A One-Day Walking Tour of Lyon

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.

Last updated: 8th March, 2018

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