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You've decided to rent a car in Lyon Airport. Clever you! Not only will you be skipping the taxi and coach queues, you'll also be free to take whatever route you like, whether you're looking to soak up the scenery or head straight into the thick of things in the city. The follows is a guide to Lyon and how best to spend your vacation there.

Lyon Mini-Guide:

Lyon Saint Exupery Airport is situated 24km southeast of Lyon. The airport offers a range of services and facilities including caf's, bars, restaurants and bureau de change-essential for those last minute euros. It's easy to reach the city centre from the airport, simply follow the sign-posted directions on highway A432 and A43.

Things To See/Do in Lyon:

Lyon is already considered France's second city, after Paris and is famed for its sophisticated sense of food, fashion and culture. Once you've reached the centre of things, it's best to give the car a break and take a walk through the streets of the city to familiarise yourself with the history and culture of Lyon. Fancy some new clothes?

In terms of shopping, Lyon is fashion central. Window shopping around the town, you'll find exclusive and chic boutiques are to be found at rue Emile Zola, place Kl'ber and rue du Pr'sident Eduoard Herriot. All that shopping is hungry work.

Fine food connoisseurs will be bowled over by the quality of fresh local produce on sale in the markets around the city. Gourmands are guaranteed to pay less for cheeses like St Marcellin at quai St-Antoine or bag a bargain saucisson sec at the open-air markets of Croix Rouisse Hill. After a well deserved rest, you'll be rearing to get back behind the wheel of your hire car. Lyon's countryside is rich in touring potential, just waiting to be explored by hire car.

Places not to be missed include the Beaujolais wine region, located northwest of Lyon. The nearby Roman town of Vienne is another pretty town worth a visit.

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Lyon:

Lyon offers something for any budget and taste in terms of eating out. The Grand Caf' des N'gociants is an exclusive establishment, located in the city centre and caters for those for which money is no object. Meanwhile, thrifty foodies will be happy to learn that cheap eats are available in Lyon from budget caf's and quaint street stalls. If you're counting the pennies, skip starters and desserts and just order the mains. Generous portions should provide sufficient fuel!

Lyon's nightlife has centres in both the old town and the new town. The city offers a good range of caf's, bars and discos, which allow night owls to party until the early hours if they so wish.

In general, accommodation in Lyon doesn't come cheap. At the top end of the scale you can stay in the lap of luxury at Cour des Logues, with rates starting at '230 per night. Self-catering is the best option for the budget conscious, with low cost but comfortable apartments at Cercle Villemanzy ranging from a cheap '59 per night.