4/14/19 A wander Around Town

Today we took advantage of the sunny weather and took a long walk around town.

A 17th century door:

The priest's house at Saint Saveur:

The bishop's house and museum:

B's favorite lavender shop:

Saint Jean de Malte.  The facade was being renovated when we were here a year ago.  It looks magnificent!

Picking up a baguette for later that evening:

4/13/19 Max's Senior Prom

Max and Elise:

Gorgeous couple!

The City of Lyon

Lyon is a lovely and lively city.  You go from areas with skyscrapers looming overhead, to ancient winding streets lined with shops and cafes.

We took the funicular up to the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Stations of the Cross in the garden:

Statue of Pope John Paul:

The mosaics were amazing.  They covered the walls, floors, and ceilings.

This is the view from the terrace at the top of the hill.

As an alternative to taking the funicular back down the hill, you can take the walkway.  A bit steep in places but worth it for the views.  It leads you back to the old part of town.  We had a nice lunch at a cafe in the Place du Baliene (whale).  We couldn't find anyone who knew why it was named after a whale.  I'll have to google it.

This is one of the many passages connecting buildings throughout the old city.  Some date back to the  16th century and were used primarily by silk traders.  They have an app that you can download that will direct you in finding them called "Traboules".

On Wednesday we met up with Lisdye for a tour and dinner at a traditional Lyonnaise Restaurant.  Not my thing exactly.  Lots of pigs knuckles and brain and intestines.  I stuck with a salad and a coke.

Lisdye and I at the fountain in the main square:

The old theater in the center of Lyon.  It is still in operation and considered as a real treasure and a much sought after venue.

Little lucite chairs in a shop window.  They are darling AND dear - 50 euros each!

4/9 to 11/19 Our Trip to Lyon

We are travelling by train to Lyon to visit John's former French tutor, Lisdye, and to see the city.

First to the bus terminal:

Then a short train ride:

At the train station in Lyon, Pepper - the robot - is there to answer questions about the station and give directions.  He (or she?) is so cute!  John developed a real rapport!

We stayed at the Carlton right across the bridge from the oldest part of town.  It is one of the older hotels in the city (there are two Carltons) but it has been renovated beautifully. 

The lounge is gorgeous and so very very French.

Although they have an elevator, it was too much of a temptation to use the stairs and see the beautiful stained glass.

I think even B would ride on this elevator.

John's Favorite Book Shop

Sadly, John's favorite book shop, La Libraire Provence, closed its doors on the Cours April 6th.  It has been a presence on the Cours for decades and will be sadly missed.  From what we have heard, online booksellers are just too much competition for the independent merchants.  John visited on their last day :(

April 7th and 8th

We have spent the last two days attending the Master Classes at the Conservatoire Musique d'Aix.  The classes are conducted in the several auditoriums at the school and are open to the public at no charge.  It is just a short walk from our apartment, just beyond the Grand Theatre.  Amazing to see these talented young people perform.  They all look so young!!!!! We are headed over for the afternoon session after lunch today.