Exploring Worlds, Old & New

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SEE LYON

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Table of Contents: 
SEE ANCIENT LYON.
LYON TOWN AND AREA
NEARBY

See Lyon for its old, but leave time for the new.
Lyon Old and New.

See Lyon, the old and the new.

With a history that proceeds Ceaser and cuisine that defies expectation, you should see Lyon and taste it.

And there is more to this area, two + hours train ride south of Paris.

Come, let’s see Lyon, old and new. You will understand why a few hours is not enough time to experience this magical area.

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See Lyon

The main reason people come to Lyon is for the UNESCO Historic Site of Lyon. 

That by itself is worth seeing.

But there are other sites not on the list that are fascinating.

And there is the cuisine. With more than ten Michelin-star restaurants in the city, they know something about cooking.

And there is the local wine. We better start exploring.

 

You will see Lyon has a buffet of architectural styles.
Buildings in Old (Vieux) Lyon

 

The large theater still hosts performances almost 2000 years later.
Signs from Lyon’s Roman beginnings.

 

Only important cities would have an odeon.
The Odeon reveals information about Lyon (Lugdunum) centuries later.

 

It contains a few architectual styles due to improvements over the centuries.
One of (the?) oldest houses in Lyon is across from the Temple du Change.

 

It is no longer a destination but a landmark.
The Metallic Tower is a nod to Mr. Eiffel.

 

The street fronts on many old houses are plain while the interiors are where the decorating took place.
The courtyards are where Lyon’s life is taking place.

 

Many people can spend the better part of a day looking, listening, and smelling the scent of the old town.
UNESCO has many buildings in the old section on their list.

 

One of the best ways to see Lyon is to just start walking and discover.
Take a walk and lose yourself.

 

When Christianity catches on, it does so in a big way.
For a town with a history of burning Christians, Lyon certainly has some great churches.

 

St Georges is a perfect accent to the waterfront.
Everywhere you look it seems there is a church.
The hillside location makes it hard to miss.
La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is visible from many places around town.

 

The terrace behind the church will let you see Lyon from a great height.
The bell tower of Notre Dame Fourviere Cathedral

 

You will see Lyon has so many fine details to stare at in wonder.
The (non-working) astronomical clock in the Cathedral of St. Jean.

 

A great way to taste and see Leon in one stop.
Once a hospital serving jello, the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon now hosts a gourmet dining experience.

 

Hidden passages open up a whole new view of Lyon.
Most of the streets of the old town are invisible. Make sure you see a traboules.
You will see Lyon takes on a whole new atmosphere after dark.
Take a leisurely stroll along Rue du Boeuf after dark.

It would be very easy to spend several days just in the old section of town. There is exploring small streets, great museums, and delightful cuisine. But make sure you get across the river to some of the newer sections.

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See Lyon Outside the Old Town.

As the city was growing, it spread across the Saone river and eventually the Rhone. There is plenty to see in these areas as well.

You will see Lyon has numerous works of architecture that are over the top
Architectural fragments on .the Lyon City Hall

 

Unfortunately, you can only see a small part of Lyon's Roman past.
There are Roman treasures in the new section of Lyon.

 

The people in government had very nice offices.
The City Hall is a palace.

 

Lyon likes showing off its wealth.
Palais de la Bourse is still home to the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Another example of the mighty government.
Although not in the new section of town, the Palais de justice is visible from the new area.

 

The facade is old, the interiors new.
The arts are important. Roman theaters make way for opera houses.

 

It is the third oldest theater in France.
Célestins Theater offering entertainment for more than 200 years.

 

The lack of high buildings around Place Bellecour allows you to see Lyon at a distance.
The view of Notre Dame from Place Bellecour.

 

A square is a great place to get a glimpse of Lyon life.
Squares (Place) are important places for locals to meet, such as Place des Jacobins.

 

The city has an incredible mixture of old and new.
The Lyon skyline.

So many people sail by on a river cruise or worse, zoom through on a highspeed train.

Stop and see the rose tower. Smell the bakeries and taste the award-winning cuisine. And not just in the city.

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Lyon and the Surrounding Area.

The history across this area of France is staggering. Starting with the Gauls, then the Romans, there is enough for a book.

Then came all the dukes, dutchesses, and that lot, not to mention the emperors and popes.

Burgundy would reach into Italy and Switzerland as the bordewrs would change frequently.
Once part of the Burgundy Duchy, the area is full of history.

 

The best remaining example is just west of town 20-minutes drive.
Of course, the Romans were here long before the dukes. There were four aqueducts feeding Lyon.

 

Spend a little downtime driving through old small villages and seeing the lands of the former duchies.

For those looking to eat and drink their way through the region, Lyon is a great base.

Read more about  Auvergne cuisine.

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See Lyon Summary

As you can see, Lyon and the surrounding area offers more than just some old buildings.

Make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the archeological site and museum, but save time for Old Lyon, new Lyon and the surrounding area.

And make sure to sample the local cuisine and wine.

Come, see Lyon and discover for yourself.

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