Oh Lyon. This place has such a special place in my heart. In my life.

Before I started college, I knew that there was one thing that I really wanted to do. I didn’t really know what I wanted to major in. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in the future. But I knew for certain that I wanted to study abroad. In France. For a year.

Often, when I tell people that I studied abroad for a year, their reaction is typically, “Wow, that’s such a long time.” To be honest, that year, 10 years ago this year, totally flew by so quickly. It was probably the most fun year of my college experience and it didn’t even take place at my university. I met some of my best friends there and we’re still friends to this day. I think that when you experience something so special in a small group, you can’t help but form a special bond.

I was so excited to add Lyon to the itinerary for our trip to Europe this summer. It’s so crazy that we were there 6 months ago! Where has this year gone? I was so excited to share this special city with my husband and show him all the places I used to hang out, visit, or walk around. And in ten years, some things have changed, but more or less looks the same.

We visited the main center of the city, Place Bellecour. You can see the Cathedrale Fourviere on the hilltop.

Hotel de Ville, or City Hall.

Place des Terreaux which is always bustling with activity both day and night.

We lucked out with some great weather for sightseeing. This is the bridge crossing into Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon.

We took the Funiculaire up to the hill to see Fourviere. I remember coming up here on my 21st birthday when it was snowing. One of my favorite birthday memories!

This is the amazing view from Fourviere. You can see that building that is nicknamed “Le Crayon” which means the pencil because it sticks out in the skyline.

We also had a traditional Salade Lyonnaise, my favorite kind of salad on the planet, (and they don’t make it quite right in the United States!) and just got to spend some down time enjoying this city that I love so much. I was so happy to get to share this place with Cent.

So high school seniors, if travel has ever piqued your interest, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND studying abroad if you have the opportunity to do so. I’ve talked to many friends who wished they had studied abroad in college. And well, I’m totally partial to going to France.

See previous posts from our European Adventure here: London, Toulouse.