We’re not in New Jersey anymore! In case you couldn’t tell from the photo, it’s back to Lyon we go (at least blog-wise if not in reality). Our goal on this day was to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame on top of Fourvière hill (above). There is a funicular that runs to the top but we decided to walk instead, taking two connecting montées. I addressed montées lightly in a previous post, but to refresh:
Montées, or rises, consist of winding flights of steps or steeply sloping streets that climb the Fourvière hill, providing superb views down over the old town. Each of them has their own particular charm.
Montèe des Carmes-Déchaussés has 238 steps.
Montèe Nicholas-de-Lange has 560 steps, making a grand total of 798 steps. That’s a lot of steps!
Looking back down over the city.
Along the way I noticed that once in a while there were paintings done on rocks that were imbedded in the wall of the stairs. Tiny, miniature paintings.
Our view once we arrived at the top. The sky may look threatening, but it never did rain on us, just a little drizzle.
I tried to stitch together a panoramic view.
The Basilique from the front.
And inside.
A beautiful mosaic in the crypt.
A gorgeous tree on our way down a different montée. I think maybe it’s a chestnut??
And finally, we make our way down the Montée des Chazeaux.
And on to lunch at a typical Lyonnaise bouchon !
I hope you enjoyed your little tour of the Fourvière Hill and the Basilique!
Posted by Lynne on 06/02/2010 at 05:59 AM
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Daily Life •
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Travels Beyond New Jersey