Lyon

Lyon was founded in 43 BC by Roman proconsul Plancus, as Lugdunum. Then it was the capital of the Roman Province of Gallia Lugdunensis. At that time, many buildings were built here (palace, theater, barracks and several temples), as well as an impressive aqueduct system bringing water from a distance of 75 km. Thee city between 5t and 14^th centuries passed from the hands of the Burgundians to the hands of the Franks and vice versa. Lyon received the city charter in the 13^th century. Only after incorporation into the kingdom in 1320, after the church’s long reign, the city received administrative self-government. During the Renaissance, the city reached the peak of power and wealth. After the invention of the printing font, it became a significant publishing center (many editions of Rabelais, Dante, Petrarca and others).

In the 19^th century, there was a rapid development of industry (Lyon became famous for its silk processing, “Lyon silk”). In 1862, the first municipal cableway was established, which was between Lyon and la Croix-Rousse. During the World War II, Lyon was the most important French resistance movement commanded by Jean Moulin. The city is experiencing another dynamic period after the World War II. After becoming a significant center on trade brokerage and wholesaling, Lyon in 1984 also became a trade fair center.

It was here that Lumiere Brothers built their cinematograph and made the first film. However, the first cinema projection was made in Paris (33 viewers took part in it). This event took place on 28 December 1895 and is widely regarded as the beginning of the history of cinema.

The citizens of Lyon are so proud of their city, that they have no complexes about Parisians. Men probably associate the famous Olympique football club. Regardless of your interests, the city captivates with its diversity. That city is created both for traditionalists and for those, who follow fashion. The historic part of Lyon was inscribed on December 5, 1998 by UNESCO on the list of World Cultural Heritage. In the district called “Vieux Lyon” (Old Lyon) there are many Gothic and Renaissance monuments. Here there are many tenement houses from that time, which have survived to this day in quite good condition. Their severity is diversified by Renaissance buildings, richly decorated with stucco. Historic townhouses are located on narrow, winding streets, and they are diversified by passages, corridors, stairs and beautiful courtyards. The pride of Old Lyon is the 400-year-old cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Inside it is an astronomical clock from the 14^th century, which, despite the assumption that the sun revolves around the Earth, shows the accurate time.

It is the best to start visiting the city from the Fourvière hill, which from the 1^st century AD (under the name Forum Vertus) was the main part of the Roman colony of Lugdunum (you can get here by the funicular from the cathedral). Today, on its top in the vicinity of the archaeological park, the site of the former forum is built in the years 1872-1896 in the place of the old sanctuary, the impressive Basilica of the Virgin Nary (Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière). This building is an architectural oddity, combining medieval Romanesque and Byzantine elements. Inside, there are impressive mosaics, stained-glass windows and the crypt of St. Joseph. Another important monuments and also one of the city’s symbols is the monumental 19^th century fountain (Fontaine Bartholdi) built by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (creator of the New York Statue of Liberty). It is located in the middle of Palace des Terreaux and depicts four steeds symbolizing the French rivers heading towards the Mediterranean.

One on the Lyon’s newest tourist attractions in the Thien-Minh Buddhist Pagoda, built in the 1990s. The building was funded by the Vietnamese diaspora and is located in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon (southwestern edge of the city).

During the visit in Lyon, it is worth to set off on a cruise on Saône. We can see famous monuments from a different perspective, the colors of the city, as well as the castle on the island and the fortifications of the Lyon fortress.

Of course, there were also traces of the sons of Saint Francis. One of the squares has a name “Place des Cordeliers”. This is the French name of the Franciscans who came to Lyon in 1226.

Lyon is famous for the excellent cuisine, so there couldn’t miss a shop with its specialties or the figure of the most popular chef from the city on the Rhône and Saône – Paul Bocuse.

The above-mentioned monuments are only a part of the rich offer of the city.

The establishment of the University of Lyon improved the city’s position and it also began to play an important role as a academic center. Here Andre Marie Ampere conducted his researches. In 1895, the first screening of the film “Workers Leaving The Lumière Faktory” took place in the city.

In 1900, Antoine de Saint–Exupéry was born here (author of “The Little Prince”). Lyon to this day is an important cultural and academic center. There are four universities here (Claude Bernard, Lumière, Jean Moulin, Catholique de Lyon), two institutes (Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Lyon, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon), and École Centrale de Lyon, École normale supérieure, EMLYON Business School, ESME Sudria. The University of Lyon is a main French center of higher education. Implements and manages large strategic projects with regional authorities. In addition, it has links with private companies so that students find employment after ending education.

