Surprising sunset, unique discoveries and a fantastic stay in Lyon, France.
This is another visual story as I Discover the magic of Lyon! Book it here: As I Hop on the Rail Euro for an incredible journey from Mt. St. Michel. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of charming villages with stone houses and beautiful farms. Watch the sky light up as the day ends with a stunning sunset. In Lyon, you’ll find endless adventures and unforgettable experiences waiting for you.
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**Extra information: Fights with Air France, direct from Ottawa, Rail Euro for ground transportation, and Airalo for your SIM card.
The first sunset was incredible. It appeared unexpectedly and painted the sky a beautiful shade of pink. We felt lucky to witness such a magical moment. The last two images capture how swiftly the vibrant colours faded into the serene blue hour.
Exploring Lyon’s Markets: A Wealth of Treasures Day 1
After a delightful breakfast at a cozy coffee shop, where we enjoyed a cup of coffee and a baguette sandwich, we went to the markets for our first exploration and souvenir shopping round.
Interestingly, Lyon’s markets are spread out, allowing you to discover the city while you shop—a surprising find!
We began our market adventure at a mixed market of fruit, vegetables, meats and cheese, adding clothing, etc., near our hotel, then ventured to the main section of the island for a bustling; it was one of our favourite farmers’ markets.
Next, we wandered into Old Lyon to browse the antique and artist markets. It’s fascinating how this setup encourages people to move around the city, spreading wealth to each area.
Exploring Lyon’s Rich History by Boat
Lyon Boat Tours offers two types: historical and nature tours. We chose the history tour, and we were led by a knowledgeable guide who highlighted significant homes, areas, and their stories.
The tour company provided us with fascinating historical facts about the area and its former inhabitants, which was incredibly helpful. Despite the heat, the tour lasted over an hour, but it was worth it.
Thankfully, the lower level of the tour route provided some relief from the sun, allowing us to cool off along the way. Old Lyon’s history is captivating, and I would love to return to and explore it further.
Things to do: go to markets and shopping in old Lyon.
The Greet Hotel is a charming, well-priced establishment that ensured every aspect of our stay was delightful. From the attentive staff to the prime location, its inviting ambiance and thoughtful amenities make it an excellent choice for travellers. We were particularly impressed by the Greet Hotel’s commitment to sustainability, which made it a standout destination in Lyon. If you’re looking for the oldest brasserie in Lyon and one of the largest in Europe, the famous Brasserie George is next door to the Greet Hotel.
After exploring the market, we needed lunch at a local eatery before exploring the Cathedral Saint Jean Batiste.
Exploring the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Lyon
According to the Cathedrals website, Known as the “Primatial Church of the Gauls,” the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Lyon was built between 1180 and 1480. It features a diversity of architectural and artistic styles, each reflecting the faith of its builders and offering wonders to discover.
Entering the cathedral requires curiosity, going beyond first impressions to unveil its history and beauty. Visiting the cathedral offers a chance to marvel at its structure and, if desired, to contemplate quietly.
Dinner, italian wood oven pizza at Il Palio Pizzeria!
A stop at Il Palio Pizzeria, an italian restaurant, was a great choice. Homemade wood-oven pizza was what the day needed. A family-run business that puts a lot of love into their food. Everyone had a job, and the family was amazing. Excellent service and a lovely, helpful family member made the difference by speaking English to us. Check out the char on the edges; it’s yummy. I’m still craving this meat pizza! (Pizza Video link)
Farewell Lyon: A City That Stole My Heart
I’m willing to bet we barely scratched the surface of all that Lyon had to offer!
One great way to see the city is through the Lyon City Card. Financially, it’s a steal when you consider the cost of each activity separately—all prices are in Euros (with 1 Euro approximately equaling CAD 1.47). Click the link to discover and pre-book your pass now!
Lyon, your rich history and undeniable charm have truly stolen my heart.
Leaving Lyon felt like saying goodbye to an old friend! Though our time here was short, we filled it with activities. I promise to return soon; exploring this hidden city gem has been an absolute pleasure. Special thanks to our wonderful hosts for making our time here even more memorable.
Lyon, a la prochaine visite
***FYI About the Lyon City Card
Available in 4 versions; each is by the hour; see website for other options.
Free access to 27 museums and their temporary exhibitions
Unlimited access to public transport (metro, funicular, tram, bus)
Option with or without airport transfer (Rhônexpress)
Guided tour suggested by Lyon Tourist Office
Leisure cruises
Shows (Guignol, planetarium…)
There are many other advantages and exclusivities to discover. Now you have all the tools to explore Lyon like a pro.
