We have spent the past 5 days enjoying Lyon, but first a backtrack on the previous week.We left Champagne and headed to Sully Sur Loire for an overnight stop.
We went via Provins, a UNESCO listed Medieval walled village. It had a charming little town square and the coffee was not too bad either!
Rhonda is disappointed that it is too early for the sunflowers , however the canola (or rape seed as it is known here) is still pretty colourful.
Sully Sur Loire has a magnificent 14th Century Chateau which we spent a couple of hours meandering through.Greg would like to purchase one but he thought that the upkeep may be a tad high, and one would get their feet wet mowing the lawns!
We then spent 3 days eating and drinking with our French family. As per usual we had a great time, and it was lovely to meet all our French Grandchildren! Of course it was no where near as good as our own little Abigail, who we miss terribly! Then we arrived in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France!
We are staying in the district of Monplaisir-Lumiere, the birthplace of cinematography, and a 4 Metro stop ride from the middle of town!
This villa , around the corner from us, was the home of Antoine Lumiere who made the first film. It dominates Monplaisir Square.
The Square is our “local” where of course , we partake in aperitifs MOST nights! No both those drinks are not for Greg!
We spend the days wandering around Vieux Lyon, the old Medieval part of town with its lovely cobbled streets , and the traboules , which are passageways between streets dating back to the 4th Century.
The traboules were originally used by the Silk Merchants to transport their silk , and keep it dry. Most now serve as entrances to apartments.
The Lawyers House dates back to the 15th Century and was influenced by architecture from Florence. It looks very Italian!
More ABC’s……….We have visited the 2 main churches in Lyon.
The Basilica sits on top of the Fouviere Hill. It is relatively new….built between 1872 and 1884. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary for saving Lyon from the Bubonic Plague, cholera and the Prussian Army!
When you see the inside you understand that she must have done a good job! It is very ornate with stunning mosaic work , and in our opinion , a little over the top!
We also visited the Cathedral of Saint Jean the Baptiste , completed in 1476, and decorated with 260 stone figures. it was quite plain on the inside compared to the Basilica.
The view from from the top of Fouviere Hill is quite spectacular and well worth the climb up……we actually took the funicular to save Greg’s knees! We cannot lie!
Two rivers run through Lyon, the Rhone and the Saone. The views along them are very pretty.
The Hotel De Ville, or Town Hall is rather spectacular, built in 1665.
Walking the newer part of town is totally different from the old with large boulevards and Squares with stunning buildings.
We made a visit to Les Halles De Paul Bocouse, a very stylist indoor market.
Rhonda’s birthday lunch was bought there! Three year old Compte cheese…….sensational, Roquefort cheese as well and the best bread we have tasted. Sweets were yummy macrons and it was all washed down with a bottle…..or maybe 2 of great champers!
The food is fantastic but not good for the waistline or hips, but of course one must try!
Lyon is full of Bouchons which is a restaurant that only serves Lyonaisse cuisine.
We have tried some, but others……NO WAY! The andouillettes, which was described to us as a tripe sausage which smells like 3day old urine , was definitely not something that we were going to put in mouths! However the saucisson in red wine , and the fish quenelles were delicious.
We leave Lyon tomorrow and head to a little village called Biot, which is about 15 kilometres up a hill from Cannes! Although the weather the past few days has been a little showery, the temperatures are up around 22 degrees so it’s not cold!
It is now 5pm , so yep, it’s that time!
See ya later!
Gros bisous a tous!
Greg and Rhonda
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greondastravels 
Wonderful photos and descriptions as always. Glad to see you’re still enjoying the fine things in life. Ken and Lotte have started their trip away and I hope you have found their blog. They are so thankful for all your help in getting it started. Love from us – Pam and Michael. xx
Trouble is though Pam and Michael, that the finer things in life, do not like your waistline!!!!! Looks like hard work at the gym AGAIN, when we get home! Loved all the food in Lyon, it was hard to resist! Ken and Lotte will have a great time…just hope their blog goes ok! Take care love Greg and Rhonda xx
Love hearing of all your tales, can nearly taste the food and wine
Yes particularly the smelly sausage ????? Was never ever going to try that one! Even had 2 AFD’s since we have been away! Not bad eh!!!
Fantastic photos, we also loved Lyon and enjoyed walking around Vieux Lyon. The traboules are also very interesting. Drooling over photos of all the lovely food. Enjoy next stage of your trip.
Greg’s knees didn’t enjoy the cobblestones much, but it was always an excuse to sit and have a coffee…..or a drink! hope your recuperation is going well, and presume you are counting down the days!! Xx
Glad to hear your still enjoying thr fog and wine .Don’t worry the gym will still be there and excess weight is’nt excess baggage.
Yes but the excess clothes that we will have to buy cause the ones we bought will be too small will be excess baggage!!! Xx
Ps stayed in Sully Sur Loire back in 1991