If you are in France and looking to explore beyond Paris and its suburbs, the city of Lyon which is just a two hour train ride from the captial is indeed a great idea. Whether you are looking for art, architecture, culture, history or heritage, Lyon which is France’s third largest city forms for a truly engaging visit. With a kaleidoscope of experiences, the city, as cliched as it may sound, has something for everyone. Here are five main things to see and do while in Lyon.
Tracing Roman History
It is a revelation to note that the city of Lyon dates back to 43 B.C. Known as Lugdunum in the Roman era, Lyon is home to a rich Roman history. Fourvière Hill is the perfect place to start your exploration of Lyon’s history. Fourvière Hill is a UNESCO World heritage site and houses some of the most awe-inspiring Roman ruins that were excavated in the 1900s.
The key sites in the ruins which was once the city center of Lyon include the majestic amphitheater that could seat as many as 10000 people as well as the Odeon which was a smaller theater. Apart from theatres, the site is filled with ancient reservoirs, aqua ducts and tanks.
Visit Museums Galore
Lyon is home to several compelling museums which span history, art, culture and even cinema. Visit the Lyon Fourvière Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation to understand the city’s Roman connection. This museum houses a treasure trove of artefacts and information related to the Roman remains and includes objects like utensils, tools, wheels, stone plaques, statues, sculptures, jewelry etc.
The Museum of Confluences (Musée des Confluences) is dedicated to science, anthropology and houses four major exhibitions related the origins of the world, species of the universe, societies and eternities. The Lyon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is a haven for art lovers and houses a mammoth collection of paintings, sculptures and other artefacts. If you are a lover of cinema, do not miss the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures (Musée Cinéma et Miniature). Here you can view several movie sets, props and a unique collection of cinema exhibits.
Admire some Magnificent Churches
Fourvière Hill which is is also known as the “Hill that prays” is home to the renowned Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This minor basilica which was consecrated in 1896 is one of the most popular sites in Lyon attracting millions of pilgrims and visitors each year. Standing tall at 86 meters, this basilica has been designed incorporating the Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture.
Lyon Cathedral is yet another famous landmark and is located on Place Saint-Jean in the center of the city. It is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The church stands out for its magnificent Baroque frescos, carved statues and ornate ceilings.
Embark on a Silk Trail
It is interesting to note that Lyon has a rich heritage of silk weaving which is centred around the La Croix-Rousse neighbourhood. La Maison des Canuts is museum dedicated to the heritage of silk weaving in Lyon is the perfect place to your exploration as it throws light on the history and evolution of the craft through its displays that are spread over three rooms. Take time to explore traboules which were secret pathways used by canuts (silk weavers) to transport goods across the city as well as overseas through the river. Read more about the silk trail in this article.
Explore the Old Town
The historical old town of Lyon known as Vieux-Lyon is again a must do while here. With a distinctive medieval vibe and houses with ochre facades, this Renaissance locality is teeming with engaging museums, boutique stores and quaint cafes. Just like the street art in Marseille, Lyon too has a vibrant art scene.
Read more about Lyon in my artice in the Khaleej Times.
