Every December 8, for nearly 160 years, the windows of all Lyon buildings illuminate. Lumens and lampions shave the city. From a distant tradition was born a celebration that now attracts millions of visitors from all over the world to attend an ephemeral and unique show. Shadows and lights, buildings animated by lighting, all senses are in turmoil. Today architects, graphic designers, light designers, machinists and designers combine to offer much more than an annual animation: a real show, the biggest Lyon event. Throughout the year Lyon deserves a visit; With the Festival of Lights, it's a great opportunity to make a long stay… and illuminated!
Light path
During the Illuminations, the main places of passage and life endorse their clothes of light. If you stay several days, use public transit and dedicate each evening to a single area. Normally, we'll prefer the tram, for the city view. But do not hesitate to take the metro on the occasion of December 8: The rods are illuminated in green, yellow, fluo pink…
The most impressive animations take place in the magnificent scenery of Fourvière, the Cathedral of Saint John and the city hall, the city's essential monuments. If you stay only one evening, schedule a course that will allow you to see at least one of these buildings. There are several options available to you. You can, for example, decide to leave the Place Bellecour. From there you will join the Terreaux by going back to the Rue de la République, then you will continue to the slopes of the Croix-Rousse. Another possibility: the Saint-Jean district and its cathedral, Old Lyon, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will reach through the Bonaparte Bridge. Finally, if you prefer the heights of the city, the funicular for Fourvière will be crowded: Take your courage with two hands and climb straight away. The most romantic ones can be tempted by a small cruise on the Saône.
Illuminations are not limited to official creations. The Lyonian neighborhoods all have their own history and identity that people tell on December 8. Rather than lumps, some hang garages along the balconies; others are projecting lights on the walls across the way or turning their television stations outwards to diversify colors! So we can live this party by mushrooming at the mercy of its desires.
Lyon, history label
Whatever the nocturnal route, we take advantage of its days to impregnate the history and the charm of Lyon… Old Lyon is a delightful neighborhood, with St. John's Cathedral, its wonderful Renaissance houses, its famous trunks (passages crossing the buildings) and its delicious butchers. Do not miss to visit the Gadagne museums, bringing together the Museum of History of Lyon and the Museum des Marionnettes du monde. Fourvière Hill, with its basilica and Roman amphitheater, is another unfailing site. Once in the center of Lugdunum, Fourvière bears the traces of its ancient origins and offers a magnificent view of the city. Its basilica is a neo-Nazi style building dedicated to the Holy Virgin. Forced passage to the Maison des Canuts to discover the know-how and life of silk woven weavers entering the last family workshops. It was here, at the Croix-Rousse, that the famous Jacquard looms were looming and that the canuts, silk workers, lived. " Independent "village in the heart of the city, the Croix-Rousse is a lively neighborhood, particularly on Saturdays with its market. You should venture to discover the picturesque charm of its trunks, these small narrow, typically Lyonian narrow passages. Finally, impossible to leave without visiting the most famous Lyonnais: Guignol! To find him: the Théâtre de Guignol de Lyon or the Théâtre de Guignol de la Parc d 'Or. At the same time, take advantage of the park: a real haven of peace, with a zoo, a lake, a rose garden, a botanical garden…
In lyonnaise mode
For shopping enthusiasts, the city does not lack resources! When arriving at the station of the Part-Dieu, fashion victims will rush into the mall of the same name, located right across the street, which brings together over 250 shops of all kinds. Ready-to-wear, perfumery, bookstores, small restores… Everything is there!
The Carré d 'Or, built around four places (Republic, Jacobins, Célestins, Bellecour), brings together various «sewing» shops and an impressive number of ready-to-wear shops. The Passage from the Argue, between the Rue de la République and the Édouard-Herriot Street, is a shopping gallery that houses small shops with old charm: Chapelians, couteliers…
Equally unavoidable, the large pedestrian artery crossing the peninsula: it is one of the largest in Europe. From the Rue Victor-Hugo, it is lined with franchised shops and extends to the Rue de la République. Bellecour and the Rue de la Ré, as the Lyonnais like to call it, are the heart of the center: shops and restaurants are there.
In the south of Bellecour, handicrafts and crafts of Lyon art will be delighted to explore the Rue Auguste-Comte with its antique shops, art and decoration.
My little cap!
Walk, explore, it's hollow, so useless to resist temptation, it's too good! Lyon is still up to its reputation in terms of gastronomy! On the menu of specialties: lyonists, "cochonnailles" and offal prepared according to the recipes of the famous lyonnaise mothers. To find the best products, we will go to the Halles Paul-Bocuse, the city's gourmet heart. Unlike appearances, it's not so fat and it's succulent! The sapzer deck prepares with pieces of double-paneled and rinsed fat. Andouillette, quenelles in the pike (cooked in the oven), rosette, Jesus, sausage and puffed ham are also the program of celebrations…
At the time of cheese, the lyonnaise region does not fail and proposes rigotte, saint-félicien, saint-marcellin and golden mont-d 'or… Or, lighter, the canut brains, a well-documented preparation based on white cheese beaten with aromates and herbs. Gourmands who can still swallow something can be tempted by the bugnys (famous doughnuts) or an exquisite praline pie!
Do not lose sight that the stoppers will be packed and that you will have to take patience to eat (or enjoy a second or third service…). And do not lose your nose or palate when it comes to choosing wine: It'll be a lyonian pot for sure!
Lights on the glitter!
After the official festivities, the night is far from finished! In the Ier arrondissement, Sainte-Catherine Street is the street of bars: students (and others) are there to celebrate until the end of the night. And as Lyonnais love fiesta, the whole city is full of cool places, cultural coffee at the jazz club! City of Lights, gastronomic, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO… Lyon is an incredible stop. You have the keys to play!
Smart News
When is it? From Saturday December 5 to Tuesday December 8, 2015. The "lighthouse" date is December 8.
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