Fourvière: The Historic Heartbeat of Lyon

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-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-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-noo, 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 suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo-zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-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-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• 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-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-tee-l]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees 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
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

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

Fourvière, originally known as the Roman district of Lugdunum, was founded in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus. This neighborhood became the heart of Roman Gaul, marked by the construction of a large amphitheater and temples. The remains of the ancient theatre, still visible today, testify to the area's significance as a center of culture and governance in the Roman Empire.

During the 4th century, Fourvière became a crucial site for early Christianity in the region. It is believed that Saint Irenaeus, the bishop of Lyon, preached in the area. The construction of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in the late 19th century was a tribute to this religious heritage, symbolizing the spiritual revival and the importance of the Virgin Mary in Lyon.

Built between 1872 and 1884, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, blending Byzantine and Gothic styles. The basilica is not only a prominent religious site but also a cultural landmark, offering panoramic views of Lyon. It was constructed to honor the Virgin Mary, who is credited by the locals for protecting the city from the Prussian threat during the Franco-Prussian War.

During World War II, Fourvière played a strategic role in the French Resistance. The hills provided a vantage point for resistance fighters, and several clandestine operations were planned from this area. The site remains emblematic of the courage and resilience of Lyon's citizens during this tumultuous period.

Today, Fourvière is recognized not only for its historical landmarks but also for its vibrant cultural scene. The area hosts the annual Nuits de Fourvière festival, showcasing a variety of performances, including theater, music, and dance, in the ancient Roman amphitheater. This fusion of history and contemporary culture continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Fourvière is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Lyon. The most convenient way is to take the funicular from Vieux Lyon (the old town) to the top of Fourvière Hill. The funicular station is located near the Vieux Lyon metro station (Line D). Alternatively, you can take a bus (lines 12 and 19) that connects to the area. If you're coming from the Part-Dieu train station, you can take the metro Line B to Saxe-Gambetta and then transfer to Line D.

Fourvière is a relatively small area, and many attractions can be explored on foot. The funicular system is a unique and efficient way to travel between the hill and the city center. Bicycles are available for rent through local bike-sharing programs, and there are some designated bike lanes. Public transport options like buses and trams are also available, with stops at key locations. Taxis and rideshare services are also an option for those who prefer direct transport.

Fourvière is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advisable. While the area is well patrolled, avoid poorly lit streets at night and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. It's wise to stay informed about your surroundings, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Specific areas known for higher crime rates in Lyon include parts of the La Croix-Rousse neighborhood, so exercise caution if venturing beyond Fourvière.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is Hôpital Édouard Herriot, which is accessible via public transport. Local pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Don’t wear overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; cover your shoulders and knees in churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous; offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Bonjour' (hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like quenelles and Lyonnais wines. Don’t refuse an invitation to share a meal, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Fourvière like a local, visit the open-air markets for fresh produce and regional specialties. Explore the hidden pathways and gardens on Fourvière Hill for stunning views and fewer tourists. Join a guided tour of the Basilica to learn about its history and architecture. Don’t miss the evening light show on the Basilica, which illuminates the structure beautifully. Engage with local artisans in the area for unique souvenirs and experiences.