The Enchanting Heights of Croix-Rousse

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / deh ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [ko-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prehn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh men-oo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-koohr]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-ay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-play lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play ahn meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pehr-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shey...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vey voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ayt uhn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deeze uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [deeze]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vey voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Croix-Rousse, known as the 'hill that works,' has a rich history tied to the silk industry that flourished in the 19th century. The neighborhood became the heart of Lyon's silk production, where thousands of workers, known as 'canuts,' operated traditional silk looms. This industry significantly influenced Lyon’s economy and culture, leading to the establishment of workshops, schools, and a unique architectural style characterized by traboules—hidden passageways that facilitated the transport of silk.

The struggles of the canuts against poor working conditions culminated in several revolts, most notably in 1831 and 1848. These uprisings were a response to the economic hardships faced by silk workers due to market fluctuations and low wages. The revolts highlighted the social tensions and labor issues of the time, marking a significant chapter in Lyon's labor history and contributing to the rise of workers' rights movements across France.

Throughout the 20th century, Croix-Rousse underwent a cultural renaissance, transforming from an industrial hub to a vibrant artistic community. Artists, musicians, and writers flocked to the area, drawn by its bohemian spirit and rich history. This period saw the establishment of numerous cultural venues, galleries, and theaters, which contributed to Lyon’s reputation as a center for contemporary art and cultural expression.

In 1998, the historic site of Lyon, including Croix-Rousse, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition acknowledged the area's unique urban landscape, its historical significance in the silk trade, and its architectural heritage. The designation has helped preserve the cultural identity of Croix-Rousse and has encouraged tourism, bringing renewed interest in its historical narrative.

Today, Croix-Rousse is known for its lively atmosphere, picturesque streets, and vibrant markets. The neighborhood retains its historical charm while embracing modernity, exemplified by the mix of traditional silk workshops, contemporary art galleries, and cafes. The annual Fête de la Musique and other cultural events highlight the area's artistic spirit, making it a dynamic part of Lyon’s cultural landscape.

Croix-Rousse is well-connected to the rest of Lyon. You can reach it via metro by taking Line C to the Croix-Rousse station. Additionally, several bus lines, including the 33, 70, and 19, serve the area, making it accessible from various neighborhoods. If you are coming from the Lyon-Part-Dieu train station, you can take the metro Line B to Saxe-Gambetta and then transfer to Line C.

Croix-Rousse is best explored on foot due to its hilly terrain and charming streets. The area is also served by public transport, including metro and buses. You can use the TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais) system for tickets valid on metros, trams, and buses. Additionally, bike-sharing services like Vélo'v are available, allowing you to rent bicycles to navigate the neighborhood at your own pace.

Croix-Rousse is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spots. Areas around the market can be busier and may attract petty crime, so it's wise to remain vigilant, especially during peak hours.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in France. For non-urgent medical issues, the nearest hospital is Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse. Make sure to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are also widely available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as the locals take pride in their appearance. Avoid overly casual or beachwear. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches or during religious festivals. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Don't forget to say 'Merci' when someone helps you. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as 'coussin de Lyon' and 'quenelles.' Don’t be rude to servers; tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

To experience Croix-Rousse like a local, visit the vibrant market at Place de la Croix-Rousse on Sundays, where you can sample fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a stroll through the traboules (hidden passageways) to discover the unique architecture and history of the area. Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Lyonnais dishes. Additionally, check out local art galleries and workshops to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the neighborhood.