Today, the weather is mixed. It’s chilly with lot’s of overcast, a few sunny spots and intermittent rain squalls. After some research, we learned a bit about the history of Lyon which was an important trading center established by the Romans in about 20 bc at the confluence of the Saone and Rhone rivers. Given the weather, the history of Lyon and the amount of wine we are accumulating, we decided to explore Lyon’s history a little closer.
At the top of the Fourviere Hill, between the two rivers, the Romans established a forum, an amphitheater and a temple. Around 177 AD, Fourviere hillside became a place of pilgrimage and around 1168 AD a Catholic chapel was built. The present Basilica (Our Lady of Fourviere Basilica) was built around 1880 at the site of the chapel atop the hill.
Around it are the ruins of the amphitheater, the center of which has been partially renovated and is currently in use, beautiful gardens and a museum. The ruins of the Roman amphitheater are fascinating and the views of the city from the top of the hill are magnificent. The gardens are also magnificent, but it is still too early for them to be at their peak.
After a long day of exploring, we had dinner at the restaurant right next door to our hotel, clearly a place for the locals as no one spoke English. Trying to translate the menus with no help was a challenge, but a fun challenge as the waiters did their very best in trying to help us out. In the end, we had a great time with a wonderful dinner. (Anyone who says the French are snobbish, hasn’t a clue what they are talking about. All through our trip, we have me the most friendly people who have bent over backwards to help us throughout our journey.)
Bonne nuit,
Wayne & Peggy