Travel Diary: Lyon, France

When I was studying in France back in college, my friends and I used to travel to different parts of Europe every weekend. Most of the time, we’d ride the train from Gare Du Nord and backpack our way around a new city. Since this is my sister’s first time in Europe, I wanted her to experience even just a little of this. So one morning, I spontaneously booked us a ticket to Lyon, France. We only had a day to spend so I chose a city that’s close to Geneva. Lyon is only less than 2 hours away by train. I would’ve loved it if I could show her around Paris but it’s around 4 hours or so by train. By plane, it’s only about an hour and a few minutes away but the commute from the airport to the city center will eat up so much of our time. Considering our circumstances, Lyon was perfect. At least this way, she gets to experience a little of my favorite European country through an equally charming city. The last time I was here, I remember having a fever. But that didn’t stop me from exploring what to me is like a relaxed version of Paris. Lyon is a beautiful city. With this travel diary, I hope you see that as well.

Our journey was off to a good start. This is one of the many advantages of riding a train–you get to enjoy the countryside scenery.

Since we only decided to go to Lyon on the day itself, I was definitely not prepared with an itinerary. So this is me, in the middle of Place Neuve Saint-Jean, searching for the tourist spots I saved on my phone earlier while trying to find them on my map. I enjoy doing this though. Whenever I travel with my mom and sister, I’m usually the one with the map who guides them around a city. I don’t know why but for some reason I’m good with directions when we travel, but here in Manila, I can’t seem to remember my way. LOL!

First stop on our itinerary (since we’re already at Place Neuve St.-Jean) is the Cathédrale St. Jean-Baptiste or Saint John Cathedral. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site most famous for its 14th century astronomical clock built by the monks to calculate their feast days (not this clock on the photo). I read on the internet that the clock is an engineering masterpiece. It’s as accurate as our modern day clocks but was designed to last only 700 years, so by 2019, it’ll stop working.

Cathédrale Saint Jean-Baptiste was actually built on the site of a ruined church that was built in the 6th century. Although this church was completed in the 15th century, parts of the old ruined church still remains. It most definitely has a beautfiul facade!

Place Neuve St. Jean is located at the heart of Vieux Lyon or Old Lyon. So while taking in the view of the cathedral, you’ll also see all these Renaissance-era cobbled alleys lined with historic buildings and stores. This is why the entire Vieux Lyon is actually a World Heritage site. My sister and I chose to enter one of the streets, namely Rue St. Jean to search for Lyon’s famous traboules or tunnelled passageways that connect two parallel streets. Traboules are one of Lyon’s most distinctive features and are hidden behind the facade of old buildings, inside their courtyards. These buildings have actual residents living there so it may feel like invading someone’s privacy because you’d have to open the building’s doors to get in. Usually, doors are open before 12 noon. If you arrive there after 12 like my sister and I, you don’t have to call the residents, just push the main button of the door and the door will automatically open. It’s a shame I wasn’t able to take a photo of the traboule we found. It was a little dark so I couldn’t take a proper photo. But basically, you’ll make your way through and under a tunnel and find your way out on the next street. It’s such a cool feature built to make the transport of silk during rainy weather easier during ancient times. I also read somewhere that these traboules were built by the French resistance during the World War II to hide from the Germans.

Lyon is said to be the capital of French gastronomy and I can see why. We passed by countless restaurants on our way to finding Lyon’s famous traboules. Being all touristy, my sister and I tried a traditional Lyonnaise “Bouchon” which is usually a 3-course meal for under 15 Euros.

This is a candy store along the cobbled alleys of Vieux Lyon. Can you spot Johnny Depp?

Next stop, we went to Lyon’s old silk weaver’s quarter, Croix Rousse. Croix Rousse also has a lot of traboules so I guess here, most of them were used to transport silk. Lyon used to be Europe’s silk capital so there are still a few looms that operate here. I wanted to see some so we went to Maison des Canuts or” the Silk-makers House. It contains looms used in the old days like a draw-loom and four Jacquard looms. They also have a lot of fine silk on display and for sale.

They also hold demonstrations here on how these looms are operated.

You see that church on top of a hill? That’s the 19th century Basilique Notre Dame De Fourvière perched on top of the Fourvière hill. You can easily get there through a tram.

And here we are! You’ll find the church right away as you exit the tram from the metro station.

