After Paris, I headed to Lyon via TGV - the high-speed train that is highly accessible and convenient to use for traveling throughout all of France. The two hour ride flew by as I marveled at the beauteous countryside full of vibrant yellows and greens. Though I was hoping to see some sunflower and lavender fields, which struck me on my first TGV journey six years ago with my French class, there were none - I guess summer is the season for that.
Nonetheless, I arrived at the Gare Part-Dieu and made my way to the family-run Hotel Victoria, conveniently located a block away from a main metro/bus/tram/train station, Perrache.
After spending some time talking to the lovely receptionist, Niels, who turns out is the nephew of the hotel owner and is currently in his last year of law school, I learned about all the must-see places and set off to the Medieval Renaissance district called Vieux Lyon (literally: Old Lyon).
I quickly found out that Lyon is a city built on a hill, where the highest point is the La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière - an enormous, picturesque church that boasts the most spectacular view of all of Lyon.
That is, if you can climb all the way up the infinite amount of stairs to see it…
Viex Lyon is comprised of a plethora of rustic buildings that remind me of a typical Italian town (at least what I imagine one to be like) - with thatched roofs, cracking walls, cute stair alleyways, and cobblestone paths. Such a pleasureful and warming view from above.
I reached the top just a few minutes before the church closed for mass and luckily got to spend a few minutes inside. Unfortunately, picture-taking wasn’t allowed, so I can’t show you how stunning is was, but take my word for it - it’s worth the climb up. Easily the most beautiful interior I have ever seen, the turquoise and gold colors shimmered in the light that seeped through the intricate stained glass windows. The high-rising ceiling bore a classic gothic stone style and was decorated by mosaics in the same color-repertoire as the rest of the decor. Such a breath-taking sight that, when compounded with the view outside, easily places the La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière as one of my top favorites.
After marveling at the church, I walked back down the mountain to the downtown of View Lyon, where there was a lot of activity on a Saturday night. Unique boutiques - chocolate, honey, silk, interior decor, pirate-themed, jewelry - were all open, beckoning to come inside. But I was on a mission to find a typical Lyonnaise Bouchon restaurant to have a classic Lyonnaise meal. After strolling though the streets, I found a decently-priced (15 euros for a three-course meal) place right on the main street and took my place on the terrace because the temperate weather was perfect in the evening.
I was eating alone, which as it turns out, is not something that the French are okay with for dinner. Lunch alone in the park is totally acceptable, but not dinner at a restaurant. Oh well! Luckily, I sat down at a table next to a lovely madame and monsieur, who struck up a conversation with me when they heard that I spoke English. Neither of them knew much English at all, so we spoke in French and actually held a two-hour long conversation! I was so happy and proud of myself! Granted, I stumbled a lot, spoke like a two-year-old trying to explain something, and was corrected on my grammar, but it was amazing! They were so kind and interesting, and they really helped me, giving me a boost of confidence when they said that my accent was wonderful and that I just had to practice speaking more and learn more vocabulary. That dinner made my night, if not my whole stay in Lyon.
Oh and did I mention that the food was remarkable too?
The ‘Salade Lyonnaise’ - romaine salad with chunks of bacon and a poached egg.
Very typical Lyon entrée - warm sausage with boiled potatoes. And chocolate mousse for desert. I was going to choose the dessert cheese platter (another French classic), but there was no more room in my stomach for such a heavy dish. Next time!
Walking back to my hotel on the first night, I was completely contented, and when I saw this view of the church from my window - utterly satisfied and happy.
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