Lovely Lyon - gateway to southern France

After a long journey south, we left the Picardie region and headed to Lyon. Our campsite was one of a chain called Indigo and it had a much more continental feel about it. The location was on the outskirts of Lyon, in a built up area surrounded by hotels and shopping centres. There was a large reception area with small shop, cafe / bar and games / TV room plus a small playground. A network of roads linked lines of pitches together, which were gravel / dirt; there were no distinct pitch markings on the ground although a map clearly indicated the pitches. As well as areas for caravans and motorhomes, the site also offers small gites and cahootes (a cute combination of a log cabin lower section for the kitchen and small living area with a canvas upper bedroom). We pitched our motorhome up alongside Lithuanian, German, French and Belgium caravans and campervans of all shapes, ages and sizes, most of which seemed to be stopping for one or two nights. Whilst this is a large site, at this time of year it was mainly unoccupied although there was a regular group of passing visitors. 

 

The Camping Indigo site is ideal for visiting Lyon. Whilst it is about 9 miles from Lyon city centre there is a regular bus service on the main road, outside of the site - a much easier option that trying to find places to park a large motorhome. The 25 minute journey takes you to a main station where you can then hop onto the Metro (French underground) and head into the city. All the necessary information is available from the campsite reception. 

 

Lyon is regarded as the gateway to southern France and certainly had a different feel to the previous locations we have stayed at further north. Arriving in the centre by Metro, we emerged into busy streets of a modern city housed in beautiful historic buildings. Our first stop was La Place Bellecour, a large open square (third biggest in France) that sits in the centre of a peninsular (or "Presque Ile" which means "Almost island") split by the rivers Rhone and Saone. An equestrian statue of Louis XIV sits proudly in the middle of the square contrasted by a Lyon ferris wheel, which at this time of year had no customers. We wandered around the streets soaking up the atmosphere before heading to the Opera building, another mixture of old and new architecture and design that sits between the Rhone and the historic Town Hall buildings. After a baguette sandwich from a nearby boulangerie we headed in the old quarter of Lyon, which had been recommended by friends and the campsite. Rather than opt to travel underground on the Metro, we chose to wander over one of the many bridges that cross the Saone and through the streets which became increasing narrower. This rabbit warren of alleys was said to be the saviour of many as they fled from the Nazis during the invasion during World War One, ducking and diving between buildings in an escape to avoid capture.

 

There is climb up to Notre Dame de Fourviere, the impressive cathedral at the top of the hill overlooking Lyon but it is worth it since you can stop to take in the views on the way up. As well as the cathedral there are two Roman amphitheatres in remarkable condition (not sure how much renovation has taken place). Shows and a popular festival take place here during the summer months. Unfortunately the grey clouds that had been lingering dramatically above us opened and the light drizzle increased. But we're British and weren't going to be put off. We wandered around the Amphitheatres in the rain, reading the information boards and admiring the Roman constructions. If the weather had been nicer we would have stayed longer to explore one of the many parks in Lyon. There are three main parks in Lyon and one includes a rose garden on the hill of old Lyon. Another, on the banks of the Rhone is the location of a botanical garden and zoo. We opted to find shelter and caught the funicular down to St Paul's church and warmed up in a nearby cafe with hot drinks. 

 

Lyon is a vibrant city with a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes and ages. The Camping Indigo site, although on the outskirts of Lyon provides easy access in. It's also an ideal place to stop and rest if journeying south or north.

 

@meekroadventure