Around Europe in Twenty Days( Lyon- The City of Lights

(Panaromic view of the city of Lyon)

The city of Lyon looked very impressive with a railway station that was very huge. It has connectivity to major cities of Europe like Paris, Marseilles, Montpellier, Toulouse and Barcelona to name just a few. We stepped out of the station but not before indulging ourselves with fresh baked croissants, a sight difficult to resist. The hotel was located almost 15 km away from the station so with the metro we reached there in no time. The outskirts of the city was lush green with little traffic. After settling down in the hotel, we explored the city till late evening. Lyon is a prominent city and is known for its delectable cuisine and gastronomic delights, besides, UNESCO World heritage sites, silk weaving and major banking, pharmaceutical, chemical and biotech industries. As the darkness set in, we returned back to the hotel for the nights rest, as the city glittered in neon lights.

(Parc de la Tete d’Or)

Our first destination after the breakfast was the Parc de la Tete d’Or meaning the Golden Park. It is located in the heart of the city and is spread over a sprawling area of 117 hectares and has a deer park, a lake and a boating club. Many people visit this during the summer time to get a feel of the nature.

( Cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon)

We continued to the Part Dieu station and then to Part Dieu Shopping area and the mall just adjacent to the railway station. The swarming crowds were an indication of the popularity of the place.

( Found a Pinnochio in a curio shop of Vieux Lyon)

Our next halt was the Vieux Lyon( or the Old Lyon). The place is from the times of Renaissance and was the first cultural site to get protection under the Malraux Law in 1954.It is located at the foot of the Fourviere hill and has three distinct sections, Saint Jean, Saint Paul and Saint Georges. Each of these is stepped in French history. The quaint small shops, cobbled alleyways and curio shops are the hallmark of the old town.

( Traboules- The World UNO Heritage site)

The place is also famous for ‘Traboules’. The Traboulesare corridors through buildings and courtyards, connecting one street with another. The stories are engraved on the buildings about each of these traboules and how they were used by traders and also as escape routes during the French Revolution. It is a treat for the visitors to explore the narrow secret passages and winding staircases. This area has been declared as the UN Heritage site. There is a galore of architectural beauty of the Gothic buildings, churches and old harbor that entice the visitors. The old marketplace of Rue St. Jean has been well preserved and is a huge attraction for the aromas of freshly prepared ‘crepes’ and patisserie.

Adjacent to the old town the River Rhone flows serenely and the view around this is a perfect picture postcard setting. The gentle breeze along the walkway is refreshing and the young mothers pushing the prams with tiny tots add to the beauty. The famous ‘Rene Nardone’ chocolate ice creams can make the heart of even those who desist the desserts melt, at the very sight.

(Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere)

The imposing structure atop the highest point is the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere. As the history goes, Fourviere is dedicated to Virgin Mary who brought salvation from a bubonic plague that swept Europe in 1643. Each year the people thank Virgin Mary in the first week of December by lighting candles throughout the city in what is known as the Festival of Lights. The structure has four main towers and a bell top adorned with a statue of Mother Mary. The building is also known as ‘an upside down elephant’ among locals as the body of the church and four spires resemble the inverted elephant!

(Roman Amphitheatre in the backdrop)

A ride on the ‘Funicular’ on the Fourvier hill brought us to the 15 BC structure of the ‘Roman Amphitheatre’ site. The theater has a 90 m diameter. Our attention was diverted from the sight as a young motorbike driver speeding down the hill lost control and crashed on the road, without sustaining any injuries.

After a very jam packed day, we returned back absorbing the beauty of Lyon. The next day was planned for journey to yet another destination, Barcelona . The story will follow…..