Lyon, everything I hoped.

We walked so far and saw so much in our two days of sunshine that an hour drifting in a boat on the huge lake in the park was the perfect way to relax, before finding somewhere to eat an evening meal.

Lyon, clothes cakes cheese and charcuterie

Overindulgence is always a danger when we cross the La Manche. Delicious cheeses, sausages and hams, cakes and pastries glazed and glistening with caramelised sugar and berries, pastel pink meringues piled high like raspberry clouds. I saw some beautiful dresses with cotton ruffles and light gauzy tunics, at least my credit card forgotten, safe at home was spared a battering.

Lyon, city of windows and carousels

City windows with flower baskets and window sill gardens, greenery for even the smallest space. Another great discovery was the many carousels dotted around the city, I love all the twinkling lights and ornately painted horses and wild animals. The music and the delight.

Lyon, keep looking up.

Last Tuesday we caught the Eurostar train to Lyon. One train change and on the comfy spacious top deck of a TGV we make our final half of the journey fleeting through the beautiful french countryside, whizzing past vineyards and vegetable crops. After leaving the grey skies of England behind, we stepped out into the hot early evening sunshine.
Our hotel was just a few streets away with a breath taking panoramic view of the whole city. Hotels are for sleeping though, so we dropped off our bags and headed straight out to explore the streets. Tall buildings with shuttered windows, two wide rivers to cross and glimpses of the cathedral up and beyond. Time to seek nourishment in one of the many bustling back street restaurants. Authentic Bouchon or not the food was hearty and tasty, just what we needed for the long walk back.

Time away

I am going away for a few days with the husband, on the Eurostar Explorer train, to Lyon. I am so excited to be visiting somewhere new and can't wait to eat my way around another great french city. If any of you have been to Lyon and have any ideas of how we can best spend our time, please let me know. I will be back at the end of the week to share my time away with you.