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 A Catholic pilgrimage |
Rue Jean Marie Vianney Rue Jean-Marie-Vianney Lyon 01480 France +33 4 7400 7247 |
Ars' claim to fame is its priest who was canonised in 1925. His body is laid out in the basilica built by Pierre Bossan (who was also the architect of Notre Dame de Fourvière), which welcomes many pilgrims every year on the 4th of August. J M Vianney evangelised the entire region and the presbytery where he lived has now been completely renovated and converted into a museum which any self-respecting pilgrim has to visit. The kitchen and bedroom still contain some of the priest's personal effects and the reliquary of his heart is displayed in the nearby chapel. Last but not least, a museum, called the "Historial" reconstructs the life of J.M. Vianney. Take the D933 towards Trévoux then the D28 to Ars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An important medieval fortress built in the 11th century and restored during the Renaissance |
Pont-Evêque Lyon 38780 France +33 4 7458 2605 |
This castle was restored in the 15th and 16th centuries. Built next to the ancient medieval city for protection, it was restored in the 15th and 16th centuries and parts of the ramparts remain today. Most of the buildings from the end of the Middle Ages (14th-15th century) remain and bear witness to the changing lifestyles compared to earlier buildings (towers, chimneys etc.) The inner courtyard was reworked during the Renaissance when a loggia and gallery were added. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Mountain pass, forest hikes & splendid views |
Monts du Lyonnais Lyon 69210 France |
In the heart of the Lyonnais mountains, Col de la Luère mountain pass is sandwiched between the villages of Chevignay & Grezieu-la-Varenne and like most passes in the area is prone to black ice from November to March. In the Summer, Col de la Luère is the perfect place to escape from the heat of the city and naturally has spectacular views of the adjacent valleys. There are also plenty of paths to guide you through the surrounding forests. D489 from Craponne and then just before Vaugneray take the D24 direction Bessenay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A perfectly preserved medieval town with a 12th century castle |
9 Place Nation Place de la Nation Lyon 38460 France +33 4 7490 4513 |
Classified as the "City of Art & History", this market town has preserved its Medieval charm with ramparts, a 12th century castle, narrow streets as well as many 15th and 16th century houses. The perfectly preserved 15th century covered market is a rare example of this type of building. At the beginning of the 14th century Crémieu became one of the most important towns in the north Dauphiné region. In 1315, the dauphin set free the bourgeois which increased the town's commercial activity and a regional lord took up residence in the castle, giving the place further importance. The Augustinians created a convent inside the walls (17th century cloister) which is today's town hall. T Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Georges von Karnitsk |
 Photo: Stephane Milani  |
 Photo: Celine Simon |
 Photo: Mauricio & Débora |
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Caves of geological and historical interest on the Rhone river |
Les Grottes de la Balme Lyon 38390 France http://www.grotteslabalme.com/ |
These caves, located on the banks of the Rhone, are impressive both for its maze of galleries and its history dating back to the Middle Ages. King François 1er came here and declared the cave another wonder of the world. Later on in the 18th century, Mandrin the bandit and his gang used the caves as a hiding place. The cave entrance is somewhat unusual in that it houses a monumental chapel. Apart from the historical aspect, the caves are now visited by countless geologists who come to study the series of small pools which lead to a subterranean river as well as the more usual, but nonetheless fascinating galleries of stalagmites and stalactites. Dress warmly for this visit. Access: Take the D512 road from Meyzieu towards Pont-de-Chéruy then the D65 towards la Balme/Lagnieu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michaël.B |
 Photo: Earendil & Elwing |
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Remains of mediaeval monastery on an island in the Saône river |
Quai Raoul Carrié Quai Clémenceau Lyon 69009 France |
According to Grégoire de Tours (6th century) and Leidrade (8th century) there was a monastery on the Ile Barbe as early as the 5th century, making it, along with St Pierre, one of the oldest monasteries in Lyons. The building of this monastery on an island suited perfectly these first monks who were self-sufficient and preferred to lead a life of asceticism and meditation. There is little left of this Carolingian monastery apart from some bas-reliefs displayed in the Musée Gadagne in Lyons. The monastery prospered during the Middle Ages but was closed during the Revolution and then sold. Although all that is left today is the Norman abbey church of Notre Dame (dating from end 11th-early 12th centuries), the excursion to the island is pleasant; there is a park with games for children on the Southern part whilst in the North charming houses and private mansions have been preserved. Take the pont de l'île along the Saône North of Lyon (quai Carrié on the right bank, quai Clémenceau on the left bank). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matteo Medori |
 Photo: Ilaria Dondero |
 Photo: eloisaki |
 Photo: Mohssen |
