Sightseeing

April 2013
Those who like to rummage for treasures and relics should get up early and head to Les Puces du Canal, one of France's most popular flea markets which takes place every Sunday on Rue du Canal. www.pucesducanal.com

January 2013
Running until 28 January, a major solo exhibition of Pierre Soulages' work at the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts, 20 place des Terreaux, 2nd) explores the artist's fascination with the colour black. The show features many large canvases and other recent pieces, some of which haven't been exhibited publicly before (mba-lyon.fr).

Key Areas

January 2013
The side streets along Cours Gambetta offer a myriad of Oriental outlets, including eateries, gift shops and food stores encompassing all four corners of the world.

December 2012
Place Carnot in the second arrondissement hosts the great annual Christmas market till 24 December. Festive chalets with crafts and flavours from far and wide are brought for all the town to enjoy (marche-noel-lyon.fr). Grab a glass of mulled wine to help make your shopping decisions easier!

Day Trips

January 2013
Just over an hour's travel by train or car will find you in Mâcon and the neighbouring villages of the Beaujolais. The Romanesque art, the Mâconnais-Beaujolais wine trail, the Lamartine's castle tour, along with lazy lunching on the Saone, are perfect for a day of real French discovery. If you're in the car then a pit-stop on the historic hilltop hamlet of Pérouges, officially deemed one of the most beautiful villages in France, is well worth the time. The medieval streets, called galets, offer plenty to see and do, including a museum and artisans' workshops.

December 2012
Mâcon and the neighbouring villages of the Beaujolais make for a day of real French discovery (less than an hour from Lyon). The Romanesque art, the Mâconnais-Beaujolais wine trail, the Lamartine's castle tour, along with lazy lunching on the Saone are on the agenda - not forgetting frogs' legs, of course.