Sylvie's Travels Home

September 30, 2023

We had praline bread, fruits and coffees for breakfast at the apartment then left to discover Lyon.

Pogo and I took the funicular up to go to the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière. Bob and Heather walked up the hill. From up there, we had an incredible view of the city.

We all walked down, crossed the river and went to Place des Terreaux to meet up with a guide. Hugo and 30 of our new friends walked from there, up to Croix Rousse, saw some Roman ruins, an amazing fresco, walked down the hill, walked back to Old Lyon, walked through 4 Traboules ( hidden passageways) and learned a ton about the city.

After 4 hours straight of walking up and down including lots of stairs (extra stairs and walking if you have to go to the bathroom and have to find the group again!), we found a little boulangerie, bought some sandwiches and mini quiche, and went back to our apartment which was conveniently really close to where the tour ended.

We ate our lunch and rested for a while. I actually took a nap which is rare.

We left the apartment around 4:30pm to go get a drink. We went to Bar30, Bob’s choice. I felt asleep twice. Next place, my choice, was called Garagones, a Cuban style bar with fancy drinks and a few tapas. They had just a few appetizers available so we shared a cheese/charcuterie board and some guacamole.

Heather picked La Cabaretier and we ended up having dinner there. Bob and Heather were a lot happier with their meal than we were. The owner was really friendly. She recognized my Québécois accent and told me that 15 years ago, she became friendly with customers from Québec and now they still visit each other and travel together. That couple is from Lac du Cerf which I’m very familiar with since I’ve been many times, even stayed there, because my dad grew up in the next village. Small world.

Our last stop, Pogo’s choice, was at an Irish pub where we watched rugby on tv while enjoying our nightcaps. we got home around 10pm.

The only places we didn’t have time to visit were the Parc de la Tête d’Or where the botanical gardens and the zoo are and the Gallo Roman Museum.