Lyon - July 1st to 8th
Lyon is the third-largest city (pop ~550,000) and second-largest urban area (~2.2M) of France. It is located in the country's east-central part at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. Inhabitants of the city are called Lyonnais. The city is known for its cuisine and gastronomy, and historical and architectural landmarks; part of it is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lyon was historically an important area for the production and weaving of silk. Lyon played a significant role in the history of cinema: it is where Auguste and Louis Lumière invented the cinematograph. It is also known for its light festival, the Fête des Lumières, which begins every 8 December and lasts for four days, earning Lyon the title of Capital of Lights.
In 43 BC, the Roman Senate ordered the creation of a settlement at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers. The foundation was built on Fourvière hill and became known as Lugdunum. The city became the starting point of the principal Roman roads in the area, and it quickly became the capital of the province, Gallia Lugdunensis. In 843, by the Treaty of Verdun, Lyon went to the Holy Roman Emperor Lothair I. It was later made part of the Kingdom of Arles. Lyon did not come under French control until the 14th century.
During the Renaissance, the city's development was driven by the silk trade, which strengthened its ties to Italy. In 1793, the city was besieged by Revolutionary armies for over two months before surrendering in October. Many buildings were destroyed and more than 2,000 people were executed. A decade later, Napoleon ordered the reconstruction of all the buildings demolished during this period.
During World War II, Lyon was a centre for the occupying Nazi forces, including Klaus Barbie, the infamous "Butcher of Lyon". But the city was also a stronghold of the French Resistance – the many secret passages known as traboules enabled people to escape Gestapo raids. On 3 September 1944, Lyon was liberated by the 1st Free French Division and the Forces Françaises de l'Intérieur. The city is now home to a resistance museum.
Paul Bocuse's Brasserie - Le Sud
Chef Paul Bocuse is considered the father of nouvelle cuisine and he is basically a god in France. He died in early 2018 at the age of 91.
Our friends Anne and Joe had (thankfully) introduced us to the legend of Paul before we went to France. We were fortunate enough to eat at two of his Brasseries - East and South. Both Meals were delicious, but the best part was the company. We ate at Brasserie de L'Est with the De Martels and at le Sud with the Absils. Couldn't ask for better than that!
Lyon is Full of Secrets
Lyon is a mysterious city.
Lyon is the world capital of gastronomy, but also and above all, Lyon is the interplanetary headquarters of the Institute of Clavological Sciences.
Still looking for a definition of Clavological. Found one reference that referred to it as a practical joke. Who knows?
Traboules
Traboules (from Latin transambulare via vulgar Latin trabulare meaning "to cross") are a type of passageway primarily associated with the city of Lyon, France, but also located in the French cities of Villefranche-sur-Saône, Mâcon, Saint-Étienne, along with a few in Chambéry). In Lyon, they were originally used by silk manufacturers and other merchants to transport their products.
The first examples of traboules are thought to have been built in Lyon in the 4th century. Lacking water, the inhabitants moved to the banks of the Saône (in the 'lower town', at the foot of the Fourvière hill). The traboules thus allowed them to get from their homes to the river quickly and allowed the canuts on the La Croix-Rousse hill to get quickly from their workshops to the textile merchants at the foot of the hill. Thus the traboules of Lyon are located primarily in the 'old city' and the Croix Rousse and are often credited with helping prevent the occupying Germans from taking complete control of these areas during World War II.
The layout of Vieux Lyon is such that there are very few connecting streets running perpendicular to the river. The traboules allowed workmen and craftsmen to transport clothes and other textiles through the city while remaining sheltered from inclement weather. For many inhabitants, being a "true Lyonnais" requires being knowledgeable about the city's traboules. Nowadays, traboules are tourist attractions, and over forty are free and open to the public. Most traboules are on private property, serving as entrances to local apartments. Many, if not most, of the underground passages have been blocked off and are currently used as storage areas.
FIFA Fan Experience Center
They had these in every city, but this was one of the best. They had soccer related games and exhibits.
Video of the Dutch Fans Prior to the Championship Game
They sang several songs, but this just captures a part of one of them.
Cameo appearances by Sibylle, Yvan and Zoe.
Dedicated Dutch Fans
Notorious RBG!
BEST COSTUME ANYWHERE!
Opening Ceremonies for the Championship Game
In case you haven't heard, the US beat the Netherlands 2-0 with goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. It was a great match!
It was also hotter than Hades! Our seats, as great as they were, were in full sun for the entire match. Luckily, there were some clouds that rolled in at times. A huge cheer went up when the first one blocked the sun!
Netherlands Fans with their TIFO
