A Walking Tour of Culturally Rich Lyon

Related: Read the Review of Our Wine Cruise on AmaKristina

By GERRY BARKER
Photos by Gerry Barker
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​One week after our AmaWaterways' "Colors of Provence" wine cruise on the AmaKristina, we are docked in Lyon, our last port of call. Lyon is France's third-largest city, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Like many cities we have visited on this cruise, it has a long and rich history, dating back to the Romans.

We are taking a city tour, which starts to the top of the city -- literally -- and works its back through the historic Vieux Lyon (old town) and the St. Jean district. Our starting point is Fourviere Hill, from which you can get a panoiramic view of the city. Also here is the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, built  between 1872 and 1896 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whose golden statue stands high against the sky. This area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While on tour we saw art that paid homage to Lyon-born aviator, adventurer and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who wrote "The Little Prince," as well as examples of the striking wall and window murals that can be found here, including the "Wall of Writers," that honors 300 local authors.

During free time, we found a bakery and cafe and enjoyed capuccino and chocolate at one of its open air tables before taking a walk along the Saone River. Take a look:

A panoramic view of Fourviere Hill