If If Lyon isn't on your travel hit list, it should be. Often overlooked as a tourist destination, France's second city may not be as chic as Paris or as glamorous as Nice, but it more than makes up for it by being exceptionally friendly, fun and easy to get around - not to mention uncommonly pretty.

The Vieux-Lyon district, with its distinctive Renaissance architecture, is particularly picturesque, while the Les Pentes area is brimming with designer shops and cool cafés, making it the place to be. Meanwhile, the left bank of the River Rhône has been redeveloped and lends itself very well to an afternoon stroll and a drink on one of its many barges on a sunny day.

Dubbed the gastronomic capital of France, what Lyon is probably best known for its exceptional food. In fact, the saying goes that if Paris is the country's heart, then Lyon is its stomach - words that ring even truer when you consider that the foundation of Lyonnaise cuisine is the "bouchon" or butcher's house, a traditional eatery specialising in all forms of innards and offal.

Lyon is easy enough to navigate on foot, or using the hassle-free Vélo'v bicycle system. If the long, steep walk or bike ride through the old town to the top of Fourvière Hill isn't your bag, grab a taxi to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière at the very top and then walking down to enjoy the spectacular views.