The city is a headquarters of many scientific research institutes and cultural

Between 4 and 8 June two events related to social assistance in urban agglomerations took place in Lyon - European Metropolities Authorities summit and International Festival of Social Accommodation. During the organized debates, the representatives of the biggest European metropolises shared their ideas of combating social exclusion and increasing public involvement. Representing Lodz, the deputy mayor Adam Wieczorek in his speech presented the assumptions and current statistics on the program “Citizens’ Budget”, which since 2014 significantly contributes to improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of our city. In addition to the speech of the representative of Łódź, the presentation of the deputy mayor of Porto also aroused interest, who talked about how reducing the price of public transport tickets contributed to fight against social exclusion of groups such as students or retirees.

During the European Metropolities Authorities summit, a joint declaration of the representatives of European metropolises was also signed, which calls EU institution to pay more attention to social problems, and give greater significance to the metropolitan authorities in the European governance process. The declaration was signed by the representatives of 19 urban areas, including: the deputy mayor of Łódź, the mayor of the Great Manchester, the mayor of Lyon Metropolis and the deputy mayor of Porto Region.

In addition to events related to the International Festival of Social Accommodation and European Metropolities Authorities summit, the delegation from Łódź also held a series of meetings aiming to expand cooperation between Łódź and Lyon. During the meeting with the deputy mayor of Lyon Metropolis, the issue of enhancinmg cooperation in organizing the Light Move Festival, including new solutions and technologies with the participation of both Łódź and Lyon artists was discussed. The representative of Lyon also suggested the organization of an exchange of students from film schools of both cities and an exchange of exhibitions between the Łódź and Lyon textile museums. A large part of the conversation was about the healthcare sector, in particular the solution introduced in Lyon, thanks to which the homes of the elderly were divided into two groups, depending on the age of the inhabitants. That solution helps to better adapt medical care to the needs of residents and, as a result, to better respond the needs of society.

The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Lyon decelerated support for the organization of the Light Move Festival. The Consul proposed that the building of the consulate in Lyon be illuminated by the works of Łódź artists every year. The consulate also offered support in contacts with the Lyon textile museum and in organizing next year’s edition of Polish Week in Toulouse, which will be entirely dedicated to Łódź.

Delegation from the City Hall visited the Polish Section of the Cité Scholaire Internationale School, where at the same time students from XIII High School in Łódź were staying. Vice-president Adam Wieczorek told the students of both schools about the activities of the Office addressed to young residents of the city, and also answered the questions they asked.

The participation of light designers from Lyon: Ives Moreaux, Tilt and Patrice Warrener in the 6^th edition of Light Move Festival.

Participation of Łódź Film School in the Lumiere Festival in Lyon with the program of movies of Kieslikowski, Polanski, Skolimowski and their students Komasa, von Horn, Podolec and Woszczyński.

• Participation in the 4^th Partner Cities Forum dedicated to stimulating entrepreneurship through creativity
  http://www.uml.lodz.pl/samorzad/miasta_partnerskie_lodzi/iv_forum_miast_partnerskich_/
  
• Economic mission of French companies and a Polish-French economic seminar dedicated to the investment attractiveness of Lodz http://www.invest.lodz.pl/aktualnosci/polsko-francuskie-seminarium-gospodarcze
• eco-city seminar about revitalization

The purpose of the visit was to promote Łódź in Lyon. Within the framework of the mission business meetings were organized by the Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in France and the investment seminar “The commercial and industrial potential of Poland on the example of the city of Łódź” was held. The main topics of talks of Łódź’s delegation, headed by the first deputy mayor, Mr. Marek Cieślak, were the opportunities to invest in Łódź in the logistics sector, BPO, IT, packing industry, household appliances industry and other sectors, exchange of experience in the field of revitalization of post-industrial and urban areas and the program of the New Center of Łódź.

During the promotion of Łódź in Paris the representatives of French companies from Lyon and the representative of chamber of commerce were also present. After that event, delegation of city headed by the deputy mayor, Mrs. Agnieszka Nowak went to Lyon.

The main points of that visit were: exchange the experience in the field of waste management and a visit to the waste incineration plant, participation in the Light Move Festival and talks about intensifying economic cooperation between Łódź and the partner city of Lyon.

