Lyon bears its claws

That’s called having –- nearly – all the right cards. As the motor for the Rhône-Alpes Region, Lyon constitutes the second economic centre after the Ile-de- France with more than 10% of the GNP. With large groups and many leading edge smallmedium sized companies and industry, the city plays host to a traditionally high volume of business clientele. It enjoys an international reputation in textiles, mechanics, chemistry and health/pharmaceuticals (particularly with the presence of the giant Aventis). It’s economic fabric and privileged location at the crossroads of Europe support it in developing congress, trade fair and other exhibition activities. And it is particularly well equipped when it comes to exhibition space: Euroexpo, with its 104,000 sq.m in 12 modular halls, or the Halle Tony Garnier which seats 17,000, as well as the Centre des Congrès whose capacity was recently tripled. The capital of the Gauls is making every effort possible to further boost this aspect, and its success is measurable: the number of conventions grew by more than 70% between 2004 and 2005. International events grew by 63% since 2004, growing from 30 to 49 congresses organized in 2005. Each year, nearly 300,000 nights are generated directly thanks to these events. Consequence: the Centre des Congrès (which hosts 300 events each year) realized an ambitious expansion project that is the result of three years of works and 151 million euros of investment. Linked to the Cité internationale, the Centre’s new amphitheater, inaugurated last June, can seat more than 3,200.It is true, Lyon is increasingly appealing and has been elected "the city with the best quality of life in France” in a survey by the weekly Le Point based on 86 objective indexes: economic dynamics, geographic location, between Northern and Southern Europe, proximity to the Alps and the Mediterranean, first rate...