Wednesday
I took a little trip to Lyon Wednesday! I took the 10:16 bus out of Anthon to Meyzieu where I was able to catch the tram into the city. I was excited because as I left home, snow started to fall! My first snow in France! I was over the moon. Watching it cover the fields as we whipped by reminded me of car rides back to Ann Arbor in the winter.
I arrived at the Part Dieu station about an hour later. I pushed my way through the crowd and out of the station. My first stop of the day was the Tête d’or park on the north side of the city. Created in 1812, this park is the urban park in France! It hosts a zoo, rose gardens, greenhouses, and beautiful golden gates.
I crossed the Rhône into the 1st arrondissement. This area was known for silk weaving, butcheries, and bistros. I wandered about and enjoyed all the local graffiti.
I decided to put my post-COVID lungs to the test with a march up the hill to the Basilica. It was such a different experience from the year before. I remember the sweltering summer sun on our backs as we climbed the massive hill. My fellow history lovers and I stopped to marvel at every little sign post on the way up. Now the paths were devoid of others and the winter sunny poked shyly from behind a patch of clouds.
I made my way back down into town, taking the route I walked with my friends the year before. I stopped for a bit and listened to some music at the old Roman amphitheater. I remember last summer they were hosting a music festival on the stage. Weird to think that after all this time, we’re still using this incredible structure.
I still haven’t gotten to see everything I’d like to in the city! I plan to go back again now that I know how easy it was. I was able to pick up some groceries at Monoprix before I headed home, which was awesome!
Mary-Est-En-France 