 Photo: James Costa |
 Photo: Natalia Kurop |
 Photo: Baptiste MONSION |
 Photo: Ivan Lukasevic |
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Ornithological park |
Route Nationale 83 Lyon 01330 France +33 (0)4 7498 0554 http://www.parcdesoiseaux.com/ |
This ornithological park is set in the marshes of Dombes and has a unique type of wildlife (mostly feathered) and flora. Over 2000 birds of at least 400 different species live here in total freedom and you can see herons, ducks and kingfishers in their natural habitat. A permanent exhibition helps you recognise the distinctive signs and characteristics of each species. There are some birds in captivity which can be seen in various buildings: exotic birds in the "bird house", Australian penguins, vultures, pelicans, flamingoes, etc. Most of the fish that live in these marshes can be viewed in an aquarium. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Johan BECKER |
 Photo: Telline de mer |
 Zoological park |
Parc Zoologique St Martin la Plaine Lyon 42800 France +33 4 7775 1868 http://www.espace-zoologique.com/ |
This nature reserve is located in the very pleasant Lyonnais hills to the South-West of Lyon. It is a place where threatened species are cared for rather than a zoo where animals are stuck behind bars. The keepers like to make the visitors aware of how the animals live and the problems they may have encountered in their homeland. The park specialises in protecting gorillas and Siberian tigers, but has plenty of other species, including wolves, chimpanzees, birds of prey and parrots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Gallo-Roman museum |
25-27 Rue de la Plaine Lyon 69560 France +33 4 7453 7400 |
Like Lyons, Vienne was a major Gallo-Roman town and many remains of the monuments of that era can still be seen today. Great monuments have been excavated in the towns of Vienne and Saint-Romain-en-Gal: the temple of Augustus and Livia, a gallo-roman theater and a whole compound of large villas, workshops and shops. The recently renovated Musée de Saint-Romain-en-Gal depicts the region in Gallo-Roman times based on this compound. The museum displays archaeological materials discovered during diggings, in particular the magnificent mosaics and murals which have been restored (the Sea Gods, wrestlers, waders, etc.). Themed halls explain the various building methods used by the local craftsmen (ceramics and mosaics of course), the daily life of leading citizens, the economy (wine trade, etc.). A model shows the town features based upon the archaeological discoveries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dominican convent re-built by Le Corbusier |
La Tourette (Arbresle) Lyon 69210 France +33 4 7426 7970 http://www.couventlatourette.com/ |
A visit to a working Dominican convent is nothing special, but this one is different as Saint Marie de Tourette was completely re-designed and re-built by Le Corbusier between 1956-1960. Up until then, the original 12th-century plan seemed ideal for a monastery, a church and the communal buildings. LeCorbusier managed to re-create a traditional monastery in keeping with the monks' lifestyle (enclosure, refectory, dormitory, study, and kitchens), and their spiritual needs (meditation, prayer, restraint and humility), while modernizing the architecture. Visits are conducted at specific times so as not to disturb the monks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: IVOBO |
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Mediaeval town |
33 Rue Gouvernement de Dombes Place du pont Lyon 01600 France +33 4 7400 3632 http://www.mairie-trevoux.fr/ |
Trévoux is a mediaeval town on a hill, overlooking the Saône. The town grew in the Middle Ages and flourished thanks to its port and the taxes received from traders using the river. For 300 years, this town was the capital of the Principality of Dombes until it was returned to France in 1762. The political and economical influences are still felt in this town dominated by a mediaeval castle dating from the 14th century. In the rue du Palais, the palace built at the end of the 17th century and used by the Government of Dombes is open to the public. In the 17th-18th centuries, Trévoux was known for its intellectuals, especially the Jesuits who published the journal de Trévoux in the early 18th century to contradict the rationalism of philosophers like Voltaire or Diderot. The town no longer has any political or intellectual dynamism but its old, narrow streets and paths along the Saône are full of charm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeff Steiner |
 Photo: Glyndon St.Amants |
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Ancient and medieval remains |
Cours Brillier Cours Brillier Lyon 38200 France |
As in Lyon, the construction of places of worship goes back to ancient times. Saint-Pierre, a funerary basilica, was built on the banks of the Rhône in the 5th century and after the 8th-10th century invasions was turned into the Roman abbey that can be seen today. Among some of the other Medieval places of worship we recommend Saint-Maurice cathedral (12th-16th centuries) and Saint-André-le-Bas church (12th-13th centuries) which still has its original sculpted decor and cloister. Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéolgie (exhibits from prehistory, paintings, earthenware) are nearby in Saint-Roman-en-Gal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henry Landeau |
 Photo: howardruiz |
 Photo: dongdong90 |
 Photo: Rico78 |
 Photo: Lisa |
 Photo: Stefan B |
 Photo: Florent Siglieri |