Lyon France
I went to Lyon France with friends and while it wasn’t a place I would ever have chosen to go it was definitely fun and I was very pleasantly surprised. With beautiful markets lovely walks, fabulous restaurants it was so much fun. It was cold though which was OK as it just meant more shopping.
Lyon Sunday Market
Every Sunday morning there is a beautiful market on the banks of the Saône. With booksellers on one side, food market and craft sellers on the other. Artists sit here showing their wares and the atmosphere is magical.
Lyon and Unesco
The city is known for its historical and architectural landmarks and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Lyon was historically known as an important area for the production and weaving of silk and in modern times has developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France. It has a significant role in the history of cinema thanks to Auguste and Louis Lumiere the inventors of cinematographe in Lyon. The city is also known for its famous light festival ‘Fete des Luminieres’ which occurs every 8 December and lasts for four days, earning Lyon the title of Capital of Lights. Legend says that the Virgin Mary saved the city f Lyon France from the plague and, to thank her, a statue was built. On the day it was erected, the whole city was lit by candles that its citizens had put at their windows. The local professional football team is called Olympique Lyonnais. http://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en
not my photo
Lyon is a major centre for banking, chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. The city of Lyon France contains a significant software industry with a particular focus on video games, and in recent years has fostered a growing local start-up sector. Lyon is the international headquarters of Interpol and Euronews. Lyon is ranked 2nd in France as an economic centre and convention centre. Lyon was ranked 8th globally and 2nd in France for innovation in 2011. It ranked 2nd in France and 38th globally in Mercer’s 2010 livability rankings.
Lyon traboules – secret passages
One of the cool things I did was to take a walking tour of the traboules. These are passage ways built originally for silk traders to protect their fabric from rain. The buildings were designed to hold animals on the lower level and live upstairs and the merchants displayed wares at their front door stoops. Another tidbit was how the French Resistance used the traboules to hide from the Nazis in WWII. Even in the 1960’s this old town area was without electricity and other services and the whole area was in danger of being razed in the name of progress. It is now highly sought wonderfully restored and tells its own history. The traboules give access to little courtyards which in turn give access to the homes and apartments. The streets were not even cobble-stoned until the 1980’s. The people who live in this area are very accommodating of tourists traipsing through their homes. Try to respect them so they will continue allowing us to do so. Only few people there know all these doors. I definitely recommend the visit. http://www.en.lyon-france.com/Guided-Tours-Excursions/Unforgettable/Vieux-Lyon-and-its-Traboules
Lyon – best place to drink & learn about their wine
For a great place to drink wine check out Harmonie Des Vins, 9 rue Neuve. Lyon is surrounded on all sides by some of the best wine producing areas in the world. This is a bar devoted to all fruits of the vines. Serving a huge selection by the glass, carafe and bottle. Take your pick from the drinks list and match it with the tasty regular plats du jour. The interior blends old stone walls with contemporary furnishings. They hold frequent tasting events for you to broaden your knowledge of the grape and taste a few top flight wines.
My favourite memory is walking along the banks of the river and watching the artists work away in the freezing cold. That moment sticks in my head. The sheer beauty of that spot. It was so cold I bought a hat at one of the market stalls.
Lyon is fabulous and a favourite of many French citizens. I would definitely go back. Next stop Paris.
I flew here from Dublin
