Ferme Mardi

Mardi 14 Decembre:
Cathy, Claire and I decided to take aother look at the view over Lyon from the top of Fourvier Hill, so we caught the funicular to the top.....

It was a very cold grey day, with low, misty clouds but the terracotta rooftops still gave the characteristic French city view....

.... and once again, the stunning white facade of the Fourvier Basilica.

..... and inside, its soaring vaulted painted ceilings, mosiacs, superb stained glass windows, elaborate decorations and massive marble columns never fail to impress.

The small prayer chapel next door ..............

 The gorgeous nativity scene or creche in the crypt.....

Cathy and Claire at the metro entrance to catch the funicular back down   ....

Back down in Vieux Lyon .... the pretty cobble-stoned Place St-Jean in front of Cathedrale St-Jean

 - an interesting form of transport....

A narrow laneway and an old doorway leading into a courtyard ...

I had hoped to buy a Lyonnaise delicacy - a biscotti-type biscuit, at Boulangerie du Palais.....

...... but the sign on the door said Ferme - it was closed being Tuesday. Maybe tomorrow!

..

It started to snow, and in no time, everything looked like it had been lightly dusted with icing sugar!

 In Place Bellecour.....

 I left Cathy and Claire and walked along Rue de la Republique towards the Art Gallery, near Hotel de Ville, where I hoped to spend this cold afternoon.....

 It was now bitterly cold, and for lunch, I found the amazingly decorated Debaux cafe/chocolate shop, glace chestnuts are a local delicacy.....

Out the front, they have a display selling delicious home-made quiches. I was going to get it heated and eat it on the street, then I noticed the sign a' emporter 3.05 (take-away) and sur place 3.60 ( eat in)....

So for only half a euro more I was able to eat my chaud quiche legume in the cosy cafe and order a hot capuccino too -good decision! Plus I was given a glass of water and a bread roll!

The view out the window to the side street......

 Place des Terraux and its impressive Bartoldi Fountain ....

.... facing onto this is Lyon's Art Museum - Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon in the elegant and grand Palais Saint-Pierre.

 Unfortunately, as it was Tuesday, the gallery was closed, ferme! I should have known!
So maybe better luck tomorrow!

I was enjoying the leisurely walk and window shopping, so continued on past lots of metro stations, heading instead for Vieux Lyon via Place Bellecour and spotted this dress shop....

So over Pont Bonaparte again as it was getting dark!!

 Back at Gare de Loup station, and a short walk down the icy street to the hotel.....

Home for dinner - lamb chops, mushroom risotto and vegetables.