More "Stay-cation" photos of Lyon

We've toured our new city on foot for countless miles (or kilometers I should say). These photos and the memories they represent are worth the price of sore feet, and I've found that ending the day with a refreshing apéritif helps tremendously!

Earlier this week we visited the Parc de la Tête d'Or, a huge park situated about 2 km north from our apartment. It was a bank holiday, so the park was very crowded. But we managed to find a good picnic spot, then enjoyed the free zoo and botanical gardens. The name of the park means "Golden Head," and there's a legend that a buried treasure lies somewhere underneath the park, featuring a golden head of Christ. Indiana Jones needs to visit this place!

Our picnic spot gave us a great view of the lake. You can rent addle boats and canoes.

The park's free zoo draws large crowds.

Lindsey was dwarfed by these huge leaves inside the greenhouse!

Stunningly colorful flowers in the botanical gardens

The rivers of Lyon are overshadowed by two hills: the hill to the west of the Saône River features a 19th century basilica and is known as "the hill that prays." To the north is the former silk industry district known as the "hill that works." We started at the base of the "hill that prays" and explored the St. Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and the Fourvière Basilica. Then we hiked along some ancient Roman ruins, including remnants of an amphitheater dating back to 15 B.C.!

The Cathedral of Saint Jean-Baptiste. Started in the year 1180, it took 300 years to complete!

This arch on the grounds of the cathedral once belonged to a church dating back to the 1st century! 

The best way to the top of Fouviere hill is by "funiculare," a cable-car railway. 

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, built in the late 1800s.

The inside of the Basilica is extremely ornate; almost tacky.

Greg took this panoramic shot of Lyon from the top of the hill.

The Roman amphitheater. The part you see with the people standing on the seats have been refurbished, but much of the original stone remains intact. It once held 11,000 people!

Ahhhh....refreshment after a long day of exploring our city.