Lyon

I went to Lyon way back in December so this post is way overdue. Apologies.

In 2010/11 I was studying in Montréal. Two friends I made there were Cécile and Rob who both now live and study in Lyon. Making use of another of Spain's fantastic long weekends, I hopped on a quick flight and arrived in France's second city.

I fell in love with this place. Hook, line and sinker. Right in the heart. And not just because of the frankly ridiculous number of gorgeous Frenchmen on the metro, though this helped. Lyon is beautiful enough as it is, sitting astride two rivers majestically with its glorious architecture and Basilique de Fourvière peering down over the city. I, however, was in for an extra treat - the Fête des Lumières, Lyon's world-famous festival of lights. The Lyonnaise place candles on the outside windowsills of their homes, creating a beautiful ripple of light and warmth throughout the city.

Bystander, Bicycle and Basilique.

Spectacular light shows are put on. The Medieval Cathédrale Saint-Jean was the site of my favourite of these displays with dramatic music accompanying projections of intricate detail and beauty on the clear, stone facade of the church. We then took a trip on the funiculaire to the Basilique and, despite the freezing temperatures, were warmed by the twinkling lights of the city skyline.

The second day I was left to explore the city alone as Rob and Cécile were busy at university. After a fairly disastrous morning in which I got caught in an unexpected snow flurry whilst wearing ballet flats, I went home, re-dressed appropriately and headed out to Vieux Lyon. I went into the Basilique this time. Which was beautiful, aside from the fact that it was full of scaffolding. I was reminded of my mother's stories of her trip to Rome when the Sistine Chapel was closed for repainting. Then I did my favourite thing of just walking around and taking pictures. Sadly the crooked shop on the winding street selling 'livres anciens' was closed, but I got some nice photographs.

Fermé :(

Later that evening, Rob and I took the metro to the Croix-Rousse area of the city which sits atop a hill and looks down through winding old streets to the river(s). There was a gorgeous little Christmas market by the metro station and Rob and I sat on an alarmingly unstable picnic bench and wolfed down a gorgeous stew that cost 7 euro and tasted like heaven. Even street food in Lyon is the business.  After placing some bets on children racing Shetland ponies, we walked around for a bit and stumbled upon a fantastic little garden dolled up as a magic woodland for the festival. We then bounded down the uneven stone steps and streets towards town, stumbling upon rogue saxophonists, scientology centres and Montréal fast-food joint, Frites Alors! We were already full but at least my fellow adopted Montréalaise know where to get their poutine fix.

I DO believe in fairies!

I am always sad to leave a city. I was especially sad to leave Lyon. So sad, that I am considering applying for an English teaching post here. Mon dieu.