Day Five: Lucerne to Lyon

- Elise

Our first non-foggy day came at a good time. As we motored out of stunning Lucerne we could see the sunrise over Mt Pilatus, Lake Lucerne and the beautiful towns, villages and mountains of Switzerland. We had a stop off with a beautiful view and are agreed that the food in Switzerland has exceeded our expectations and taste buds. But that was before we arrived in the gastronomical capital of France: Lyon.

Only spending one night in Lyon, I was pleased at we arrived just after 2pm. Megs and Steve dropped us off near the city centre and we were off to explore. First stop, the beautiful building we’d caught sight of on the way into the city.

Unfortunately, this gorgeous building was up on what we deemed to be the highest land in Lyon, Fourvière Hill. But it was well worth the walk. Not only did it offer fabulous views of the city, but this building happens to be part of a world heritage sight and one of the most visited sanctuaries in the world, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

The interior was different from the Notre Dame, although equally stunning. Ornate designs and mosaics were lined across the roof and walls, and extended into the crypt of Saint-Jean below, and Chapel of the Virgin it was built beside. The reverence to Mary was amazing, heightened by the neon words “Merci Marie” in front of the Basilique, that light up over the city every night. Next door was Lyon’s version of the Eiffel tower, the whole collection a spectacular view on the hill above the city.

We found a more direct route down the hill and stumbled across the most spectacular lolly shop I have ever seen. Brendan, the coke bottle lollies were the size of a business card! After stocking up on sugar, we checked into our hotel, had a nap, and then it was off to sample some delicious French cuisine.

We decided upon Le Laurencin in the cobbled food district, and for 15 euro were delighted to a three course dinner selection, plus wine and appetizer at our own cost. The appetizer was none other than Escargot. We shared a plate of 8 between 7 of us (one did remain uneaten) as we passed the garlic snails around the table and with giggling hysterics, Justine and I managed to force them down. Then it was French Onion Soup for entrée, Beef and a type of Scallop Potato for main, and rich Chocolate Mousse for dessert. The meal was divine, the 8 of us who were there agreed it was the best meal we’ve eaten yet. Then it was back in a taxi for a relatively early night, with a long drive ahead of us tomorrow.