Observations about French culture: Creative Arts

In my last post, I mentioned that creativity is not often expressed in the French education system. This is not to say, however, that the French don't recognize the value of creativity -- au contraire! It's just not part of the general school curriculum. (However, both of my daughters have gone on several field trips to see theatre and dance performances.) During the 8 months I've lived in Lyon, I've observed a deep appreciation for the visual and performing arts in French culture. After all, this is the birthplace of impressionism; artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Pissarro and Manet all contributed to this style of painting. (And don't forget the post-impressionists Cezanne and Gauguin).

Lyon is home to at least 18 museums, at least that's how many I counted on the city's tourism website.  So far I've only visited the Musée des Beaux Arts (the fine arts museum), but there are several others I'd like to explore soon: the contemporary arts museum, a Gallo-Roman architectural museum, and one dedicated to the Lumière brothers, the French inventors of cinematography. Just walking around Lyon is enough to get a feel for the pride the French take in the creative arts. Whether it's appreciating the city's beautiful architecture, seeing the modern sculptures in the Cite Internationale, or enjoying the various fountains around town, you can't help but notice that art is everywhere in France.

Old architecture...

...and new

Huge orange guy at Cite Internationale

Fountain in the Place des Terreaux by Bartholdi (the guy who did the Statue of Liberty)

Yesterday, I discovered another unique showcase for creativity in Lyon. It was a beautiful day, so we rented bikes and headed for the Croix Rousse tunnel. This tunnel, which goes under the hills of Lyon between the Rhone and Saone rivers, was recently renovated to include a brand-new walking and biking tube. As pedestrians, bikers, and rollerbladers navigate more than 1700 meters underground, they are entertained by lights, music, and images projected along the walls and ceilings. It's a little distracting, especially on wheels, but really, really cool. (Imagine biking through the line for Space Mountain at Disneyworld). The tunnel was opened just in time for the annual Fête des lumières, or festival of lights -- another amazing showcase for creativity.

Croix Rousse tunnel

How about you, readers? What other works of art or displays of creativity have you seen in France?