Lyon

After a decently long drive from Belley, I made my way to Lyon. As I began to near the bustling city, it became very apparent that I was no longer in the rural, mountainous region. I was coming up on a city, surrounded by numerous suburbs and peripheral towns. I am not usually a big fan of large cities, in the U.S., at least, but whenever I find myself in one in a different country it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Lyon is bound to be a special treat, too, since it is often regarded as the gastronomical capital of France.



Lyon was quite a change from my recent travels, so I took a moment to take it all in before I planned my day. Being a history nut, I began with that. I went to the Gadagne Museum. It is located inside a 16th century hotel, and covers the history of Lyon from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. I also got in free since I am under 26. Awesome. I learned about Lyon's importance in Antiquity -- at one point it was the central point for Roman roads. I learned about the religious influence and gothic churches in the Middle Ages, the unprecedented scientific advancements Lyon made in the 17th and 18th centuries, and much more.



I had lunch. Gras double at a bouchon.



I was also able to catch an Olympique Lyonnais soccer match, which was packed to the brim with about 40,000 spectators. The energy of a soccer match is something everyone needs to experience at some point in their lives. It is unbelievable. The fans are truly fanatical, and live, breath, eat, and sleep Olympique Lyonnais soccer.



After all that, I was forced to retire. I couldn't keep up with those soccer fanatics, and I headed home as they headed for the pubs.

Belley, France

I'm not going to lie, I decided to pursue this destination only because the name jumped out at me from the map. When I saw that the drive from Les Déserts, France circumvented the beautiful Lac du Bourget, and followed some meandering rivers (the Ain, primarily) along the way. Not a bad trek, if I do say so myself... Serendipity:



Once I arrived at Belley, France, I got right to it. The area has gained notoriety for two things:

Wine from the Bugey region. The region tends to produce white wines, including the Altesse or Roussette, though others are also available.



And, cheese: La Tome de Belley.



Lucky me. So, that is what I lunched upon. I also took a wonderful tour of the many cathedrals in Belley. The area is well known for its historic, religious precedence and influence that dates back to the 5th Century. You can see the influence illustrated right in front of you, since the entire center of Belley is dedicated to the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and Place de Terreaux. The antique, Baroque architecture nearby is also pleasant to view as I wander aimlessly for a while.





I caught some R&R, and perhaps a little shuteye at the Maison Saint Anthelme, a historic monument in the Belley landscape, as I prepare for a quick morning jaunt in the Rothonne Forest before I continue my journey.