Lyon
is a real shopper’s paradise. The area of the Presqu’île
boasts the most attractive streets for shopping, such as rue
Victor Hugo and rue de la République,
where the big department stores of Printemps and
Galeries Lafayette are located.
The rue du Président Herriot, with its elegant
19th-century buildings, makes an ideal setting for the luxury boutiques
of Cartier, Hermès, Gucci
or Louis Vuitton.
Fine antiques and old books can be found on rue Auguste
Comte or at La Cité des Antiquaires
near the Parc de la Tête d’Or. Rue Auguste Comte
is a very lively street with some 80 shops devoted to antiques.
La Cité is open on Thursday, Saturday and
Sunday 0930-1230 hrs and 1430-1900 hrs.
For furniture and home decoration stores, it is best for shoppers
to head for Cours de la Liberté. For casual
shopping, Part-Dieu shopping centre is ideal and
is one of Europe’s largest, with over 200 stores.
Chocolate is the best speciality gift available
in Lyon. Although the Swiss and Belgians might take issue, it could
be argued that Lyon has the finest chocolate factory in the world.
Bernachon, 42 cours Franklin Roosevelt, is open
Tuesday-Saturday 0800-1900 hrs and Sunday 0800-1700 hrs.
To really understand the link between Lyon and very good food, a
visit to one of major markets is a must. Every morning from Tuesday
to Sunday, there is a market on quai St-Antoine
on the banks of the river Saône and another market on boulevard
de la Croix-Rousse, in one of Lyon’s liveliest districts.
In the third arrondissement (quarter), 102 Cours Lafayette, there
is the covered market, Les Halles de Lyon, which
is open every day. There is a craft market on quai Fulchiron, on
Sunday morning 8000-1300 hrs.
Opening hours
Most shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday between 0930
hrs and 1930 hrs but closed on Sundays. Some small grocery stores
are open Sunday morning.
VAT (Value Added Tax) can vary between 5 per cent and 20 per cent,
depending on the goods bought. Non-EU visitors can obtain a tax
refund for purchases over €183, provided all the relevant receipts
are retained. It is best for visitors to enquire with customs officers
on arrival in France or Lyon, for specific details. The information
service of French Customs (telephone number: (04) 7277 3938) is
useful for customs and VAT enquiries, as is Global Refund (website:
www.globalrefund.com). |
