Vieux Lyon: A Journey Through Time in the Heart of France

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [see voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skyoo-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byan. 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 la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, see 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, see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd jehst]
• 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 bess-ay luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl er ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [ka-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [whee]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl ay lah-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)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shan (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon, traces its origins back to the Roman period when it was known as Lugdunum, the capital of Gaul. Established in 43 BC, Lugdunum became a thriving urban center due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The remnants of Roman architecture, including the ancient theatre and the Temple of Augustus, are testaments to its historical significance.

During the Renaissance, particularly in the 16th century, Vieux Lyon became a hub for the silk trade, which deeply influenced the city's economy and culture. The construction of the famous traboules, hidden passageways connecting streets and courtyards, facilitated the transport of silk and became a distinctive architectural feature. This era established Lyon as a key player in European textile production.

The 16th and 17th centuries were marked by religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, affecting Vieux Lyon significantly. The city was a site of intense battles, and the influence of the Catholic Church was prominent, leading to the establishment of numerous churches, including the grand Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which overlooks the neighbourhood.

By the 19th century, Vieux Lyon experienced significant changes due to the Industrial Revolution. Factories began to emerge, and the population grew as people moved to the city for work. Despite this industrialization, Vieux Lyon retained its historical charm, with many buildings from the Renaissance period preserved, showcasing the city’s rich architectural heritage.

In 1998, Vieux Lyon was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. This designation has helped preserve the neighbourhood's unique character, leading to restoration projects that maintain the integrity of its Renaissance buildings and the vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world.

Vieux Lyon is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Lyon via public transport. The metro line D (the green line) connects to Vieux Lyon with a dedicated station named Vieux Lyon - Cathédrale Saint-Jean. Trains from the Lyon Part-Dieu station and the Lyon Perrache station also serve the area. Additionally, several bus lines operate nearby, including line 31, which provides direct access to the neighborhood.

Vieux Lyon is a compact area best explored on foot. The narrow streets and historic architecture make walking a delightful experience. For longer distances, the metro and buses are convenient options. Bicycles can be rented through the local Vélo'v bike-sharing program, with stations available throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily accessible.

Vieux Lyon is generally safe for tourists, but caution is always advised. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas like Place du Gouvernement and near popular attractions. It is advisable to keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly during busy times.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in France. Local hospitals and clinics are available in and around Vieux Lyon. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are located throughout the neighborhood, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and stylishly, as Lyon is known for its fashion sense. Avoid overly casual attire in finer dining establishments. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting churches, such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière; cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding public transport. Don't play loud music or disturb other passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' when entering shops or restaurants. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beverages like quenelles and Beaujolais wine. Don't eat or drink in places where it is prohibited, such as on public transport.

To experience Vieux Lyon like a local, visit the traboules, which are hidden passageways that connect the streets and offer a unique insight into the city’s history. Try to dine at traditional bouchons, which serve authentic Lyonnaise cuisine, and don’t hesitate to engage with the locals. They are often eager to share their love for the city and recommend hidden gems. Additionally, consider visiting during the Festival of Lights in December for a truly magical experience.