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Three Days in Lyon, The Largest Renaissance City in France is the 52nd article by Dennis Callan in his Star-Bulletin series explaining how to get the most out of the world’s great places. Dennis is president of the Hawaii Geographic Society and frequently leads tours through Europe, Canada and the USA. All the previous articles can be found on his web site, www.tourvideos.com.
See also his brilliant Tube video about Lyon
Here is the first extract
Walking along the narrow streets of Lyon’s Old Town is like leaving the modern world and taking a giant leap back 500 years. Cobblestone streets lined with ancient facades extend for many blocks through the largest Renaissance-era neighborhood in France. The magical feeling of the past is further enhanced by numerous older structures from the Gothic, Romanesque and even classical Roman times, and by the complete absence of modern buildings. Old Lyon has a unified historic atmosphere that you don’t find in many other large cities of Europe.
The Old Town is about one mile long and four blocks wide, with nearly 500 protected buildings which, thanks to careful preservation, have been kept in excellent condition and are very much alive today with unique little boutiques and art galleries. And Lyon, famous as a gourmet center of France, can boast of the many fine restaurants in the Old Town with a variety of cuisines and price ranges.
Lyon also has an attractive modern district next to the historic zone, with up-to-date shops and department stores, gourmet restaurants, broad pedestrian promenades, plazas, parks, museums and beautiful architecture primarily of the 19th century. History buffs will probably want to spend more time in the old section, but this modern side of Lyon is a fascinating place to wander, eat and shop.
The best of both worlds waits for you in Lyon, offering something for everyone in a perfect visitor experience. With a population of 1.26, million Lyon is the second-largest urban area in France, so it definitely has a lot to offer, but fortunately most of the visitor attractions are concentrated in the central square mile.
The entire complex of old and new sections has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, affirming the importance and beauty of this amazing city. UNESCO usually selects only individual buildings or small complexes as World Heritage Sites, but here we have a large area of about one square mile assigned the highest mark of distinction.
One reason that France ranks as the world’s most-visited nation is the historic atmosphere preserved in its old neighborhoods, and perhaps the best examples of such authentic appeal is found in Old Lyon. Economic success can come from renovating old buildings rather than knocking them down for bigger, more “useful” structures. In recent years, Lyon’s popularity has skyrocketed, so you might consider coming during the off-season, October through May, to avoid the crowds. (article and photos copyrighted by Dennis Callan)
Day 1 in Lyon following soon...
Author: Carolyn
Whether one is designing a home for the first time or simply redecorating, there are a lot of options to choose from. One of which is with the use of French home accessories.
These are the perfect pieces needed to create a lovely balance of the rustic and elegant feel. One can indeed spice up any parts of the home with just the right kind of ornaments.It might be hard to come up with a distinct French flavor. This is because the basics of French styling involve a combination of elegance and a primal look.
One can see a lot of copper, wrought iron, ceramics and earthenware when it comes to French homes, but they are all with different designs.Two of the most common elements of French styled homes are wrought iron and earth tones. Furnishings made of wrought iron create the perfect rustic appearance of French home styling. Soft earth tones, on the other hand, bring an additional touch of uniqueness to the French style.
For the living room, a stone fireplace would be a great addition to create that French feel. One can have cabinets with wrought iron handles and magnificent details. Rustic flooring is also a nice addition. It can be made to appear like it is made of actual bricks or stones.
An old French look is not hard at all to achieve in the kitchen. With lovely French home accessories all around the room, one can end up feeling like a French cook while creating special dishes any time of the day. Storage jars that look old are going to blend well with the French-style kitchen. A corkboard also feels more French than the modern magnets do. One can also have a wooden bread box and some canisters of the same make.
Hooks and racks made of wrought iron as well as cabinets with wrought iron handles can bring the French feel to the bathroom as well. This can be further embellished with the help of ceramic flooring or one made of polished stones. It is also possible to find French-inspired soap dishes and dispensers, but this might not be that easy.
The bedroom can greatly benefit from the use of warm tones in its accessories. A metal valet stand would create a sense of luxury that is pertinent among the rich ones of France.
Floral lamp shades, canopy beds and iron hooks in the cabinets and door handles are all so French indeed.In addition to all that, the dining area can be adorned with the right upholstery to maximize the French feel for the entire house. Tableware and silverware can benefit a lot from French designs. Even the salt and pepper shakers can come in a design that is distinctively French from all points of view.With all the right things in mind, it is easy to make use of French home accessories and completely utilize the effect they have to bring to the rest of the house. It might involve an additional cost here and there, but it is definitely going to be visually enticing to have around.
About the Author: Boutique Provencale offers a huge range of French Accessories including French pottery which will give any home that French country style decor your after.
Unique en série organizes silkscreen printing and weaving workshops all year round in the Croix-Rousse area.
The courses for adults and children are the unique opportunity to learn how to create personalized t-shirts, bags, jewelry, furniture… with natural materials.
The learners can exchange their tips and discoveries in a very recreational atmosphere. The most experienced students can use the material available in the workshop to make their own creations.
Unique en série workshop will be open to the public for exhibition on 10 and 11 September from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The visitors will be able to try the techniques of silkscreen printing and weaving. Anne-Claire and Alexandra will be delighted to share with you their passion for traditional weaving.
Anne-Claire & Alexandra
41 Rue Burdeau Lyon 1er – M° Croix Paquet
04 72 27 82 17 - 06 83 55 81 49
unique.en.serie@gmail.com
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Author: Mr. Ray
There are several strong reasons why most learned people in this world are eager to learn multiple languages. French language tops in the list as the most popular second language. Besides the native speakers of French, other people who are learning French have a particular purpose behind learning the language.
Student accommodation is a real concern for many students in Lyon, the second largest university town.
However, flats to share, appartments in residence halls near the universities and rooms are quite cheap student accommodation compared to Paris.
CROUS is the official institution that offers many services to the students, especially students accommodation. You may find a flat for the 2010-2011 school year if you register on a waiting list from 20 August and fill in the Accommodation Reservation Form, then send it to logement@crous-lyon.fr.
A single room in a residence hall is about 146 €, a small flat will cost about 330-430 €.
You may also contact the estate agencies and the HLM (low rent appartment): go to LYON.fr to get a list.
see Higher Education in Lyon
Student Life in Lyon
The French School System
International Schools in Lyon
Swimming and Aqua Activities for adults, children and babies
379 rue Jean-Marie Arnion, 69380 Dommartin
Tel: 06 11 88 26 50
