Lyon is a two hour train ride from Paris, a little to the east and a ways to the south. It is known as the city of lights and is also known for the culinary rivalry amongst its restaurants. The city is a manageable size and hosts two rivers, the Rhone and the Saone, a multitude of bridges, some of France's largest open squares, and some stunning architecture. Much of the city center is pedestrian friendly. Lyon is clean, safe, and pleasant.
My hotel is just a few blocks from Lyon's Perrache train station. The train from Paris was non-stop, which seems to be the norm. (May I add that the trains are remarkably quiet.) Even though I was exhausted, I decided to take a walk around after checking into my hotel. I made my way through Presqu'ile (almost an island), then to the Saone river, across one of the bridges to the old part of town, and (why not) up a multitude of stairs and switchbacks to the Notre-Dame Basilica far up on Fourviere Hill overlooking Lyon. What goes up must come down, but making it down by another route is always better. This led me past the ruins of two Gallo-Roman theatres (A.D. 43).
After a much-needed nap, I headed out to see the city of lights at night and partake of the restaurant culture. Place des Celestins, where today's Lyon theatre resides, is also the home of La Francotte, a restaurant where the food is reknowned, the prices are reasonable, and you are made to feel like family.
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