Longing for Lyon

Lyon © Martin Boulanger

Shopping and sightseeing when it’s 35 degrees Celsius outside is not the best combination, but despite the hot weather we enjoyed our stay in Lyon. After a quick breakfast purchased in a health food shop at Course Vitton we walked to the big park Parc de la Tete D´Or, not far from Boulevard des Brotteaux. We crossed the river near the park and walked to the center of Lyon. Found the best shopping along the pedestrian Rue de la Republique, from Hotel de Ville to Place Bellecour. Place Bellecour is a big plaza where the tourist office ís located and on the other side is Rue Victor Hugo, also popular among shoppers.

In the afternoon we went up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere at Colline de Fourviere - a famous sight among visitors. The cathedral is open daily from 6am – 7pm. We followed Montee Saint-Barthelemy that leads to Place Saint-Paul, but you can also take the Metro to Vieux Lyon. Don’t miss the pretty rose garden below the cathedral.

Summer evenings in Lyon are perfect for a stroll along the river, the lights on the bridges create a special atmosphere to the water front. Lyon is much more beautiful at night because many buildings in the city are illuminated when it’s dark outside.

During our visit in Lyon we stayed at Hotel Britania, a two-star hotel at 17 rue du Professeur Weill. Sometimes it’s better to go for location rather than look and that’s exactly what we did when choosing Britania, the only inexpensive place we could find close to The Part Dieu Station. The hotel is located on a quiet road in the 6th district close to the business center. It’s an acceptable place to sleep, but don’t expect anything more. Instead, head out and explore Lyon!

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