Our Mid Life Crisis Gap Year: Old Lyon

Not far away from our apartment, just across the River Saone, is the old town of Lyon, Vieux Lyon, so today we decided to spend the day over there having a look around.

View Across To Old Lyon

The first thing we did was to buy "daily tickets" that can be used on all public transport in Lyon......you should see the hill that old Lyon is built on....climb that everyday and you will have thighs bigger than Arnie Schwarzenegger's.

Old Lyon consists of a lot of narrow, cobblestoned lanes and steep staircases, and quite a lot of great looking restaurants and cafes.

Cobbled Lane Ways

Cafes and Restaurants

Yum........Calories!

There are quite a few "Bouchons", which are restaurants/cafes around here as well, Bouchons serve authentic Lyonnais dishes.

Plenty Of Places To Eat

Getting Ready For The Lunch Crowd

Hundreds of years ago this area was occupied by Lyons Silk Makers/Traders, they were situated in many of the buildings going up the hill towards the catherdral at the top. It was important for these people to be able to have quick access to the river so they built a series of "traboules" (secret passages or short cuts) through and between houses so that they could get access to the river quickly and easily, quite a few of these are still open nowadays and are used by locals to quickly moved through the town, and for tourists to explore.

Doorway To A Traboule

Passageways Everywhere

While walking around Old Lyon we came across an Englisg Styled pub called "The Smoking Dog".........when I looked at what I thought was the menu board a was thrilled to find they are showing thw West Ham game on Saturday......"Come On You Irons".......now how can I break this gently to Lesley?

Now That's A Menu!!!

We walked around the lower part of the old town for quite a while taking in the great "feel" and sights.

Great Old Architecture Everywhere

Soon we started to think about making our way up to the cathedral, so be headed to the Fenicular Station for a short ride to the top, the alternative of climbing hundreds of stairs just did not appeal to either of us at all.