There is an incredible amount of history in Lyon. The city was founded in the time of Julius Caesar and has been the site of numerous important events in history.
The early Roman Emporer Agrippa recognized that Lyon’s position on the natural highway from northern to south-eastern France made it a natural communications hub, and he made Lyon the starting point of the principal Roman roads throughout France (Gaul). It then became the capital of Gaul, partly due to its convenient location at the convergence of two navigable rivers, and quickly became the main city of Gaul. Two Roman emperors were born in this city: Claudius and Caracalla.
Christians in Lyon were martyred for their beliefs under the reigns of various Roman emperors. Refugees fleeing destruction by the Huns in the year 437 were resettled in Lyon. 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. Italian influence on Lyon’s architecture are still visible among historic buildings. Thanks to the silk trade, the city became an important industrial town during the 19th century.
Even into the 20th century Lyon played a significant role during a war when Lyon was a center for the occupying German forces, as well as a stronghold of resistance during World War II. The traboules (secret passages) that the silk traders used to use as shortcuts to/from the rivers enabled the local people to escape Gestapo raids.
We walked through a traboule:
Kinda spooky.
Today old Lyon is a collection of narrow cobblestone streets filled with shops and restaurants, most of which are quite good.
We explored all of the old city on the one full day we had in Lyon and were utterly charmed by it.
It was quite difficult to stop taking pictures!
It is as you imagine France to be before you come to France! After wandering all day we were in need of refreshment and since we didn’t pack Michel our bartender from the Hotel Martinez, we went out in search of a place for refreshment. We found it with these three folks who looked like they were directly out of central casting.
Nicola, Frank, and Charlotte who all became fast friends after a few cocktails. Who says the French aren’t friendly??
