August 16th
Our cultural exploration of Lyon continued as we boarded a bus to the city center, eager to deepen our understanding of French life. After a subway ride, we took the Funiculaire up to the majestic Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where we were met with a breathtaking view of Lyon. The experience was made even more memorable by the sound of an accordion player nearby, creating a quintessentially French ambiance that we had only read about before. This was a perfect moment to immerse ourselves in the local culture, allowing us to experience the heart of French tradition in real time.
Inside the cathedral, we took a moment to participate in a local religious tradition by lighting candles, which allowed us to connect spiritually and culturally with the people of Lyon. Practicing our French with locals during these encounters also gave us a chance to improve our language skills while gaining insights into the local customs and way of life.
As we made our way down to Vieux Lyon, we were struck by the beauty of the district’s typical Renaissance architecture. This was a chance to witness the city’s historical layers up close, and we took the opportunity to ask locals about the stories behind the buildings, furthering our cultural exchange and language immersion.
After a delightful lunch in the heart of Vieux Lyon, we decided to explore the city from a new angle: by boat. This river tour provided us with a unique view of Lyon’s landscape and gave us more opportunities to learn about the city’s history and daily life. We discovered fascinating details, such as people living on houseboats and the conservation efforts to protect swans along the river. Engaging with our tour guide in French allowed us to deepen our linguistic immersion and gain a more authentic understanding of the local culture.
The tour also took us past the eye-catching Euronews Channel office, which stood out as one of the most modern and innovative buildings in the area. This contrast between old and new architecture offered us further insights into how Lyon blends its historical heritage with contemporary life.
To close out the day, we visited another significant religious site, the Basilique Saint-Bonaventure. This visit, like our earlier one, was not only an opportunity to admire the stunning architecture but also to engage with the local community and practice our French through conversations with locals. The day was long, but it was filled with meaningful interactions, cultural exchanges, and language immersion that enriched our experience in Lyon.
