Lyons, World Heritage

Photographs: Yves Neyrolles
Text: Jean Luc Chavent
Preface: Didier Repellin

"Lyons, from being the capital of all Gaul in the Roman period, nearly became the capital of France in the sixteenth century, but finally remained a regional capital, the hub of the Lyonnais region.
Small town, or major urban center, modern metropolis or ancient city? All these terms suit many-faceted Lyons. How, then, can one come to grips with the ungraspable?
A dictionary would not be enough, and what's more, would not lend itself to the task. A friendly ramble spiced with a little history seemed to be the only way, as it lends itself to a bit of dreamy curiosity.

From the hilltop of Fourvière, we'll go down into Old Lyons, then cross the Saône to seek out the slopes and the plateau of the Croix-Rousse, and slip down along the "peninsula" and on to the opposite bank, for no other reason than to be taken in by the sheer beauty of the places."

Translation: Charles Hadley
Edition Les Points Cardinaux (295F)