When visiting France, most people go to Paris. Although the “City of Love” can indeed be breath-taking, there are plenty of other cities in France, where you will have a more authentic and traditional French experience. Lyon, the third largest city in France, located in the southeast, will definitely impress you. I have lived there for two years and it never ceases to amaze me. Below are 5 reasons why Lyon should be the next destination on your bucket list.
Lyon is known as the French capital of gastronomy. There are plenty of unique Lyon dishes, most of which you can try in “bouchons”, family-owned bistros that have typical rustic decor and cosy atmosphere. You can choose between many hearty home-made specialties, such as smoky pork sausage, tripes, or creamed fish with bread crumbs called “quenelle”. Then there is also the Lyon salad and tasty desserts such as flaky beignets “bugnes” or bright pink “tarte praline”. When it comes to cheese, Lyon offers the St-Marcelin and St-Félicien varieties, which are my personal favourites.
Vieux Lyon is the city’s old town and it used to be the centre of industry and the home of Lyon silk workers. You can visit a couple of interesting museums here or explore secret corridors called “traboules” through buildings and courtyards taking you from one street to the other. In the past, “traboules” allowed workmen and craftsmen to transport clothes and other textiles through the city while remaining sheltered from bad weather. With its cobblestone narrow streets, quaint restaurants and impressive Saint-Jean Cathedral, Vieux Lyon is the perfect place for leisurely window-shopping or a romantic evening stroll.
There are two hills in Lyon that will definitely attract your attention. Fourvière Hill used to be the city’s centre when the Romans founded Lyon, around 2,000 years ago. It is thus a very interesting place to discover and understand Lyon’s history. I’d especially recommend visiting the ancient theatre and the odeon during the Fourvière Night Festival. Several churches were built on the hill; the most emblematic one is basilica Basilique de Fourvière, which dominates the whole city of Lyon. The other hill worth visiting is in the district of La Croix-Rousse, where you can admire impressive murals and colourful street art.
Besides the covered food-market Halles Paul Bocuse, named after the famous French chef Paul Bocuse, Lyon offers many bustling outdoor markets. My favourite one is the Saint Antoine Farmers Market which is open every day except Monday. Farmers set up their market tables along the banks of the Saône River. It’s a great authentic way to discover how French people value food and see the art of selling cheese, wine, and saucisson. Do not forget to get some Mediterranean olives and juicy chicken sausages with freshly baked bread and have a delicious picnic by the river.
With two big rivers flowing through the city of Lyon, there are several beautiful pedestrian bridges that offer some spectacular views. My favourite is the Passerelle Saint Vincent, which links the Presqu’île to the Vieux Lyon across the Saône River with a stunning view of the basilica. You can attach a padlock with your name or the name of your loved one to the bridge. Another lovely bridge is the Passerelle du Collège, built in 1844, which crosses the Rhône River and leads you to the festive river banks and floating bars “péniches”.
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