Wandering down the cobbled streets of Vieux-Lyon Old Lyon is like taking a stroll back in time. Our fist view of Saint-Jean took my breath away. This World Heritage monument sits in front of a spacious plaza with a little ā and very old ā water fountain in the middle. Inside the church, its arched vaults and century stained-glass windows invite you to a moment of reflection.
There's also an astronomical clock dating back to ā one of the oldest in Europe! I felt like taken away to another world, and in reality, I truly was! This was a fun stop for my little one ā who was excited to come up-close-and-personal with many of her favorite superheroes like Superman, Batman, and Spiderman ā and a surprising visit for me, not having expected to find so many fantastic movie props and special effects on display this far from California!
Certainly recommended if you have the time and included in the Lyon City Card! Guignol puppets are a symbol of Lyon and you'll find an abundance of them in Vieux-Lyon.
Perhaps the most popular thing to do when visiting the Vieux-Lyon quarter is to explore its unique Traboules ā hidden passageways that lead to secret courtyards and spiral staircase towers connecting buildings from block to block. They were used in older days by the silk trade workers to move their merchandise efficiently around the city, and also during World War II as secret meeting places for the resistance against the Nazis.
Finding concealed entrances and clues leading to the next traboule was exciting for both me and the kid, and a must-do for anyone visiting Lyon. Going back in the direction of Saint-Jean, on the northern side of the cathedral, we came upon a children's playground right next to the ruins of a previous church dating back to the 4th century, before the cathedral was built. This was the perfect way to end our day with a little playtime next to the peaceful archaeological garden and the ancient cathedral in the background.
