A West Ham fan’s guide to Lyon ahead of the Hammers’ vital Europa League quarter-final tie against Olympique Lyonnais.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of Europe’s most well-known skiing destinations. Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, skiers enjoy skiing through the mountains and staying in the five-star chalets. This French region will welcome a new group of tourists this Thursday, as West Ham United fans descend on the city for the next step of our European adventure.
QUICK FACTS – FRANCE
Population 67,000,000
Language French
Name in Official Language France
Dialling Code +33
Currency Euro/€
WHERE IS LYON?
Lyon is the third-largest city in France and has the second-largest metropolitan area in the country. It is known for its many universities and colleges, and it is considered a popular student city.
Formerly a Roman civilization, Lyon is now a major centre for industry and finance. It is a key manufacturer in biotechnology, computer software, chemical engineering and finance. Lyon is also known for its role in French film making, and it is known for inventing cinematography. The arts and culture are prevalent in this city, and you will able to learn about how Lyon has contributed to French culture over the last 100 years.
WHAT CAN I DO THERE?
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The Basilica has overlooked Lyon for over 125 years. It was initially built with private funds from 1872 to 1896, and it was constructed on the grounds of an old Roman forum.
Today, the basilica attracts tourists because of its Western architecture and stunning stained glass. A children’s choir performs at the basilica on a weekly basis. It is recommended that you take a guided tour of the basilica, as the tours attract up to 2,000,000 people per year.
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
It is common for French cities to have a Renaissance district (arrondissement). These areas are kept in their original 16th-century structure, and they show visitors what the city looked like 600 years ago.
Vieux Lyon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has red-brick buildings, narrow streets, cathedrals and aristocratic houses. Lyon Cathedral is located on the outskirts of the district, as are two hotels and a museum. It will take around four hours to explore the whole district, so manage your time wisely if you plan to go.
Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon
Often called “The Palace of the Twenty-four Columns,” the Palace of Justice has held some of France’s most famous court trials. Many S.S. officers were put on trial at this courthouse after the Second World War.
It has undergone restoration work over the last 14 years to make the building more accessible and secure. The courthouse is still used for judicial meetings and trials to this day.
WHAT’S THE STADIUM LIKE?
Parc Olympique Lyonnais
West Ham fans will be in the away end of the now known as Groupama Stadium. Situated in Décines-Charpieu in the Lyon Metropolis. It was opened in January 2016, with Alexandre Lacazette scoring the first goal at the new venue. The stadium has a capacity of over 59,000 and has been used to host concerts, international football matches and rugby games.
How To Get There
Lyon’s tram system has two stations within very close proximity to the stadium. Line T7 and Line T3 both pass the stadium, and you can choose either or. If you choose to ride on the T7 line, you will need to get off at Décines OL Vallée; this is directly in front of the stadium. Alternatively, Décines Grand Large on the T3 line is 800 metres away from the stadium.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I GO?
Be Wary Of Cybercrime
Cybercrime has been a problem in France, and criminals can hack into public internet sources to retrieve personal details. It is advised that you be careful how you use public Wi-Fi networks. Be cautious if you plan to use these networks, as some can be insecure and put you at risk of being hacked.
Know How To Cross The Road
West Ham fans who traveled to Belgium for the game in Genk may remember the “Priority To The Right” rule. The same principle applies in France as it does in Belgium: Drivers and pedestrians must give way to vehicles approaching from the right. Tourists sometimes do not understand what this rule means, resulting in accidents.
Do Not Hide Your Face
It is illegal in France to cover your face in public places. Religious reasons do not make you exempt from this rule, and this alone has caused controversy in France amongst ethnic communities. If you do, you risk being fined.