Impressions of Lyon, France
I had heard great things about Lyon from people who studied French in France, so when I found myself with a few days between my stops in Nice (for the Tour de France) and Paris (for the Olympics), I decided to give Lyon a visit. I hadn’t seen any photos beforehand and really didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a modern, extremely clean city that was also remarkably picturesque—a real hidden gem.
Lyon immediately struck me as cleaner and less crowded than the southern French cities of Marseille and Nice. Although it has a similar tram system, Lyon felt more relaxed and spacious. There’s great infrastructure for cycling and exercising, with wide bike lanes and recreation trails, particularly along the Rhône River. These paths were perfect for cycling or walking, and I took full advantage of them. I ran several times along the trail by the Rhône and even stopped at a calisthenic park that was buzzing with activity. The city’s layout and commitment to exercise-friendly spaces impressed me. It’s no wonder locals seem to stay active with this setup right at their doorstep.
Another pleasant surprise in Lyon was the cost of living. Everywhere I went for lunch or dinner had great food at reasonable prices, with friendly service to match. The meals were delicious, and whether I was having a simple lunch or a more elaborate dinner, the quality didn’t disappoint. Lyon, apparently, is known as “the gastronomic capital of France”, and for me it lived up to its reputation as a city with excellent cuisine.
One of my favorite parts of the visit was walking through Old Lyon. This part of the city is full of historical charm, with narrow cobbled streets, Renaissance architecture, and landmarks like the Cathedral of Lyon. I climbed steep stairways that led me through the Rosaire Garden up to the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière, where I was rewarded with a splendid view of the entire city of Lyon. The panoramic view from the top was worth every step, giving a great perspective of the entire city.
Lyon was even more magical at night, especially along the Saône River. I enjoyed walking along the riverbank, admiring the lit bridges that spanned the water. The reflections of the lights created a peaceful atmosphere that was the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring. Lyon’s riverside at night has a quiet charm that’s hard to beat.
By the time I left, Lyon had quickly become one of my favorite cities in France. It offers a perfect balance between the old and the new, blending modern infrastructure with a rich historical backdrop. It certainly lived up to the compliments of my friends who had studied French here, and I left with the feeling that this is a city I would love to return to.
