Getting from Toulouse to Lyon was not so easy, thanks to the French train system. Our train was totally canceled, leaving hundreds to frantically line up for reassignment. Not being French, we thought we had time, but our best shot turned out to be some 5 hours later, so we stored our bags and "enjoyed" more time in Toulouse. And of course
that train was inexplicably delayed for an hour getting into Lyon, so bye-bye to any idea of exploring the town. But we met up with Jenny at our hotel, which was cheering. Karen's flight delays brought her in after we all were snoozed out.
Lyon is a very liveable, very big city (3rd largest in France) in which I could spend more time. Residents seemed devoted to exercise, and the city provided it along its two rivers (Rhône and Saone). We did a walking tour after boarding our Viking ship and then saw much more of the city the next morning. Seemed very prosperous, very artsy. Traffic was hell. The Basilica above the city was extremely beautiful—well worth the visit, with great mosaic walls.
 |
| Basilica exterior |
This church was modeled after an incredible church built by the Normans in Monreal, Sicily in the 1100's (!), which the architect visited and at which he had an epiphany. (We were there on a Rick Steves tour in 2016 - see earlier blog from then.) Hence the colors and extensive use of mosaics.
 |
| The boots are modern |
(When we informed our guide of the church in Monreal, she just sniffed - the pissant.)
 |
| One of six massive mosaics in the Basilica - Battle of Lepanto |
This was the seminal battle (Lepanto, in 1571) of East v. West, when the Turks were repulsed from invading Europe. This little tiff came up a lot on our last (Danube) cruise, in Budapest.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lepanto]
 |
| Detail (from another mosaic about Jeanne d'Arc) |
 |
| Lit the Big Candle for an Amigo |
 |
| Basement cathedral (which most of us missed - itchy bus driver) |
And the entire city's blank walls sport trompe l'oeile scenes, sponsored by the government. Many featured famous Lyonnaise, past and present, such as the chef Paul Bocuse.
 |
| Step right in. |
 |
| Each balcony told a different story - this is the Lumiere Bros. |
 |
| Zoom on these false windows |
 |
| More Trompe l'oeiles (hard to tell what's real) |
 |
| Anonymous Church on the Soane River, which meets the Rhone in Lyon. |
Speaking of which, Pamela and Jenny took a tram to the Lumiere Bros. Museum (home) on the last day. Uh - the guys who invented moving pictures, in 1895:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_and_Louis_Lumi%C3%A8re]
 |
| Art nouveau windows |
 |
| Jenny @ entrance |
 |
| Flooring. Apparently, the house alone is worth the visit. |
 |
| Art nouveau decor - the rooster is the Roman symbol of Gaul |
Leaving Lyon:
 |
| The Rhone from the back deck |
 |
| Under the bridge! |
 |
| Bugged-out Lyon City Museum @ The Confluence of the Rhone and Soane Rivers |
Last, but not least:
 |
| "I've come to talk to you again..." |
[I'm fairly certain la Editora will mark this post up, once she awakens from her siesta.]