Inside the church, there were plenty of ornate decorations and carvings.

My camera had a feast taking all these photos!

Most of the famous churches in Europe have coin machines where you can purchase a souvenir like this one.

At the back of the church, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire city of Lyon.

You can also walk down the stairs and take a stroll around the lush gardens.

On the way to Lyon’s city center and main shopping districts, you’ll find a lot of beautiful squares. The most famous one aside from Place Bellecour is Place Des Terreaux. Three important structures are situated around this square–La Fontaine Bartholdi, Hôtel de Ville and the Palais Saint-Pierre which houses Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. The photo above is Hôtel De Ville’s facade from the side of Place de la Comédie.

This is La Fontaine Bartholdi. You’ll see it right away when you get to Place Des Terreaux. It was made by Frédéric Bartholdi who also made the Statue of Liberty. It’s said that the woman on top of the chariot symbolizes France controlling the four great rivers of the country. The four great rivers are represented by the horses.

This is Lyon’s Hôtel De Ville or city hall from the side of Place Des Terreaux. It’s so grand!!! It’s especially beautiful at night when it’s all lit up.

Just a few blocks away from Place Des Terreaux is Place Bellecour, which is where the famous statue of king Louis XIV on a horse is located. This is where we ended up after shopping along the streets of this area. During winter, a ferris wheel is built here. We were lucky to see it at night all lit up. What a nice way to end our day trip to Lyon. Tomorrow, another travel/outfit post from Geneva awaits!

Forever 21 cap (similar here, here and here) | Choies jacket | Miss Selfridge blouse | Bayo sweater (similar here and here) | Choies skirt | Longchamp leather gloves (similar here) | Chanel bag | Stuart Weitzman 50/50 boots

 

96 Responses to “Travel Diary: Lyon, France”
  1. Rebecca

    Hey there Camille!
    Great post! It seems like you managed to do quite a lot in the span of one day (and without planning? Props to you!). If only you had been able to come by in December and stay the night to see the Festival of Lights. I don’t know if you were able to experience that during your stay in Europe but it’s a must-see! We would love it if you could stop by (website with username) and give us more of your thoughts and feelings, as well as your sister’s, when it comes to Lyon: how your experience was, what you would change/add (or wouldn’t!)… À très bientôt!

    Reply
  2. Honey

    I’ll be visiting tomorrow – also pretty spontaneously… no planning. That’s how I ended up on your page. Thanks for sharing – your photos are inspiring and have excited me for tomorrow!

    Reply
  3. Beanie

    Hello,

    Late to the game, but came across your post when researching Lyon – hopefully I’ll be visiting in August.
    What a great post I’ve stumbled upon! Made me very excited to explore the city.

    Beanie

    http://www.blogofbeanie.co.uk

    Reply
  6. aya

    super ganda ng pictures! wish i could go there too! :) medyo curious po ako what camera lens did you use? :) thank you po!

    Reply
  7. trisha

    I would be heading to Europe this October for almost a month. I will go to Paris and Lyon as well. Excited nako!!! ;) By the way, malamig na ba by October dyan dba? Do i need to prrepare some clothes suitable for layering?

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Hi Trisha! :) Depends on you. I don’t get cold easily kasi so layering light to medium clothes is still okay :) But malamig na rin :)

      Reply
  8. Christine Koay

    I love your outfit here, Ms Camille! I love your beanie here.. This is such a beautiful place.. And that church are just gorgeous.. =)

    Reply
  9. Victoria

    Hi Camille,

    I am going to Lyon next month and was also planning to go to Geneva. Since you been to both places, I was wondering if 2 days in each city is enough to explore both places. Or it’s fine to stay in Lyon the jut do a day trip to Geneva?

    Thanks!
    V

    Reply
  10. Catherinethequeen

    Hi ms. Camille.I really like your blog,I enjoyed your post,clothes and everything. I really want to be a fashion blogger just like u,in fact your one of the reason why I want to be a blogger. :)

    Reply
  11. Dane

    Hi! You’re so lucky to be able to live in France when you were student, and now to go there (whenever you want to and schedule permits). It’s really my dream to go there, but I think I need a Million before that happens? I just want to ask if is it really hard to apply for Visa France?

