By Madeleine Fuselier

 

Hi there! I am a life-long Orangeite who is currently living in Paris. I am spending this year teaching English, improving my French, and exploring France (and some of its neighboring countries) before heading to college this fall. Keep reading to find out what’s been going on “Meanwhile With Madeleine.” Thanks for allowing me to share my adventures with you!

 

Lyon, France had been high up on my list of “must-see” places for as long as I can remember. This week, I was finally able to go. My dad is in France for a visit, and we went to Lyon together!

One of the reasons I’ve always wanted to visit Lyon is because it’s where my dad’s side of the family originated from. We have detailed records going pretty far back in Fuselier history, so we were actually able to visit the church where my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather was baptized. It was a special thing to see, and I was so glad to have my dad there with me.

Lyon has been called the gastronomic capital of France, and the city goes to great lengths to maintain the authenticity of its local cuisine. “Bouchons” all over town have been certified by “L’Association de défense des bouchons lyonnais” (The Association for the Preservation of Lyonnais Bouchons) as establishments that serve genuine Lyonnais food. While I was fully prepared to be blown away by the celebrated traditional cuisine, it really wasn’t my favorite (I’m sorry, Lyon!). However, I can happily report that I had the best Quattro Formaggi pizza I’ve ever tasted after my dad and I gave up on the bouchon scene.

Sitting high up on a hill overlooking Lyon is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. On the way up the hill, my dad and I were discussing some of the resemblances the history and exterior of Notre-Dame de Fourvière bear to those of Sacré-Cœur in Paris. They are both constructed of glowing white stone, are both prominently positioned on hilltops, and were both built just after the Franco-Prussian War ended. We went back and forth over which church we thought was more beautiful from the outside, but couldn’t decide on a clear winner. However, as soon as I walked in the doors of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, I knew it took the prize for interior beauty. In fact, it now holds the title as My Favorite Inside-of-a-Church in the World. Intricate mosaics covered every wall, light poured in through stained glass windows, and even the tile work on the floors was mesmerizing. I honestly can’t find the words to adequately describe how amazing it was. So much thought and care must have gone into every single detail. It was truly breathtaking.

We’ve had a wonderful stay in Lyon. We’ll be visiting a few more cities before heading back to Paris, and I’m looking forward to the rest of our trip!