Exploring Lyon by Velo - Retyrement on 2 Wheels 6 - CycleBlaze

September 20, 2022

Exploring Lyon by Velo

A city where car is no longer king.

After a morning spent buying train fares and a warmer layer at Decathlon, we take a tour of the city with our guide Olivier. In the morning he is helpful getting us a slightly faster train (Inter City) for the Marseilles- Toulon section. Not sure where we’ll find it but let’s hope it works. Because we cannot use the TGV with bikes, we’re on a four hour ride to Marseilles. 

Olivier presents us with a traditional Lyonnaise lunch of andouillette- chitterlings but not as we’ve known them. Not too strong, rather rich, but no colonic odour as some are reputed to exude. Accompanied by new potatoes it’s a comfort food lunch.

After a rest we collect our bikes and are off. Olivier is a good guide, not going too fast and explaining much about the city. He takes us along the banks of the Rhone to the confluence of both rivers. On such a beautiful day, we have a clear view of where the two rivers join to continue as the Rhone to the Mediterranean- a journey we followed in 2018.

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Bleue route accomplished!
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Along the waterfront on the sparkling Rhone are cruise boats parked and beautiful apartments.

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From the confluence we climb to the top of the hill Fourvièr overlooking Lyon. Here there is are two Roman amphitheatres. One for theatrical performance and a smaller one for music. As we look out over the city, Olivier points to Mt Blanc in the distance.

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Mt Blanc, barely discernible to left of grey tower.
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Down from the hill we visit several interesting sites around the Saone side of the river.

One of Lyon murals. Famous people.
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Children at this school are kept free from cars and traffic. Parents bring them by bicycle.
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At the end of a wonderful day we thank Olivier for our stay and his expertise as a guide. 

Today's ride: 21 km (13 miles)
Total: 1,352 km (840 miles)

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BobandMary CummingKeep those photos and commentary coming. Really enjoying reading this journal. Not long and it will all be a memory. Enjoy your last 2+ weeks. B
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Michael HutchingTo BobandMary CummingThanks- makes it all worthwhile!
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1 year ago