A Visit to the Centre de l’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation — Vichy France

This afternoon I’m visiting Lyon’s Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation. Lyon, then inside Vichy France, was at the center of activity of the French Underground activity during World War II, so this should be interesting. Continue reading “A Visit to the Centre de l’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation — Vichy France”

A Visit to Lyon’s Resistance and Deportation History Center

During World War II, Lyon was a center of activity for the French Resistance. There’s a museum here dedicated to the “Underground” called the Resistance and Deportation History Center.  Should be interesting. But first, it’s time for lunch! Continue reading “A Visit to Lyon’s Resistance and Deportation History Center”

From the Jacquard Loom to the Computer and IBM

We’re in Lyon, near the Croix Rousse district – the silk-weaving center of old Lyon.  You remember from last time who lived here – the Canuts.  At the turn of the 19th century, things in this area were changing fast.  Joseph Marie Jacquard had just invented his loom, which would revolutionize the textile industry.  On one hand, it was just a loom, but on the other hand, it was one of those inventions like the printing press that really changed things. Continue reading “From the Jacquard Loom to the Computer and IBM”

The Croix Rousse and the Canuts de Lyon

This morning we explored Presque-Ile, heading north from our hotel.  We walked all the way to the edge of the “Croix Rousse” district. We’ve come to a square called Place des Terreaux.  Time for a break!  We ordered a couple of coffees at a little cafe and hung out until our legs told us they’re ready to get started again.   Continue reading “The Croix Rousse and the Canuts de Lyon”

The Walk Home – and a Short History of Electricity

I just had a fantastic dinner at a cozy little restaurant in Lyon. I’m stuffed to the gills, but fortunately, I have a long walk ahead of me to get back to the hotel. It had been raining earlier, but the rain has stopped, and now it seems like a nice night for a walk. Continue reading “The Walk Home – and a Short History of Electricity”

Classique Lyonnaise Cuisine for Dinner

I’m on my way to dinner in the foodie capital of France: Lyon. I picked a restaurant that specializes in “classique Lyonnaise cuisine. It was quite a hike to get to, but I’ve made it. I’m just inside the front door, hoping they’ll be able to find a place to squeeze me in. Continue reading “Classique Lyonnaise Cuisine for Dinner”

Vieux Lyon

It’s our first day in Lyon. We returned to our hotel after venturing out to acquaint ourselves with the immediate neighborhood, but I still had some energy to burn off. I decided to wander over to the part of town called “Vieux Lyon.” (Old Lyon).

To get there, I walked two blocks to the Saône river, then up three blocks to a place on the river where one can cross the river on a pedestrian-only bridge called a “passerelle.” Once over on the other side, you’re in Vieux Lyon – the oldest part of the city. It looks old, too. No modern buildings on this side of the river, that’s for sure. Continue reading “Vieux Lyon”

Bienvenue à Lyon! (Welcome to Lyon)

Bienvenue à Lyon!  (Welcome to Lyon).  Today we made the short trip by train from the little town of Dijon to the big city of Lyon. We took a taxi from the train station to our hotel, located in the part of town known as “Presque-Ile.” (Do you remember what that means in anglais?).

Our hotel is on a little side street. I’m glad the taxi driver knew where it was, because we might have never found it by ourselves. There’s a sign for the hotel up high, but at street level, the only indication of a hotel is a little sign on a nondescript door.  OK — so how do we get inside? Continue reading “Bienvenue à Lyon! (Welcome to Lyon)”