DAY TRIP: LYON
After going to a lot of smaller cities in France in a row, Lyon took my breath away with how lively and bustling it was! The sun smiled down on me as I took in the sights and every charming corner. I would definitely suggest spending more time in Lyon if you have the opportunity, but! If you only have one day, this is how I would spend it as a first timer:
From Paris, the train takes about two hours. Once you get to Lyon, head over to the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Honestly this was not my most favorite fine arts museum, so please check their website for available collections to see if it is something that interests you! There is a really serene tucked away little garden oasis area before the actual museum entrance, the museum has a decent sized room filled with sculptures, and a lot of space dedicated to their Egyptian collection. Then take a moment to walk past the Opera House of Lyon, as it is very close to the museum.
the little courtyard just before the museum entrance
Once you’ve had your fill of art, make your way to Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon. This area of the city is very charming, and I particularly found Rue St. Jean to be delightful! As you walk along this street, you will hear musicians playing, and in a span of ten minutes, I passed a band, a harpist, and a violinist! There are cobblestoned streets with old timey signs hanging overhead to invite you into shops and restaurants, which were sprinkled amongst each other. The shop that beckoned to me (and should call to you as well) is called Pralus. Their iconic product is the praluline, a brioche stuffed with incredible praline chips. Since this product was first released in 1955, the recipe nor the love for this incredibly sweet treat has changed. This brioche lasts a couple of days, so if you are headed home and want to bring something back for someone to try, this is a wonderful option (if you don’t eat it first!) You can also purchase the pink pralines separately (they are fantastic and another great gift option!!)
Vieux Lyon
If you follow this street, a square appears and you will find yourself in front of Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste. To me, this Roman Catholic Church feels inviting, as there are not a lot of grey tones but rather more warm yellow tones. The stain glassed windows allow for a lot of natural light to stream through, so I encourage you to sit and admire the architecture, the windows, and the tranquility for a moment before heading back out into the streets of Lyon!
la Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste
Next up is the Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière (the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière), which is a roman theatre in Lyon. The theatre is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and what a site it is to behold in person. You could take the funicular up a very steep hill to get to the theatre or you can be like me and walk up! Right before you step into the theatre itself, there is a lookout point so you get to see the theatre from afar, which is really cool! I was very moved once I was standing in the theatre where hundreds of years ago people sat and watched comedies, public executions, and gladiator fights, with this incredible landscape as their backdrop. I highly recommend visiting!
Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière
Just five minutes away from the theatre is the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière. When you approach the structure, you will be amazed at how much of a presence it has on the hill, and what particularly struck me about the interior was all of the mosaic tiles used. You will be able to see these things and MUCH more if you take the 90-minute guided tour of the basilica, which truly leaves no stone unturned. Please note that the tour is in French (with a very kind guide!) and you will be climbing up the basilica all the way to the top, walking across the roof, and getting possibly one of the most fantastic views I’ve ever seen while accessing a city structure!
view from atop the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière
You can take the funicular down if your thighs have just about had it, or take the steps all the way back down the hill. I hope you have a wonderful time in Lyon, and appreciate the sights as much as I did!