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      You don’t need a million!! :) And no, it’s not hard to apply for a Visa as long as you complete the requirements :)

      Reply
      • Dane

        Huhu. I thought I need a million bec. I read before, that one of the requirements is to have a travel insurance that should have a minimum of 30,000 Euro. Thank you for answering! And I really admire your style! :)

        Reply
  12. Tina

    Ms Camille saan po kayo nag aral ng fashion designing and kung pwede po. Paki sabi kung saan rin po… I want to know para if i go to college maybe the place kung saan kayo ng study :) i want to be a blogger also a fashion designer katulad niyo 2in1 hehe… I love your design… Girly po yung designs niyo also the way you dress up yourself :) thanks :) keep up the good work :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Tina! I went to Ateneo first and graduated with a degree in Management. Then I took short courses at SoFA and FIP :)

      Reply
  13. JM

    Hi,

    I like the shots and the colors of the pictures. what camera are you using? Thanks! :)

    Reply
      • JM

        Wow 5D III. thats nice :) By the way, what lens do you bring when you travel.
        Because, usually i can’t decide which lens to bring so i end up brining all.
        So any advice which lens to bring that is good for landscape and portrait shots? :)

        Reply
  15. maebs

    this is a breathtaking place. I really loved Europe because you can travel from one country to another by train. :) love your photos :)

    Reply
  16. Mae

    Ms. Cams! I would like to ask if how much estimated money would be needed para maka punta sa Paris?thank youuuu soo muucchhh.Pag iipunan ko po. :)You are very inspiring!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      My pleasure! I hope you find this even just a little bit useful! :) Enjoy France!

      Reply
  23. Tin

    it seems that i already travelled in France because of your blogs!

    Thank you..love it! :)

    Reply
  24. Angelic Robles

    Total eye-candy! Your camera certainly had its work cut out for it! :-D I enjoyed this post very much, Miss Camille! I had so much fun going through the whole entry, I couldn’t pick a favorite picture! I did spot Captain Jack Sparrow, though. If he considers the confectionery inside that candy store included in his pirate loot, I definitely agree with him! :-D

    I was fascinated with your description of the traboules. They sound so much like the mysterious secret passages I read in novels. I’m glad you got to explore one of them. I also felt like I went through a time-warp with these angles you worked for the several sights of Lyon. Each feature of the many structures makes you feel like you entered a different world. The photo of the countryside from your train window is exactly how I Imagined the surroundings of Idris, the Shadowhunter country.

    Now for your outfit: I give you a thumbs up for the wide stripes of your top. It looks snuggly. Even its pairing with the bright blue of your skirt is not muted into obscurity. It is noticeably minimalist, yet the eyes are drawn in for a second look. :-D I think your leather accoutrements of jacket, gloves, and boots really make an impression. I love the way you carry yourself.

    I object to those who say you look too ‘touristy’ because I can see how much of a jetsetter you are! Your look makes me think of a fearless youth who is off to see the world. :-) I Life-Peg you!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Sharp eyes! You were able to find Johnny Depp! :) I’m glad you enjoyed this entry. :) It’s one of my favorites as well. And I agree with the comment you made about the leather details in my outfit :) Although I see nothing wrong with being touristy, I don’t see it as well. Thanks Angelic!

      Reply
  25. blue

    i agree with some of the comments above..your travel diary posts are so educational with outfits and sceneries a feast to the eyes..we got to learn and explore different places/countries just by reading your blog..the presentation as well is comprehensive..ang galing mong tour guide! :) ikaw na cams! hehe..:)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you Blue! Kulang pa ako ng info and training to be a guide haha! :) But I hope these little snippets help!

      Reply
  28. Mitch

    Hi ms. Camille, what model of DSLR camera are you using? aside from it’s content na maganda, your photos loook perfect. :)

    Reply
  29. Tamara

    I’m addicted to your blog !! Thank you so much for everything ! Can you please tell me what your height is??? Thank you … Love you …

    Reply
  30. kriii27

    You really take good pictures :) Is this the new canon you bought ? I want to buy your d7000 tho but I think someone bought it already huhu.

    Reply
  32. Elle

    Absolutely breathtaking pictures Camille! I am absolutely just eating up these Travel Diaries!!! It’s giving me a major travel itch…well more like a travel rash now!

    Reply
  33. Maureen

    Oh my God!! You have such awesome pictures! I noticed how good the photos are after you bought a new camera! May I know if you took photography lessons?

    Reply
  34. Kristine

    Hi Camille!

