London and change in Lille Europe Station, in a seamless, stress-free experience that will enhance your short break.