Reflecting over 2,000 years of history … Roman, Medieval, Renaissance influence … Old Town Presqu’ile … traboules … Lyonnaise cuisine … river city …
Where is it
Sitting at confluence of Rhone and Saone rivers, third-largest city in France, Lyons is 391km (243 miles) southeast of Paris.
Bustling metropolis … districts of Old Lyon, Fourviere Hill, the Presqu’ile slopes of Croix-Rousse are inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.
Historic Old Town
Do not miss a visit to historic Old Town Presqu’ile … quaint old buildings, narrow cobblestone streets; explore the traboules, built in 4th century – covered passageways between buildings, connecting parts of old Lyons city, allowing locals to get from home to the Saone River and workshops quickly in olden days …
Surrounded by historical buildings all around – Theatre des Celestins (now municipal theatre with contemporary and classical repertoire), Museum of Institut Lumiere (museum to honour contribution to filmmaking by Auguste and Louis Lumiere, inventors of cinematographe), Palais de justice historique de Lyon (originally courthouse; now historic courthouse of Lyons) …
Just walk in and explore what they have to offer.
Especially notable is Place des Jacobins – a square and fountain listed World Heritage Site – most famous in Lyon, located in center of 2nd arrondissement (municipal subdivision) of Lyon; with 12 streets leading to it.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere
Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere on top of Fourviere Hill. Sit and admire exquisite stainglass windows … painted arched ceilings, walls – Romanesque, Gothic Revival and Neo-Byzantine style … white and blue marble … pink granite and green onyx. See reflections from stainglass windows on pillars, walls – kaleidoscope of colours, vibrant and enchanting!
Do you know this Basilica receives about 2 million visitors annually – Wow !
Culinary Arts Tradition
Lyons is also known as “the gastronomic capital of the world” … 3-star Michelin chefs … Lyonnaise cuisine; home of renown chef Paul Bocuse’s culinary school …
Two of France’s best-known wine-growing regions are located near Lyons – Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone regions.
Unsurprisingly, another Lyon tradition – typical brunch food – “machons”, made of local charcuterie is favoured by locals usually accompanied by Beaujolais red wine, naturally.
Traditional local dishes include coq au vin (braised chicken with red wine, mushrooms) quenelle (poached creamed fish or meat with egg), salade lyonnaise (lettuce, bacon croutons, poached egg).
Today, modern French cuisine is influenced by African, Asian and other European cultures – making delightful French dishes lighter, less rich and even more delectable !
River Cruise
Enjoy a short river cruise on the Soane, joining up with the Rhone River eventually. See numerous 3-D artistic representations along river by various artists … more 17th and 18th century historic buildings, narrow streets, numerous bridges, places of interests, including replica of the Eiffel tower.
Conclusion
Surrounded by history, UNESCO Heritage sites, like most European cities, Lyons offers unique experience of history mingled with Italian/French influences, traditions and culture. Add on unique classical Lyonnaise cuisine, artistic flair, elegant dining experiences …
A combination like no other in France !
