Rest Day in Lyon
Lyon is a vibrant and historic city located in east-central France. It is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and culinary excellence. Here's some information about Lyon and its pronunciation:
Pronunciation: Lyon is pronounced as "lee-ohn" in French. The "Ly" is pronounced like "lee," and the "on" is pronounced like "awn." In phonetic terms, it's often written as [lee-awn].
Key Points about Lyon:
Historical Significance: Lyon is one of France's oldest cities and has a long and storied history that dates back to Roman times. The city's historical past is evident in its architecture, including Roman ruins, Renaissance buildings, and well-preserved medieval streets.
Cultural Hub: Lyon is a thriving cultural hub with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene and hosts various events, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.
Gastronomic Capital: Lyon is often referred to as the "Food Capital of France" and is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene. The city is famous for its bouchons, traditional Lyon restaurants that serve local specialties such as quenelles, coq au vin, and the iconic Lyonnaise salad. The city's culinary reputation is further enhanced by its many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Traboules: Lyon is known for its traboules, which are hidden passageways that connect courtyards and buildings. These traboules are a unique feature of the city and offer a glimpse into its historical architecture and culture.
Festivals: Lyon hosts numerous festivals and events, including the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières), which is a spectacular light display that illuminates the city's buildings and landmarks in December.
Silk Heritage: Lyon has a historical connection to the silk industry and played a significant role in the development of silk production in France. Visitors can learn about this heritage at the Musée des Tissus (Museum of Textiles) and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts).
Presqu'île: The Presqu'île is the city's bustling central peninsula located between the Rhône and Saône Rivers. It's a vibrant area with shopping, dining, and many of the city's landmarks, making it a hub for tourists and locals alike.
Lyon is a dynamic and culturally rich city that offers a blend of history, art, culinary delights, and a unique regional culture. Its historical significance and contemporary vibrancy make it a must-visit destination in France.
I thought I would be able to skip pedaling uphill. Then, going up to the Cathedral made me go uphill again and was sweating when I reached the top. But then, you are rewarded with a view and a Sunday’s mass going on.
Staying here for a full day is nothing. It isn’t enough. Perhaps a week to know more the city. I was here many years ago, but it was just one day. I always like to stay longer and get to the point that you feel like a local; that would be ideal. For one day, I got to discover things like where to go grocery shopping, and discovered best boulangerie in town. With its colors and aroma, I ended up splurging 14 Euros of pastries and sandwich. It was the best decision I’ve ever made, then I stopped by here again to pick up pastries and sandwich to go.
My rest day was exploring what’s going on around like the open market, the monuments and fountains around, and of course, another mass in the center. There are lots to thank for. Being able to get here safe and sound. And all the beautiful sceneries, the rivers, the people, food and wine, the campsites around, and all the unexpected challenges.
