Lyon or Bordeaux?
 

Any insight into which would be a better trip, Lyon or Bordeaux. Both have sites of interest...It's a tough choice!

Hello,
I lived in Lyon for about two months last summer. Unfortunately, I havn't been to Bordeaux, so I am going to be biased.

Lyon is the second largest city in France (arguably tied with Marseille). But it offers a small town feel in "Vieux Lyon". Also, it is the gastronomie capital of France, with many many three star restaurants (highest rank in France) and charming cafes along both rivers. It is unique because it is divided by the Rhone and the Saone Rivers...which can sometimes confuse you!

I could talk for hours about Lyon, it is very romantic, and architecturally stimulating. I ran in the Parque D'Or in the mornings and had coffee at one of the small cafes every morning before my classes. There are so many things to see and do. During WWII, Lyon was also the center of the Resistance, so there is a museum that holds much of its history.

I loved it, and didn't want to leave!

How long are you planning on staying? There are many great day trips from Lyon as well.

Looking forward to seeing what you decide! If you need more specific information I would be happy to help.

I'll bet that most responders will recommend Lyon over Bordeaux.

I absolutely LOVED Lyon--
and felt the same way as Cate22...

The old are is terrific with the tromphe l'oil ( sp) paintings on the sides of the buildings...

Old Roman ampitheater...

FABULOUS FOOD--Home of Paul Bocuse

Great food hall.....

River runs right thru the city---extrememly picturesque...

Great antigue area if you are into antiquing!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!

If you're going anytime soon, Bordeaux is basically all ripped apart right now as they are putting in new transportation (tram? subway? something like that). Anyway, that's why we decided not to go there. And from what I've read, Lyon is basically te food capital of France, so how bad could it be?

Hello,
allovereurope is right, Bordeaux is a real mess with construction, especially near the historic center/ area around St. Michel. It's very dusty and there are many detours/barricades/etc that make trekking around a little difficult. I was there one month ago- I liked the city, but I would have liked it more if we had gone after the subway construction was completed. Because there is no central subway, we felt that getting around the city was hard because cabs aren't as ubiquitous as they are in Paris, or other large cities. I understand now why so many people take guided tours through the Bordeaux wine region.... The food was great though!! And so was the wine!!

Cate 22: In your opinion what are the best day trips from Lyon?

a Very unusual village for that area, is Peruges, 23 miles or so south of Lyon. We have stayed there twice. It's an enchanter of a medievil fortified village protected by the goverment as a national monument. A version of the three Musketeers was photographed there, to give you an idea how old it looks. Peruges,Quite unlike anything in this area.

Don't mean to be a spelling police but for those who might want to do text/google search, Perouges with a "o" :-) I visited the village last May and loved it.

The site for the village is :
http://www.perouges.org

Is Perouges assessible via public transportation from Lyon? I thought I'd read on this forum before that you needed a car.

I did it myself by car but according to www.sbb.ch, trains run between Lyon-Part-Dieu and Meximieux-Perouges. Some direct(30 minutes) and others with a change at Amberieux. I suppose the railway station is actually situated at Meximieux and you will then have to take either a taxi. Or if you walk, it looked about 30 minutes of leisurely walk or maybe less up to the village of Perouges.

Carol,

For a day trip from Lyon you could easily see Le Puy-en-Velay especially if you're into climbing stairs. You can climb a steep volcanic plug 85 meters to a 13th century church that seems to be perched in the sky. You can also climb the hill to the cathedral then on up to the statue of Mary. Once at Mary you can climb up into her for a beautiful view of the town spread out around you.

You can sample the Le Puy lentils grown in volcanic soil that have an AOC classification just like fine wines do in France.

My Dad and I took the train from Lyon's Perrache station there. The Le Puy train station is easy walking distance to downtown. It's a pretty trip along the Loire river. I believe the Loire (France's longest river) has its headwaters around Le Puy-en-Velay.

I know I mispelled it, it's not that I didn't know but no edit button after I hastily typed. Sorry. :)