We are moving on down the river...in a ship that was named just for me...do you think they commissioned it right before I booked this trip...it was a lovely, small ship with only 44 passengers..It was easy to get to know everyone and fortunately we had a wonderful, fun loving group...and in my estimation our tour guide was one of the very best we've ever had...so important to have a great tour guide...I would cruise this trip again just to spend more time with her..so here we are in Lyon..a favorite spot of mine..
We arrive in Lyon early in the morning before the city starts to move..I wake up early and go for a walk..one of the things that I love about Southern France is that, in general it is safe to walk around...Lyon was like that...the light and the warmth were beautiful this morning and I enjoyed some free time on my own...to try and take in the beauty that surrounded me...Lyon is a city in east-central France in the Rhone-Alps region. It sits between Paris and Marseille. The city is known for it's historical and architectural landmarks as an important area for the production and weaving of silk and in modern times has developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France..the city is also know for it's famous light festival, Fete des Lumieres which occurs every December 8th and lasts 4 days, earning Lyon the title Capital of Lights. Legend says that Virgin Mary saved the city from the plague and, to thank her, a statue was built. On the day it was erected, the whole city was lit by candles that the citizens put in their windows..and each December they still light those candles..Lyon is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
Later in the day we went to visit the Basilica Note-Dame de fourviere...It was built with private funds between 1872 and 1884 in a dominating position in the city. Fourviere is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary for saving the city from the sweeping epidemic of cholera...it is an impressive building.
Basilica on the hill and the stairs leading up to it...the building can be seen anywhere in the city. We did not climb those stairs but went up a hill on the other side...fortunately the bus took us up quite a ways so our walk was much less than what these poor folks were doing.
Ah my favorite part...shopping...as you can see, the streets get busy and the bikes come out, along with the walkers..the French people are much more fit and trim than us American's...it was not hard to figure that out and it was also obvious why...they WALK AND BIKE everywhere...no butter with bread, no bread basket appetizer..small portions, oh my they were small but after a few days you realized that they were plenty big enough. Each meal always consisted of soup, salad, entree and dessert...and lots and lots of wine...so delicious. If you really want to know how they do it...a really great and fun read is "French Woman Don't Get Fat". Since reading the book I try to pay more attention to some of the tips...but while there...not so much. We did walk everywhere though. Shopping was my thing..I love everything French and someday I will show you my shoes and bag and scarf...and blah, blah blah...and remember the tour guide that I mentioned earlier...well how do I know she is really so good...because she told me exactly where to go to get those shoes...
I had to add the wisteria...it was so beautiful and so abundant...draping over fences and walls like a fine piece of silk...colors in shades of purple and lavender...I swear it had a scent of romance to it...just to tease you and stop you short in your tracks...it was spring there, real spring...and it invaded my senses...
From the deck on the ship we would gather and enjoy the views of the city as we glided down the river...no hurry, no where to be...just this one day to gather memories for a life time...Lyon will enter your heart and never let go...well, that is until you get to Avignon..but that's for another day...