Lyon, a city of profound historical significance, cultural richness, and notable contributions to various fields of academia, commerce, and the arts, is the host city of the EFTA-RELATES 2025 Congress. Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon stands as a bastion of tradition and innovation, offering an ideal setting for the forthcoming congress, whose title could not but be influenced from the city’s unique location; CONFLUENCES AND CONTROVERSIES IN SYSTEMIC THEORY. RESEARCH AND PRACTICE.
Lyon's architectural landscape is a testament to its enduring heritage, characterized by a blend of medieval charm and contemporary sophistication. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its labyrinthine streets and centuries-old buildings, serves as a poignant reminder of Lyon's illustrious past. Meanwhile, the burgeoning La Confluence district symbolizes the city's forward-thinking approach to urban development, featuring striking modern architecture and innovative urban planning.
Renowned as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon tantalizes the palate with its exquisite culinary offerings. From the quintessential bouchons, where traditional Lyonnais cuisine is celebrated with fervor, to the Michelin-starred establishments pushing the boundaries of gastronomic excellence, Lyon's dining scene is as diverse as it is delectable.
In addition to its culinary prowess, Lyon is a cultural powerhouse, boasting an array of museums, theaters, and galleries that showcase the city's rich artistic heritage. Whether exploring classical masterpieces at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon or delving into the realms of science and anthropology at the Musée des Confluences, visitors are sure to be captivated by Lyon's cultural tapestry.
Furthermore, Lyon's status as a hub of innovation and education is evident in its thriving academic and technological sectors. Home to prestigious universities, research institutions, and burgeoning startups, Lyon fosters an environment conducive to intellectual exchange and groundbreaking discoveries.
Located at the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon enjoys excellent connectivity with other major cities in France and beyond. Situated approximately 470 kilometers southeast of Paris, Lyon is easily accessible by high-speed train, with direct connections to the French capital and other key destinations across Europe. Additionally, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport serves as a major transportation hub, offering direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. Whether arriving from Paris, Marseille, Geneva, or beyond, Lyon's strategic location ensures convenient access for attendees traveling from various corners of the globe.
Arrive in LYON
BY AIR
Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport
- links Lyon to over 118 destinations, with direct flights.
- 48 airline companies are represented.
- In 2019, it was elected best airport in Europe in the category of airports with 10-25 million passengers by ACI Europe.
- As a sustainable airport, Lyon-Saint-Exupéry has obtained ACA3+ accreditation (Airport Carbon Accreditation), as it is now entirely carbon neutral.
- Is connected to Lyon Part-Dieu in Lyon by tram service in less than 30 minutes guaranteed, 365 days a year from 4:25 am to midnight.
All pratical informations (schedule, prices, online ticketing) on the website of Rhônexpress.
BY TRAIN
Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache
Two main train stations are located in the city center and the TGV train put Lyon in the heart of Europe.
- 2 hours from Paris with a train every 30 minutes.
- 3 hours from Lille, and 1.40 hour from Marseille
- 5 hours from London
- 5.10 hours from Barcelona
BY CAR
If you would prefer to drive to Lyon, note that the city is the center of a vast road network of over 1000 km, which connects Lyon to all major cities in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and to major European cities
- From Geneva: it takes 2 hours to Lyon
- From Clermont-Ferrand: 2 hours to Lyon
- From Turin or Marseille: it takes 3 hours and 10 minutes to arrive in Lyon
- From Paris: it takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to arrive in Lyon
- From Barcelona: it takes 6 hours and a quarter to arrive in Lyon.
