Day 4: Sat 27 May - Lyon

15-28 degC, a little hazy in the morning, but otherwise another fantastic day in France

Ride: 31km; total: 41km 

Walk: 7km; total: 19km

After pretty good sleeps for both, we were the first ones down to breakfast; the fresh bread had not even arrived yet. After filling up on carbs, we completed the morning routine before setting out to have lunch at Greg and Bob’s favourite Boulangerie, about 8km away. As it was still early we decided we needed to kill some time. The first place we came across to do this was the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to whom is attributed the salvation of the city of Lyon from the bubonic plague that swept Europe in 1643. To get to the top of the hill, there were seven switchbacks that looked and felt like something out of the Tour de France.  And although we were walking, Wendy managed to find some new character! We couldn’t find anywhere to secure the bikes, so did not venture inside, something to do in the next couple of days. The ride down the other side of the hill was great.

We meandered along the river, stopping occasionally to photograph points of interest. It was only 9:30am when we arrived at the Jocteur le Boulanger de I’lle Barbe so we decided to have mornos there instead of lunch. Wendy managed to successfully order a decaf coffee for Greg and a normal for her, together with two very delicious vanilla slices, that neither of us could even make a start on due to all the breakfast we consumed. Not to worry, they went in the back pack and became lunch (very healthy lunch??)

Lunch was had sitting on a park bench in Parc Tete d’Or (Golden Head Park). It was very relaxing watching the passing traffic - bicycles, pedestrians, and water craft. So much so, it was hard to get moving again. We did though, and the next stop was at Halles Paul Bocuse, essentially a large undercover gourmet market selling lots of yummy stuff. It was too crowded for Wendy, so she didn’t venture in too far. 

It was still too early to return to the hotel, so we visited the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the Lyon Opera  House. There were a few interesting sculptures in the area as well. It was about 12:30pm by this stage and we’d had enough sightseeing for the time being. Back to the hotel for a rest and to decide what to do in the afternoon.

After some quiet time we left the Lycra at the hotel and set off on foot to find some more famous murals of Lyon. We walked 6.5km and only found one - the mur Bibliotheque. Greg remembers another one nearby, but couldn’t find it, it fact we missed it by that much. Another 100m and we would have seen it. As we have another two days here before leaving for Nantes we’ll catch it later. It was a slow’ish walk home. Being a Saturday and perfect day weather wise the crowds were out in force and the ice cream shops were making a killing. 

Lyon has become the mural capital of the world apparently, in fact they now have a school for that subject.  It’s hard to believe that the city was once dark and featureless.  Some brilliant city architects had a vision. 

We decided that we did not need dinner, so after blogging, and researching more mural sites, it was time for showers, teeth and bed.

Crossing the Saône this morning 

St George’s Church

Palais de Justice (Courthouse)

A good looking building next to the Courthouse

The Weight of Oneself 

Good name for a drinking venue 

For Dave Jordan

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere

Roman ruins

Boulanger Jocteur

Those vanilla slices

Great cycling and pedestrian infrastructure 

Golden Head Park

Halles Paul Bocuse

Hotel de Ville

Interesting sculptures near the Lyon Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)

Sculpture in Gare Lyon-Perrache

Saint Nizier Church

Mur Bibliotheque

Courthouse from a different angle

A marching band, of sorts, from our hotel window 

Those switchbacks