Thursday April 9, 2026 Lyon France

Notre Dame de Fourviere

Today was a very nice day in Lyon.  It was one of those special days where the weather was perfect and we had a nice tour but had lots of time for ourselves.

Our bus took us to the Basilica Notre Dame dec Fourviere.  I swear there’s an Notre Dame church in every city in France.  This basilica was visited by the past pope John Paul II in 1986.

It was built with public money and was consecrated in 1896.

Pope John Paul II commemorated for his visit in 1086

Behind the church is a beautiful view of the city of Lyon 

A bronze map of the city of Lyon our guide used to show us the city highlights 

After our tour of the church, we were taken to the par of Lyon referred to as Old Lyon.  It was the medieval part of the city with narrow streets all cobblestones and fun to walk around in.  

The hidden courtyards in Old Lyon 

There were ways to get from one street to another through hidden courtyards that led to people’s apartments but if continuing on, would open to a door onto another street.  Very few are open to the public, most are private because they lead up spiral staircases to apartments.

Built in the Italian renaissance style with narrow windows and balconies they are absolutely lovely and ticked away.

We were let loose afterwards for what would have been 45 minutes of free time to shop for the obligatory aprons, towels, and souvenirs.  Or, as we chose, to leave the group at that time and wander on our own eventually walking back to our ship.

Crossing the first of two rivers on our way to the Monoprix and eventually our ship

Easter chocolates, discounted

The fresh seafood in the Monoprix 

We wanted to find the Monoprix, which is something like a super Walmart but not discounted.  It sells groceries, fresh produce but also clothing and home goods.  The one we found was three stories.  We were on a search for another suitcase for Bettiann and we found a great duffle bag that will hold all her goodies and allow her to buy even more!

We had lunch just across the street at an outdoor restaurant and lunch was delicious.  Bettiann had a beautiful Caesar salad but didn’t realize there was a poached egg on top.  She managed to eat around it.  Eileen, you would have been proud.  I had a cheese charcuterie board, just cheeses.  They are know for their gastronomy here and the different cheeses were wonderful.  The waiter told me, not the names of the cheeses but rather the part of France they came from.  They being said I have no idea what I ate, except for the goat cheeee which was delicious.   The others were just as good, if I only knew what they were.

Madison Gloria Lyon 

European bread is to die for.  There is no bread to compare in Mesa.  Look closely for the poached egg in the center (white).

My cheese plate described as Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine AOP, St Nectaire AOP, Comté AOP,

butter, walnuts and artisanal bread.  So I know where the cheese comes from.

We visited a pharmacy afterwards as we are running out of Tylenol and then headed back to the ship, a mere two miles away.  A few stops under some bridges for shade and we were back on board, tired, but had a great day.

A few last pictures as we walked back to our ship.

The Grand Hotel Dieu from across the river

Metal flower sculpture on one of the bridges we walked past

One last look at the Rhone to catch our breath on our walk

Dinner is early tonight as there’s an evening tour which I am NOT going on.   These legs are looking for bed!