Lyon: Spring 2013
A Day in the Life in Lyon
Wake up. Share with roommate slices of just-bought fromage (cheese) from shop around corner, fresh baguette, orange slices. Cross the Saône River and arrive to class. Thrilling professors and discussions. Lunch with friends at L'Ethic Café, study under a tree in Parc de Miribel-Jonage. Rest a bit, then off to La Clef de Voûte for live jazz in 18th century cellar. Wednesdays are great.
Lyon is one of the greatest secrets in France. Not only is it the center of world gastronomy (the science of cooking), it has some of the best Roman ruins. From Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) to the center peninsula, this city will surprise you and your taste buds.
Lyon is perfect for Panroamers who want the feel of Paris, but not the size or concentration of tourists. Lyon’s style is more rugged and adventurous and a less focused on the hip, cool, and kickin’ (although you’ll still find all of these in Lyon as well).
The city itself has about 500,000 citizens. Lyon was historically known as an important silk weaving area (fancy!) and has become synonymous with the refinement of gastronomy. And much like Paris, Lyon is divided by water. There are two rivers that cut through Lyon: the Rhône and the Saône. They converge south of the historic city center, creating a peninsula inside which the city center and major shopping and retail districts reside.
It's broken into arrondissements, each with its own local government and administrative staff. There are 9 arrondissements total. The city center is located in arrondissement 2 (on the peninsula), containing a large concentration of churches and houses of worship, as well as the headquarters of two major French banks, Crédit Lyonnais and Banque de France.
Lyon’s most visibly exciting event is the festival of lights. Every year starting on December 8 and lasting for four days, the entire city illuminates itself from the inside out. Citizens, tourists, officials, and everyone else place candles in their windows in celebration of the Virgin Mary. If you’re in Lyon in December, spend a few nights to walk the city and enjoy the aurorae.
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