Lyon, France

Today was our last day of Europe trip. We had bought 5+1 free day EURAIL pass, we had already made our mind to visit Lyon by TGV and return back on the same day fully utilising the pass. Paris-Lyon is the first route on which TGV train ran for more than 300 kmph. We took metro route 14 Gare St Lazare and got down at Gare de Lyon which is the third main station we were getting down or taking train from in Paris. The train was there with its blue-grey livery and attendants helping out passengers.

Paris-Lyon train

The train was as expected fast and smooth. This time too we had breakfast from the pantry car enjoying the beautiful scenery rush past. French countryside is beautiful with meadows of green grass or fields.

We got down at Gare Part-Dieu station at Lyon. We had thought of going all the way to La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière which is situated on a little hill around 4km from the station. We had 6 hours to spend which was neither less to take transport nor enough to do a full tour, so we decided to walk all the way and witness what is there to see. The walk was a straight path crossing two rivers - Rhone and Saone who meet further in Lyon. We started walking and watched the streets, buildings and people going about their ways.

Outside Lyon station

building in Lyon

Rhone river

Rhone river

In between we briefly stopped to witness Saint-Bonaventure's Church. The river crossings offered beautiful views of the promenade. The river was clean and green. We witnessed a vegetable market and artists selling paintings on the footpath.

Saone river

Paintings on footpath

Road signs Lyon

 After crossing Saone, we had to climb a bit to come to Basilica. It was great to look at and also its interiors were beautiful. However, the best part was panoramic and wide angle views of whole Lyon town. Not surprisingly, people spent more time gazing at the views far and wide. Most of the buildings had red tiled roof and white, cream, beige or ochre in color structure giving city a distinctive look.

Basilica

Inside Basilica

Red tile sloping roofs

Panaromic view of Lyon

We walked down to come to another cathedral Saint-Jean Baptiste which was again an impressive building and quite interiors.

Cathedral

We then walked on the cobbled streets of what is the old part of Lyon. There were several bouchons who serve traditional and contemporary cuisine. The seats are both inside or on the streets. We sat down at one such bouchon and asked the owner whether we can share the meal? Generally it is awkward or simply not allowed but she agreed and we had our meal. We took a meal which had fish and rice. The bouchon was really old visible from its creaking wooden interiors but quite charming.

Old Lyon

Eateries

Eateries

our bouchon

our meal at bouchon

We walked around bit more around and then started back for station, this time taking parallel bridge and street this time. The bridge over Saone was unique in way that it was meant for pedestrians only and was supported by ropes from a single tower. Looks like French blend art and engineering so well. We then came to Place des Jacobins which is city square with an elaborate fountain & surrounded by tall, 19th-century townhouse buildings.

Art around the bridge

Artistic one pillar bridge

beautiful view

main square

 

This is a post office!

Back to Paris

We finally reached the station back for our return journey. In the return run, I figured that there is a onboard WiFi and I connected to it by asking the attendant. Now I could see the location of train and speed on their own welcome page. We reached Paris by evening. Imagine covering 1000km rountrip to a city and leisurely covering a part of it and reach home before evening!