Located in East-central France, Lyon is the second most important region in the country behind Paris. The region was founded in 43 B.C. by the Roman Empire, and was named Lugdunum after the Celtic sun God, Lugh, which means shining God. Lyon is the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region and home to more than 1.2 million people today.

Lyon is very popular for gastronomy, hand weaving and silk trade. The silk workers in Lyon are known as “canuts,” and they participated in two major uprisings in 1831 and 1834. The black flag used to symbolize protest in the 1831 uprising was one of the first times the flag had been used in such a manner. The Lumiere brothers, Louis Jean and Auguste Marie created a three-in-one motion picture camera, developer and projector known as the cinematograph in Lyon.

Lyon is a very religious city, and most of its dwellers are Ramon Catholic. The Archbishop of the city is known as the “Primate of the Guals,” and he is the leading Archbishop of France. Every year on December 8, the city celebrates “La Fete de la Lumiere,” more commonly known as the festival of lights. It is a celebration to thank the Virgin Mary who supposedly saved the city from a deadly plague in the Middle Ages. People place candles in their windows and the city organizes large-scale light shows onto several monuments in the city.

Lyon is also the international headquarters of Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization. The region also has two of France’s best wine fields, located in Beaujolais (north) and Cotes de Rhone (south).

Thanks to the spectacular depiction of the different periods in its history, UNESCO registers Lyon as a World Heritage site. The city features several magnificent monuments constructed by well renowned artists like Mansart, Bossan, Delfante and many more. The various tourist attractions in Lyon include the Roman Theater of Fourviere, The National Opera House, The Terreaux Square, famous parks like the Fine Art Museum Garden, a second hand book market for avid book lovers, night life attractions like the Tour Rose and several museums including the Modern Art Museum and Henri Malarte Museum of Automobiles.

A city so rich in culture and heritage is bound to provide a jovial atmosphere for locals and tourists alike. AR.com is sure Andy and other tennis fans will find plenty that pleases the eye in the beautiful city of Lyon.