Lyon

 

We sailed up the Rhone into Lyon, arriving just after 7:30am. We were just heading up to breakfast as we pass the confluence museum, a very unusual building. A light breakfast this morning after a wonderful but heavy dinner last night. Ian and I spent some time in Lyon about 7 years ago, and we're very happy to visit again. Although it's another brilliantly sunny day, it's quite a bit cooler this morning, about 10C, so jackets, hats and scarves are worn. Our included tour today first took us by bus up to Notre Dame de Fourviere, a basilica on top of the hill that is visible from most of the city center. It's a very ornate church in "eclectic" style. There is also a radio tour that looks like a mini Eiffel Tower. You get a great view of the whole city from here. The cherry trees and the wisteria are in full bloom. We then drove down to Vieux Lyon, situated along the banks of the Saone River. The streets are very narrow, and there are also hidden passages called traboules. If you don't know they are there it just looks like an ordinary doorway. Lots of people around although it's a Monday morning. We did hear that it's the start of the Easter school holidays. We spent some time wandering around, then back to the ship for lunch.

Right after lunch, Ian and I decide to walk over to the big market named for Paul Boucuse, the father of Lyonnaise gastronomy. Because it's a Monday a lot of the stalls are closed, but we see some incredible looking food at pretty incredible prices! The walk along the river is very nice. As the University is nearby there are lots of students out sunning themselves, and lots of people walking, running or biking along the paths. There are lots of bicyclist in Lyon often travelling at high speed, so you need to look out! There is an outdoor Olympic size pool, and even an outdoor gym that was being well used.

Back at the ship there is a fascinating talk about the French Resistance in WW2. Lyon was the center for the resistance, and the lecturer had both French and German background. 











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