Monday 20 November…..Lyon, France

Our hotel was Hotel Carlton Lyon-McGallery Sofitel…as the name suggested, it was "class".

We arrived at the hotel almost 8pm, we were shown our suite, via a glass, art decor elevator.

Our room was larger than the "norm" and bathroom was very spacious. Very comfortable indeed.

We were both very weary from our journey so we showered and opted only for a drink in the bar downstairs before retiring.

Tuesday 21 November

The temperature was noticeably cold now, scarf and beanie (w optional gloves) were the "norm".

We decided nonetheless to take a Hop on-Hop off bus to see the city. Just a well we took our gloves and beanies, it was freezing although stimulating as we braved the top open deck of the bus.

Lyon is really beautiful, the river and many bridges make it a "French Venice". It is lovely.

In summer or warmer weather, when you could walk around, it would be stunning.

My sister Toni, visited in April, a much better climate I would say so next time…..spring maybe the time to visit.

Still, we alighted from the bus, very hungry and very cold. Luckily close by we found a wonderful, river side restaurant.

We had a wonderful lunch and exceptional wine and with a real fire burning, we warmed up very quickly.

We would eat very well in Lyon. Our concierge recommended two restaurants were "locals dine" and both were fantastic.

The "Gastronomy Walking Tour of Lyon" had already been cancelled when we were in Panicale we were notified…..it's just too late in the season for reliable guides to conduct and many outlets were closed for the season.

It didn't matter, we truly conducted our own gastronomy tour of Lyon!!!

Eateries:

First morning we opted not to have €50 hotel breakfast, opting instead to eat at nearby cafe, wonderful coffee and fresh croissant. We were in France.

Nearby restaurant: Recommended, was just fantastic. Our concierge booked us and we arrived for 7:30pm booking, already a line up. The locals all knew about this restaurant. All the time we were there, people kept coming in, and were turned away, "without booking, no table, sorry".

Another recommended, equally as good. All wines we consumed were wonderful.

Food market. We walked the entire food market, cramped with French meats, cheese, breads, seafood, condiments, everything French. It was hard choice were to sit and eat however we managed and ordered wonderful "local plate" of meats, breads and cheeses with carafe wine. What a lunch!

Lyon: We love it.

Thursday 23 November

We leave Lyon by train for Paris