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July 12, 2006
In Lyon
Leaving Paris
Zizou lost it, France lost the world cup and the party didn't happen. Because of my dodgy ankle, I opted to stay in the hostel and watched the game with a few people who for some reasons of their own avoided the crowd in Champs Elysees. After the game, Paris was eerily quiet, pubs were quickly abandoned and since there's no party to go to a few of us decided to climb the long steps to Sacre Cour. My ankle was feeling OK by this time, and since this is my last chance to climb up there I went with the crowd. Although closed, the view from the hill of Sacre Cour is breathtaking, and as we arrived up there they did the sparkling lights at the Eiffel Tower, perfect timing.
The next day I caught the first class TGV to Lyon.
Lyon
I love Lyon, more than Paris to be exact the "Old Lyon". While Paris is impressive and I do admit that I'm a bit overwhelmed by her, I won't live in Paris. Lyon on the other hand is a place that I could totally live here. Lyon, according to Lonely Planet, is the second largest conurbanation in France. So it's big enough to warrant a superb metro, tram and bus system, but doesn't lose old town charm. I certainly would love to live inside the old Lyon and catch the metro in the morning to work in the Lyon CBD.
The best way to enjoy Lyon is to buy the walking guides from the tourist office in Place Bellacour. Normally at EUR1.50 each, they are at sale now for only EUR0.50. At this price I snapped both the "Secret Street of Lyon" and the "Croix Rousse" guides. Both are equally as good and shows you all the good lookout point of Lyon and more importantly the best of the traboules, the secret passages of Lyon.
Apart from the two walking guides that I followed, I visited the beautiful Basilique Notre dame de Fourviere on top of the Fourviere hill, the cathedral, a rather good Musee de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, the Roman amphitheatre and the somewhat dissapointing Musee Lumiere. The local history museum, Musee Gadagne is unfortunately closed for renovation. I saw a big stage is being prepared in the amphitheatre, word on the grapevine says that there will be Franz Ferdinand concert tonight.
Internet Cafe in Lyon
The hostel internet service and a few places mentioned in the Lonely Planet are super expensive. For cheap and good internet service, take the metro to Guillotiere station and walk south of Rue de Marseille. The one across McDonalds has a very good rate of EUR1.50/hour, widescreen monitors, and most importantly, good keyboards.
Posted by vhadiant at July 12, 2006 04:00 PM
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