A view of the Rhone in Lyon.
Early one morning in Lyon, just before setting out to walk as much of the city as I could, I learned a new French word.
Balader – to walk or stroll.
I went to Lyon to spend a bit of time at Alpadia Language School and was staying with a French host family. Just about every discussion in such a context is a learning opportunity. On this occasion, I was explaining that I was going to ‘faire un promenade' and ‘marcher a pied'.
“Ah, tu va balader”, was the response.
What a beautiful word. In English, a ballad is a narrative song or poem. In French, it is a way of walking, rambling or wandering. I thought I ‘ll balader, and create my own narrative as I wander. So I set out to do so. I spent the full day on foot and ended up at the Alpadia school in the early evening where I met up with students to go for a Champagne tasting. An exhausting but fabulous day.
Below is my promenade in photos. Here is the story of my French school experience. A Solo Side Trip to Lyon – and French Lessons!
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Crossing the Rhone.
Place des Terreau
Downtown Lyon where the students hang out.
Cafe culture in Lyon.
Looking up a side street with the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in the background.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
View from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Champagne Tasting Lyon was part of my language school experience.