    Your blog is getting more educational and I love it! It would be very helpful also if you will have your own blog application on android and apple (though I´m not using apple), since you started blogging about travel. Through that, it will be easier for us to browse on your blog when we are on-the-go. Somehow, pwede namen maging travel guide etong blog mo.

    Keep it up, Camille! Congratulations on your achievements especially for being part of Olay Family ;)

    Kristine

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you Kristine! I’m looking into that! :) It’s something I want for my blog as well :)

      Reply
  35. Sephie Rojas

    The wonderful thing in Europe is that it’s super rich in history. And their history is very much well preserved for future generations to see. It’s a shame that our country (though it may also be rich in history) isn’t as well preserved anymore :( I get why you postponed this post from yesterday to today. The photos and stories are awesome <3

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Sephie! I got overwhelmed with all the photos. I agree. I always tell people how much I’d love to see the Philippines during its peak. We were so rich! We had the resources as well. Sayang. But at least we still have a number of gems left :)

      Reply
  37. Jeramie

    The place I want to go.. again you are in miniskirt.. hehehe.. but, anyway, you look great as always.. more travel diary.. someday, I will have a travel diary or blog like you..keep inspiring us..
    Love, your #1 fan..

    Reply
  38. Tasha D.

    GRABE lang. Pwede every month ka na mag-abroad para busog na busog (bondat level) kaming mga readers mo? haha! I LOVE! Your travel posts make me aspire to work hard so that one day, I can afford to go to all these places! SOBRANG PAK lang din ng outfit mo! muntik ko ng di mapansin yung photos dahil sa sobrang GANDA ng Chanel at boots moooo! Tyaka in fairness! You didn’t look bulky with that winter wear! Yan kasi ang worry ko when dressing up for the cold season eh. So hard to fasyown kasi nagmumukha ka ng mascot sa sobrang bulky at daming layers of clothing. haha!

    Pareho tayo! Sa Manila kahit araw-araw ko ng dinadaanan yung route na yun, di ko parin nakakabisado yung pangalan ng streets! haha! I guess ganun talaga when someone else deals with the Traffic Mayhem for you. You care less! Stress kasi talaga magdrive dito eh! Bago ka pa makarating sa work, mukhang kailangan mo na agad lumaklak ng stresstabs dahil sa traffic. -_-

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Hahaha kailangan ng budget! Baka maubos savings ko if I keep traveling. But how I wish I can travel all the time. That would be the life!! :)

      Reply
  39. Ericka Garcia

    Oh my God! Vitamin A overload young eyes ko! Sobrang ganda talaga ng Europe! Waaaaaaa I want to teleport na to Europe. Ow might as well study hard nalang so that I could land job that could finance my Europe trip. Hahaha Love this Miss Camille and also the outfit of course! :)

    By the way, in going to France, you also have to avail another visa noh? Each Euro country, visa required? Or may document or something ba like EU visa like that lang para you can go anywhere around Europe? Just curious. Hihihi dream ko talaga maka-punta dyan. Thank you for answering my query if ever. <3

    Love,
    Ericka of http://myfashionfelicity.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Tama yan! Work hard and it’ll pay off! :) As for your inquiry, nope one Schengen visa lang for most of Europe except for London, Ireland,etc. The rest like Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland etc are all covered by Schengen visa :)

      Reply
  41. Ren

    Hirap ng e-pronounce yung ibang French words haha. Anyway, Europe has always been a part of my bucket list that I should visit (I hope so! xfingerscrossedx)Wow! Ang daming layer ng clothes. Super lamig! ;)

    Reply
  42. Gala

    Wow! Ganda :)
    I hope you don’t mind Ms. Camille when i say na mas enjoy ko actually yung mga post na ganito as compared to fashion cos it’s so educational and we get to travel “vicariously” — plus your nice outfits — ok na ok talaga.. but i do enjoy rin naman your fashion posts.
    Wish you could also include how to get there, how much the train tixcost, etc.

    Anyway, i enjoyed this travel blog!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Ako rin. Mas enjoy ko. :) It’s more work but I like being able to share something new. I know that outfit posts everyday can seem repetitive and may bore you so breath of fresh air mga posts na ganito :) I plan to do that as well, the practical info like train costs and directions. Next time, I’ll take note of those when I travel so that I can share them with you :)

      Reply
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