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Published: August 6th 2007
Classic
Still signs of classic French cars on the roads. This one was plastered in flowers and driven by a very cute Mademoiselle! Lyon - Driving our new VW family car I thankfully feel completely inconspicuous …. The French are crazy fast drivers, yet ironically patient and courteous. I have not once been hassled or honked and thus keep my focus on turning into the right lane, whilst reading signs I don’t recognise and changing gear all at the same time. It definitely stimulating! Once near Lyon I was happy to leave the car at home and travel by train into town.
Lyon is full of youths zipping from place to place on motor scooters or hanging out at cafes or corner shops. The boys are either uber cool in a slightly sleazy kind of way or clean cut and well behaved. The girls could be from anywhere and I can’t find one defining characteristic that sets them apart.
We are conspicuous either as a couple and if its not that, it will be the extra attention given to Betty’s plume of red hair and matching lipstick. Several men have made kissing sounds as we pass, which can be somewhat disconcerting. Thankfully the hoards will keep us from harm, the streets are literally seething with people.
Our plan was to
rent a couple of bicycles owned by the city called ‘Velo-V’. A program set up to provide the people of Lyon a cheap transport alternative. There are literally thousands of these very simple ladies styled bikes that come complete with lights and a basket. They are available from parking bays all around the city that hold about 20 bikes. Beside the bay is a vending machine where you purchase a card that allows access to the bicycles. Each bike is locked into an electronic stand that is unlocked as you swipe the card. ½ hour of use costs 1 euro, after that the rate increases depending on the time spent on one bike. You can ride one bike to a parking bay ½ hour away and exchange it for another and again only pay 1 euro.
Unfortunately the system would only take French credit cards, but is soon to accept international. So we missed out on the VeloV experience. It would have been welcomed that day as we dragged our tired bones from one end of Lyon to the other in 30 degree heat.
Lyon is famous for Silk Weaving and after paying a visit to the Museum Of
Decorative Arts I was intent on seeing a tradition loom in action. Unfortunately we underestimated a trip to the Basilica where the Huge golden ‘Vierge’ stands atop the massive pale columned place of worship. She is ominous and leans forward at you as though she falling off her podium. We legged it down the hill through the Jardin du Rosiers away from the other tourists. It was so hot that we gave up on making it to the weavers studio in time for a demo, and instead found a general store and purchased a baguette, ham and cold drinks to eat for lunch.
Kate
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Griffith 'Lamond' Martainnn
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goddess
more photos of french cars and/or women please...or combine even ...a la citroen goddess! !are you following the route of the tour? where will you end up to watch it? or is that not on the schedule?