June 10 Lyon

Roman ruins

a media center, this building seems to be drilled with giant holes. A sister building nearby, red, has a large ‘bite’ taken from one corner

one of the passage ways from one street to the next. Quite unique!

super tall and not decorated as many Baroque buildings

Lyon, which is France’s second largest city, is really a very pleasant place to visit. I stopped here on the way southbound last August, but didn’t post things, so you get some of that visit now. An old city, not severely damaged during the wars, Lyon has a character that is really quite interesting. For example, there are old Roman ruins, excavated and restored, available for viewing. There are special ‘passageways’ or public corridors through buildings and built-up areas. Although with restrictions, people just walk through interior courtyards, hallways, and passageways. Very unique. There are also really unique new buildings, built in the ‘confluence area’, where the Rhone and Saone rivers join. The cathedral holds a most prominent position over the city. Visible from most places, the building is an amazing combination of old and new. I have seen many churches and religious monuments, but this one really does command the view in a spectacular way.

the amazing artwork at the crossing

There are markets, shopping centers, small alleyways, and many other interesting places to explore and visit. I could spend months here, but, alas, not possible. One is only allowed to spend 72 hours on the public quai, and is is VERY bouncy with the passing local tour boats, the commercial traffic, and all.  So, I will move along, up the Saone.

one of the most magnificent mosaic murals I have ever seen

the view from the eastern bank of the Saone, showing the commanding view of the cathedral, and some other amazing architecture