DAY 70: LYON

WE said au revoir to the French Alps today and bonjour to the equally stunning Lyon.

After a painstakingly slow drive through the Lyon traffic and countless red lights, we made the climb up Fourviere Hill - the first stop for any self-respecting tour guide for the best orientation of the city.

But while the panorama may be the main attention-grabber when first alighting from the tour coach steps, the Notre Dame (Our Lady) of Fourviere Basilica holds your attention the longest, and the nearby Roman ruins capture the imagination.

Lyon was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. 

Very little is left today of the original Roman theatre (circa 1st century AD) that sat 10,000. A smaller odeon seating 3000 was built next to it a little later.

Our Globus guide Philippe tells us the area was rebuilt to a smaller scale in the Middle Ages.

Unlike Notre Dame in Paris which is seven centuries old, its Lyon namesake is less than 200. But don't let that fool you.

This is an absolute work of art both inside and out, with ornately-carved marble columns and stone features, and intricately detailed mosaic tiling everywhere in side frescos, on floors and on the ceiling (that gives it a more Italian feel), all  complemented by meticulously carved timber work.

As Philippe says, Our Lady of Fourviere is not as famous around the world as other cathedrals and basilicas that are much older, but she will be one day because of her undeniable beauty.

Cultured Lyon - considered the silk capital of the world and known as the birthplace of cinema - is close to the Beaujolais winemaking area. So coupled with this UNESCO World Heritage-Listed area, a visit to the city of Lyon is likely to be a happy one indeed.

Lesson of the day: You don't have to be religious or even spiritual to appreciate the priceless artistic creations inside a church, cathedral or basilica.