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Not knowing anything about Lyon we had no ‘to do’ list to tick off, or expectations. So it was a nice surprise to find many unique and interesting things to see and do here. We also were pretty happy and comfortable to be back in semi familiar French language and currency again.
Our first day here we went to the top of the hill where Lyons Notre Dame is. The view was fantastic from here. Out over Lyons two rivers and across to the swiss alps. The city looked cool with all the terracotta roofs and extra tall chimneys and all the buildings pretty much the same height except for the skyscraper they call the pencil. Nearby (and with the same great views) were two old roman amphitheatres, the biggest dating back to 15BC. They were interesting to walk around, and be amazed at the ingenious building design and techniques they had back then. Lyon runs concerts and shows all summer long in them now, so they were setting up for that. It seemed a shame to see the modern structures (light towers etc) mingled in with the old, but it would be a great experience to watch a concert
there.
We then explored the old area (yet another UNESCO world heritage site) which was famous for it’s old silk trade and the traboules (tunnels connecting houses) which the silk traders developed to transport their silks without having to go out in the rain. Quite a few of them were open to the public. It was weird walking through them as it felt like we were intruding into the back of peoples houses – which we were. Also in this area was a fascinating miniature and film museum. They had dozens of intricately made miniature scenes, including some cityscapes and sets that were used in the production of some films. I was most intrigued by a series of matchsticks carved into amazingly detailed figures and animals. (They were displayed behind a magnifying glass to fully appreciate the level of detail). The also had a huge collection of figures and memorabilia from large range of movies including Star Wars, Narnia, and the Last Samarai.
We finished off our first days sightseeing with a boat trip. The centre of Lyon is on the peninsular where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, so the trip went down the Saone to the
confluence (the rivers are different shades apparently), up the Rhone and back again. The best part was seeing all the modern development happening at the tip of the peninsular. There were really funky apartment buildings and corporate headquarters and a huge new museum (still under construction). My favourite was a bright orange block of swiss cheese lookalike. My impression of Lyon is that is has a really go ahead modern attitude, while still appreciating and preserving the old. I have loved this city for seeing the oldest buildings (amphitheatre) alongside the most modern (architecture and sculptures).
We went to a museum of The Resistance and Deportation, which covered Lyon and Frances involvement in the second world war, particularly in relation to sending the Jews and gypsies to the concentration camps. It was fascinating and the girls were very interested in it all. We ended up being there for two hours. I was surprised to learn that France had the same laws as Germany in the early years with regard to the segregation and ‘processing’ of the Jews. They also had a big book detailing the building and operating instructions for Auschwitz, which was quite chilling.
Our hotel was
in a perfect location, in the heart of the city and at the start of a long street of restaurants. It was easy making the meal choice each day, well in terms of restaurant any way. The Lyonnaise specialty is pig parts and offal, so I was avoiding those items on the menus.
Lyon was extremely hot (as has been Zurich and Strasbourg), with temperatures reaching 30deg, although apparently this was unseasonal for them, and what they’d expect in the middle of summer.
Lyon has had its fair share of beggars, as with every other city, but the difference here was a lot were woman with babies. Very sad.
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