Weekend in Lyon

Kyra Menzel
Nov 3, 2016
2 min read

People are what make the areas we live feel like home. You know at the end of the day that there are people in your city that care about you and that you could call if you ever need anything. I think that is why Lyon, France feels so much like home.

This last weekend we took a quick trip to the place Oliver and I first met, Lyon. And it was like coming home! I could understand everyone around me and I saw old friends that mean the world to me. I lived there this time last year and I am pleased to tell you it hasn't changed a bit.

Lyon is a special place for Oliver and I because it is the city where we first met. I spent six months there and Oli spent a total of 12 months. Needless to say, it is our second home.

We didn't have the time to visit the city in great detail but let me tell you, if you are ever in France, visit Lyon. It is so underrated! Vieux Lyon (Old Town Lyon) is charming and very Diagon Alley-esque. In the winter, restaurants have mulled wine and crepe stands set up alongside the narrow streets. There are antique stores, eclectic book shops, art galleries, and bakeries tucked in every corner, begging to be explored. This area of Lyon is enchanting and tells a story, beginning with medieval silk traders.

Silk was what helped Lyon grow in it's early years. The traders used tunnels all around the city called traboules. They snake between buildings and roads and helped protect the silk traders but also sped up their route. And the best part is you can explore them!! Sadly, many of these traboules are closed to the public but with a map, you are able to find the open ones.

OK, last little bit about Lyon I promise. (It is my absoute favorite city if you can't tell and I am trying my best to convince you to visit!) Lyon is known for a specific type of cuisine, bouchon. And to be honest, I can't quite explain what it is but it's good. It is heavy food with a lot of duck and pork. I would always go to my favorite restaurant (Chez Grand-mère) and I got a Quenelle. It is a sort of giant dumpling, baked in a cream sauce. It is made with a fish of some kind. I know it sunds wierd but it is to die for!

The thing I really love about Europe is how easy it is to visit other countries. And it's really cheap too! So I can say with confidence we will be back to Lyon, frequently. And if anyone visits and needs a tour guide, we can make the sacrifice to come help you ;)