Mrs. Isabelle Gleize, the director of the Village of Artists “Village des Createurs” visited Łódź. The program of her visit included meetings with the management of the Museum of Art, representatives of the Academy of Fine Arts (Fashion Design Department and Department of Jewelry), coordinators of the Design Festival and Fashion Week Poland.

Mrs. Gleize also took part in many events during Fashion Week, she made contacts with several designers from Łódź. On 31 October, in the Debating Chamber, in the presence of representatives of universities, fashion events, the Department of Culture, the Department of Buildings and Premises, the City Property Department and the Office for Enterprise Development and Workplaces, as well as the Mayor's Plenipotentiary for Piotrkowska Street presented French solutions for enlivening city centers, stimulating local entrepreneurship and introducing artists to public space. During questions and discussions, she also advised on the development of Piotrkowska Street, as she had the opportunity to learn about its specificity.

The Village of Artists 'Village des Createurs' operating for 10 years in Lyon supports 66 fashion brands and interior decorations from the Rhône-Alpes region (10 of them are companies from Lyon located in the Thiaffait Passage). It has 858 sales points in France and abroad. Its role is to create privileged ties between professionals in the field of textiles and clothing industry, as well as to facilitate the economic development of young fashion and interior design companies. During the 10 years of its operation, 134 designers have visited the town, of which 77% are still active on the market.

Mr. Renaud Lescuyer, the director of the Spring of Europe Festival (organized for 5 years at the turn of May and June in Lyon in cooperation with the City of Lyon and the Rhône-Alpes Region, among others at the Nouvel Generation Theaters, Celestines) visited Łódź.

He visited many cultural institutions in city, e.g. the Great Theater, Jaracz’s Theater, the New Theater, Actor’s and Pinocchio Theater, Lodz Culture Center – the organizer of Łódź Theater Meetings. He had an opportunity to learn about the specifics of the operation of these institutions, their repertoire, saw the concert “Opera Gala” and the Great Theater, rehearsal for the spectacle at the New Theater to the play by Euripides “Ifigenia” and registration of the Pinocchio Theater play indented for the adult viewer “Bruno Schultz”. During the meetings in these places, he had an opportunity to ask about international experience and contacts with France, especially with Lyon. He willingly provided information about interesting artistic contacts from Lyon, cultural places with similar characteristics, encouraged cooperation by providing contacts details. He also met with alternative stream theater institutions – the Chorea Theater, the V6 Theater, where he saw fragments of the “Aquarius” performance, the Szwalnia Theater, where he participated in the show “At closed doors” by J-P. Sartre.

Mr. Lescuyer also met young, but already experienced initiatives like: FORM.ART Foundation – theatricalizing public space, Dance Theater “Physics Workshop” with the ambition to shape workshop and dance sensitivity among young people and often difficult social environments, as well as “Bayonet” – an original cultural space arranged in the former factory for music, theater and exhibitions. During the visit, there was also time to see multicultural Łódź, hence a visit to the Łódź Festival of Four Cultures Office and a meeting with the management of the Dialogue Center, a short walk around the Łódź Jewish Cemetery, Radegast station and the Survivors’ Park took place.

As a part of the 3^rd International Dance Festival organized by the IGO-ART Impression Agency and the City of Lodz Office, the dance workshops were led by Ms. Anan Atoyama, a dancer from Lyon. 

The participation of youth in the 2^nd Meeting of Youth of Partner Cities, with cooperation with the Independent Students Association. The issue of the meeting was to establish intercultural dialogue through culture and art, and to promote equal opportunities for everyone. Young people from Poland, Belarus, Georgia, Israel, France and Lithuania took part in art, circus and choreographic workshops. There was a presentation of the cultures of the partner cities as well as works of the art created in the projects participants. The purpose of the meeting was to overcome all barriers and stereotypes of thinking, shaping attitudes  of openness and tolerance, building relationships and developing initiatives between partner cities.

FRAMEWORK PROGRAM FOR THE 20^th ANNIVERSARY OF THE COOPERATION OF LYON-ŁÓDŹ PARTNERSHIPS, MAY 7, 2011, SCHILLER PASSAGE (Framework Programme>>> )

PROGRAMME (Folder>>>)

The visit of guests from France within the framework of the mission “Łódź, City of Culture and Business”. The project aimed to promote our city as a candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2016.

