Want a truly French experience in which people actually eat and you don’t have to feel like a runway model to fit in? Say bonjour to Lyon.
If you’re planning a trip to France the first city on your itinerary most likely is Paris. Sure, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are like no other but if an authentic cultural feast is what you’re after, then look no further than Lyon.
1. It’s the food capital of the world
Forget French onion soup and steak and frites, you’re in the capital of gastronomy, baby! This means real, hearty food for a fraction of the price you’d pay in Paris.
From its famed indoor food market, Les Halles Lyon – Halles Paul Bocuse where you’ll pick up every kind of fromage and foie gras to its bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) where you’ll dine like a king or queen for €30, it’s in Lyon where you’ll eat some of the best meals of your life.
But if you’re not the most adventurous eater then don’t ask what is that delicious and rich food that you’re shovelling into your mouth and avoid a queasy stomach – calf head, pig intestines and quenelle (a creamed fish and meat dish) are all regulars on menus, even at Michelin-starred restaurants.
2. It’s Notre Dame is even more glorious
It’s a big call but the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière has an epic view of the city and its incredible parks and bridges – it’s pretty much the Sacre Coeur and the Notre Dame rolled into one. Plus, there aren’t any ghosts of hunchbacks lurking the premises, win!
If you’re thinking ‘but the Eiffel Tower’, then you’ll be pleased to know Lyon has it’s own miniature version of it. Called the Tour métallique de Fourvière, it was built three years after the original and in recent years has been turned into a television tower. But hey, it’s there.
3. It’s a history before your eyes… who needs to read it when you can see it
This city in the south of France is a history buff’s dream. Conquered by the Romans, Lugdunum, as it was then known, was the capital of Gaul. It’s easy enough to stumble across the aqueducts, theatres and amphitheatres, and you’ll want to – they’re some of the oldest ruins in the country.
Lyon’s nine arrondissements each tell its own story. One of my favourite areas is the sloped district of La Croix-Rousse. Where silk weaving looms once stood in the 18th century are display shelves in independent jewellery stores and hip cafés. Think, the lovechild of Montmarte and Marais in Paris (minus the tourists) and you’ll get the vibe.
The Renaissance district of Vieux Lyon is the biggest area of its kind in France, hence it’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It’s where the aristocracy lived in terracotta-coloured townhouses adorned with Italian archways, spiral staircases and covered passageways called traboules, which are best described as shortcuts that run through private courtyards and lead to neighbouring streets – because the rich can afford to be lazy.
4. It’s a photographer’s paradise
Lyon has not one, but two rivers running through it – sorry, Paris. The Rhône travels from Switzerland and the Saône runs from the north. Approximately, thirty-three bridges link the quarters of the city, which means very pretty pictures.
But that’s not it. Murals, street art and monuments are sprinkled across the city so there are plenty of photo opps for you to share on Instagram and make your pals jealous.
5. It’s better for your French
Even though Lyon is the third-largest city in France, you’ll be surprised to know that the locals aren’t very well versed in English. But you’ll pick up French easily, I found that in just a few days my grasp of the language (mainly my food vocabulary) had already drastically improved enough to order all the wine and cheese I could ever need. And that’s all you want in life, right?
