Pam

I'm headed to Lyon (never been) in late September to visit a friend studying there temporarily. We plan to travel together for 5 days by car, and I may arrive as much as 5 days before we depart together (although I may leave and come back for her). I'm a 30-something stressed-out New Yorker very much in need of rest and relaxation, preferably in a beautiful setting. Any suggestions? Would I be bored if I spent 5 days (mostly alone) in Lyon? Are there tranquil spots where I can lie in a park and read a book, or is it very metropolitan? Is it possible to go for long runs (I'm training for a marathon) starting from the center of the city? Where should we spend the 5 day car trip? Burgundy (Beaune, etc.)?. I'd also appreciate suggestions of 1 or 2 places near Lyon worth spending several days relaxing and eating well - there needn't be a lot of "attractions" to see. I welcome any suggestions! Thanks!

Katherine

I think Lyon is a wonderful city. Lots to do, lots of places to hang out and you could definately run your feet off there. <BR> <BR>A few years ago I was taken on a car trip by my daughter's host family. They lived in Planfoy, just out of St. Etienne, which is about an hour from Lyon. We headed into Parc Pilat, which is a huge area that abutts the Alps and has one tiny charming town after the next, hiking trails, forests, vineyards. It was just beautiful. I'm sure you could find your way with a map. Just head towards Planfoy.

Christina

It depends on your interests, of course; I have a degree in textiles and clothing so Lyon had a lot to offer me (world-class textile museum with one of the few extant pourpoints), tours of a silk factory, etc., but most people wouldn't find that stuff so interesting. I think the info and cards in the textile museum are only in French, also. I think you probably would get bored with 5 days in Lyon but there are certainly parks and square where you can just lay about if you wish, and it is a very attractive city due to its geography (two rivers, high bluff). If you have a car, I'd suggest you visit the nearby Medieval town of Perouges, it's very wellknown; also Lyon is right on the TGV rail line, you can easily get to Avignon down the line for a day trip if you get bored, it isn't far at all (maybe 1/2 hr?). Here is a URL from the France dept of tourism site for that area with suggestions of worthwhile things to see nearby: http://www.francetourism.com/regional/rhone.htm

ellen

Take a trip to Annecy, called the Venice of France by some. It's a lovely town on a lake with mountains in the background, canals, nice waterfront park. It's been over ten years since I was there but I think it's no more than 2 hours from Lyon.

Lindsey

Lyon will be a good place to unwind from the stresses of the city. One of two things will happen while you are there. Either you will remain in NYC Type A mode and you will be bored in 30 seconds or you will slow down to the pace of life there and possibly never want to go back home. <BR> <BR>You should be able to get in the long runs you need for your marathon. (Sounds like you are doing NYC in October) The terrrain will be much hillier than Manhattan, so it should be good for your endurance. <BR> <BR>Since you and your friend will have five days for driving around, if you want to visit another place the French rail system can get you to many idyllic places within an hour ride of Lyon. Also, you might want to read "A Year in Provence" to get a flavor. Lyon is on the border between Burgundy and Provence. <BR> <BR>As for your road trip, my wife and I spent a week driving around Burgundy and loved it. If we could, we would retire to Beaune in a heartbeat. The market there is like the Union Sqaure Farmers Market only five times the variety of produce and in a much more quaint and peaceful setting. <BR> <BR>More importantly, what are your interests? If you love wine, travel Burgundy. If you prefer culture and the arts, take the TGV to Paris. Prefer the beach, go down to Cannes. <BR> <BR>As for dining, I have found the Gault Millau very helpful for choosing quality restaurants. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your stay. This should be just the thing you need to recharge your batteries. <BR> <BR>

Chris

Parc Tete d'Or is beautiful -- a lovely spot to run or enjoy an afternoon. <BR> <BR>Running along the river is not a problem, there are plenty of joggers around there (and through the park.) <BR> <BR>Lyon is a great city to walk around. And it's 2 hours to Paris by TGV, a couple to Dijon, a couple to Nimes, a couple to Geneva (and only $25 or so r/t) -- really a great location for whatever you want to do. <BR> <BR>Five days will be a lot but you'll have plenty of time to relax. If that's your goal, then 5 days would probably be just about right (take in the museums, etc.) <BR> <BR>I've responded to questions about Lyon before, hopefully the search function will work for you.