Lyon- one of the most typical and unusual French towns and its green oases

29.04.2019.

Lyon, the hometown of famous writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery is the third biggest city in France. Two sufficient reasons to visit Lyon? The mistery by which Lyon captures, the view at the basilica on the top and the hidden passages in the Old town are the secrets spread out all over Lyon. My first impressions of Lyon were the never-ending traffic around the Old Lyon and the artistic heart in the distant angles. So I decided to explore more. Park Tête d’Or and the roman amphitheatre were unavoidable. They are if you want to see how Lyon breaths beneath the surface of central life.

If you’re visiting Lyon, don’t miss nearby Annecy– one of the prettiest French towns.

Other French towns not far from Lyon that amaze by its architecture and atmosphere: Nancy and Dijon;

See also: The prettiest cities in France

Park de la Tête d’Or

The golden doors that welcomed me were saying the story of the name. Park de la Tête d’Or (or Park of the golden head) got the name from the legend saying that treasure from the „head of the Christ“ could be burried somewhere in the park. As I entered the view of the lake shined upon the whole park, the huge meadow that called to lay all over and one sculpture in the series of „grand stories“.

Park is the large urban park, one of the rarest in Lyon. It consist of zoo, botanical gardens, rose garden, lake that offers boat rides and numerous walking trails. Park was founded in 1857. by the brothers and swiss landscape designers Eugen and Denis Buhler. It was the same year that dates as beginning of New York’s Central Park.

Botanical Gardens & Zoo

It was quite impressive to walk down to botanical garden as I’ve been told it’s only 10 minutes but it took 25 minutes. On the way there’s a zoo where you can see from outside some giraffes and flamencos. It’s the France’s second public zoo with around 400 animals and 64 species.

Botanical gardens include glass houses with the tropical plants and flowers. Sometimes the guided visits come up with very interesting themes like the ones of spicy plants, parfume plants, ingenious plants, scenery behind preparing the garden, the sacred plants of Egypt. Those were the announcements I saw while being there. Rose gardens appear in the Park from 1960. and now they count 350 different varieties and that’s about 3000 rose bushes.

Reflections about the Park

I’m very glad I’ve discovered this park which gives me insight into the local customs of relaxing. It’s just alluring for families giving the possibilities to enjoy pony rides, mini train and fascinating nature and art. It’s educational purpose with botanical garden and zoo is more than imaginable. There are also many organised events like Pumpkin days, summer festivals, bike races, theatre performance of the famous Guignol characterised to Lyon and so.

How to reach

To come to Park de la Tête d’Or there’s a 45 minutes walk from the centre or taking a metro line A to Massena with 10 minutes walks afterwards. Once you’re there you’ll find the golden gate but there are also seven entrances to the Park.

Roman Amphitheatre at the Fourviere Hill

Fourviere Hill is the quarter of Lyon with 20 minutes walking distance from the Old town but you can also take a cable care. It’s where the amazing Basilica Notre Dame of Fourviere takes place which is prevalently green inside. Going up there you will find quiet little corners and the breathtaking views of Lyon.

In the nearness of Basilica the roman amphitheatre takes place. It’s a huge arena place which gives image of the ancient lyonnaise inheritance. Such an overwhelming feeling to stay there! There’s also a museum about roman history. The place also serves as a stage for concerts. It’s quiet astonishing seeing the mini Eiffel tower from downtown. This tower dates back in 1892.-1894. and was built to support secularism and make balance to the religious meaning of Basilica. Once the tower also hosted restaurant at the top.

Old town of Lyon

Lyon has its own culture with the secrete passages called traboules guiding from one street to another through Old Lyon, specific lyonnais cuisine represented by resturants called bouchons, the history of lyonnais people at one painted wall and fascinating soul of art. The moment I came from metro to the main cathedral the little souvenir shop in the style of infallible book The Little Prince caught my eyes.

I found out in Lyon the walking tours dedicated to children covering the story of one age, the special puppet theatre of Guignol and even the museum of cinema and miniatures. At first I was caught into confusion of „oh is this- Old town?“ but Lyon disappoints no one at both sides of two rivers. If you’re around, don’t miss the festival of films and travel books Quais du depart at the end of november. Finding a booklet about this event at one coffee shop made the feeling more than overwhelmed.

Final thoughts

Lyon speaks under its surfaces, in hidden corners, through the parks that speak of the local life. Lyon is the story caught in time. Discovered from different angles Lyon offers the special taste.