Amazing Day in Lyon

Rob and I really wanted to get away this weekend. We have been itching to go but didn't plan far enough in advance to go anywhere far.  Lyon is only an  hour and a half drive from Geneva and we have been neglecting to go there. It is the 2nd largest city in France and the gastronomy capital of the world. There were a ton of fantastic looking restaurants and amazing markets! We ate lunch at a place that had bagel sandwiches and tortilla wraps. It was busy and  very crowded so we knew it would be a yummy place. We also made reservations at a one star Michelin place for dinner - which I will blog about later this week.  Let me just say it was amazing!  Lyon's old town is a UNESCO world heritage site and had many "traboules" to explore. Traboules, according to wikipedia are - 

"These intra-building passages link inner courtyards with the streets and are found mainly in "Vieux Lyon" (old Lyon) and on the Croix Rousse hill. They were first made for the use of the "canuts" (silk workers of the late 18th to mid 19th century) so that the pieces of fabric could be moved from workshop to workshop without being spoiled by rain. They also were used as hiding places during the German occupation by the resistance members. Certain traboules are not open to the public, because of security measures, but the city has made a point of keeping the most beautiful ones open during daytime hours."

It felt like being in the long hallways and courtyards of private homes from the past. Really beautiful experience. We hesitated going into the first few because it felt like we were trespassing. Apparently, the residents have an agreement to let tourists come in during the daytime and they closed them off at night. 

Basilique de Fourvière - Lyon's Cathedral. It was two floors and one of the most decorated cathedral's I have ever seen. 

Theatres Romains de Fourviere - Ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Built around 16 AD

View from the seats. The stage used to have a 30m wall behind it blocking the view of the city. 

Us at the ruins

A small section from amazing panoramic view from the cathedral.

We really wanted to go down this slide by the riverside park. Don't you?