Just when I thought I had seen beauty, I find Lyon. There is something magical about this place -- maybe it's because it reminds me of a petit Paris. The streets, storefronts, bakeries, cafes, and bouchons all seem fantasy like. I have to remind myself that this is not Disney World...that this is Lyon! These places were not made to look French...they are French! During our weeks in France, I've spoiled myself to the best breads, croissants, crepes, and gaufres (giant waffles)!
The city was founded during Roman times on the hills of Fourviere where now stands the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere, one of the most beautiful I've seen on this trip (and I've seen tons!). A funicular takes you to the top of the hill where an incredible view of the city awaits. Lyon was also notable for its silk which was weaved in the hills of Croix Rousse where the houses were built taller to fit the silk weaving machines. Still today a few of the original silk ateliers exist but the hand process utilized makes the silk products they sell very expensive. In 1808, during a slow down of the silk business, Guignol was born. You may recognize Guignol if you saw a picture of this notable French puppet. I didn't know he was Lyonnaise, but the marionette tradition is very much alive here with several Guignol theaters around the city still entertaining the French.
Tomorrow we leave France again and I take away wonderful images of these dreamlike places and its people.
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