The mission was organized by the Promotion, Tourism and International Cooperation Office in cooperation with the Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in France, which celebrated its 15^th anniversary. This allowed the participation of representatives of significant French business institutions and companies interested in expanding their operations in Łódź. Also important was the participation of representatives of Lyon, our partner city, including the deputy mayor of Grand Lyon (Lyon Agglomeration), Mr. Julien Hubert-Laferriere, responsible for decentralized cooperation.

During the visit, the delegation got acquainted with the EC-1 revitalization project and the New Center of Łódź project, also visited the Cinematography Museum, Central Museum of Textiles and the Museum of Art ms2, as well as got acquainted with the plans to celebrate the 65^th anniversary of the liquidation of the Litzmannstadt Ghetto by the Germans. The visit's program also included two ceremonial concert evenings, which gathered representatives of the most important Łódź institutions and French companies investing in our city. Thanks to this visit, delegation participants discovered the multicultural potential and heritage of Łódź and learned about our city's development plans. After returning to France, our guests will become our city's ambassadors as a candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2016.

The mission “Łódź, City of Culture and Business” was an excellent promotion of Łódź and created opportunities for intensifying cultural and economic cooperation between our city and France.

Young people from Lyon took part in the 1^st  Festival of Youth of Partner Cities in Łódź. The project is implemented by the Independent Students' Association of the Łódź Region and the City of Łódź Office. In the festival took part youth from Tel Aviv, Murcia, Barreiro, Rustavi, Tampere, Lyon and Minsk. The main purpose of that event was co-creating alternative techniques and methods of operation in non-formal education, learning about the cultures of partner cities, uniting young people, eliminating divisions. During the festival Łódź’s group encouraged our friends from partner cities to promote Łódź as the best candidate for the title of the European Capital of Culture 2016 and also encouraged to closer cooperation between our societies. The festival included, among others, a meeting with the mayor of the City of Łódź and the Culture Fair – gallery of photography, presentation of national dances, competition for the public. The aim of that fair was to present the cultures of our partner cities, and show our national culture through traditional Polish dishes, national dances, the history of the city of Łódź and good international entertainment, uniting youth from partner cities. The guests took part in a tour of the most interesting places in Łódź.

Receiving the grant from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the implementation of the cooperation project between Łódź and Lyon in the field of center revitalization.

Implementation of the “City-Stories” project – creation of a joint comic about Łódź, created by Polish and Lyon’s artists.

Promoting Łódź during the Consular Day in Lyon. The visit of the delegation from Łódź headed by the deputy mayor, Mrs. Halina Rosiak, to discuss cultural cooperation plans between Łódź and Lyon.

1^st mission of architects from Lyon in Łódź, related to the topic of revitalization of the northern part of the center of Lodz. The mission aimed to exchange experiences in the field of revitalization of neglected urban areas; conference and workshops with the employees of the Municipal Urban Workshop.

The project EU Roads was hosted in Lyon with the promotion of Łódź candidacy to become the European Capital of culture in 2016. A group of students from Łódź’s universities, which was moving around a dozen European cities, in Lyon was welcomed  by the Polish Consul, Mr. Piotr Adamiuk, as well as the members of the Lyon 2013 organization, which coordinated the Lyon – European Capital of Culture 2013 project, and the representatives of local media. A combined happening of both cities took place under the slogan of common propagation of the idea of the European Capital of culture project. The representatives of Łódź Art Center, Euroroads 2008 and the Łódź University of Technology also held a discussion panel on the ECOC project and an exchange of insights and experiences.

Cooperation between Łódź and Lyon in urban design and revitalization of the center of Łódź. Thanks to the funding of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, a project of specialists' mission in the field of revitalization has been implemented, devoted to the downtown area of Łódź within Manufaktura, Wolności Square and Piotrkowska, called "At sources of Piotrkowska".

The first visit of the specialists in field of revitalization of urban area from Lyon Metropolis Urban Workshops and the representatives of French Embassy in Warsaw took place in Łódź. During it, city planners from both cities learned about the specificity of the city center of Łódź.

Public debate about the development of areas covered by the program “At the sources of Piotrkowska” was held in Łódź. It concerned the area between the Old Town Park, Old Market and Streets: Nowomiejska, Legionów, Zachodnia and Ogrodowa. Unitl March 2009, the project “Revitalization of the center of Łódź – at the sources of Piotrkowska” was included as one of the points of the urban concept of the Lodz Identity Circle in the URBACT II program. In April 2010 employees of the Municipal Urban Workshop from Lodz had a study visit in Lyon.