Initially an abbey of Benedictine nuns from noble descent, the sumptuous convent was converted in 1803 into an encyclopedic museum, which, according to the precepts in force at the time, housed the art objects confiscated by the revolutionaries in order to make them accessible to the greatest number.
Over time, the collections were enriched by donations from the State, patrons, public subscriptions and other bequests, to the point that the museum now boasts the title of Second Louvre!
Let’s enter this sacred palace which venerates today objects, sculptures, paintings having crossed the ages… Dazzling stroll guaranteed!
Did you know that in Lyon walls are painted in trompe-l’oeil to trick your eyes?
The most famous one is called: the wall of the Canuts; it is all about the life of these silk weavers who worked in terrible conditions on the Croix-Rousse hill in the 19th century.
Then comes a fresco with many celebrities who contributed to make Lyon a showcase for the whole world; did you know, among other things, that Lyon was the cradle of cinema thanks to the Lumière brothers?
Another example? The city’s library! Here, books are honored, a kind of homage to the printing press, thanks to which Lyon shone throughout Europe on an intellectual level during the Renaissance.
These works of art are scattered here and there in the city, embellishing its face, enhancing its heritage; they are waiting for you to tell you exciting stories!
Everyone knows that we eat well in France. This is even truer in Lyon, capital of gastronomy since 1935.
The Halles Paul Bocuse, named after the famous chef, is the showcase of this know-how where your eyes may prove to be bigger than your stomach…
Let’s open the doors of this temple of gastronomy, where more than 50 merchants pamper the highest-quality products that make the gourmet reputation of the region. On the menu? Crunchy anecdotes, spicy little secrets, delectable recipes from mothers and chefs, and if you are very good, maybe a little tasting. Resisting the temptation will be difficult!
