After a morning of climbing the steps, visiting the Basilique and eating a typical Lyonnaise lunch we did even more walking. This time across the Sôane and the Rhône. Our goal was a famous chocolatier, Bernachon, where we used to buy chocolates when we lived there. We found them easily, and in the same location.

Here is a peek in their front window. Which cake do you prefer?

We did not go after pastries or cakes, mind you, but the delectable palet d’ors, a combination of dark chocolate and sweet cream adorned with real gold leaf—the house specialty.

We wanted to buy some as a gift for our friends Danièle and Greg whose house we were going to for dinner the following night, and who just so happened to introduce us to palet d’ors in the first place. And of course a box for ourselves.

Walking back we took a different route and just happened to see the sign to Les Halles. Les Halles! We had forgotten all about this incredible indoor gourmet market! We knew we had to make the side trip. How fortuitous! The building did not look like we remembered, having undergone an extreme makeover a few years ago. It now bore Paul Bocuse’s name as well.

Are you ready to enter? Do you have anything available close by to wipe the drool from your mouth with? Maybe you won’t need it if you don’t like cheese, foie gras, or other delectable goodies.

Sausages.

And the counter that had me salivating with one of my favorite things: foie gras—and so many different ways.

Anyone for foie gras kabobs? Foie gras paired with duck wing meat. Oh. my. god. It’s a good thing I had no way to cook these or one of these would have come home with me. Seriously.

These were just little appetizers. We were now wishing we hadn’t already eaten lunch.

Bresse chickens, sold with the head and feet on so you know that’s what they are. (They have blue feet.) Very pricey and very delicious! (I know these two photos may be too graphic for some of you, but this is the way these birds are sold in markets.)

Pintade (guinea fowl). Very tasty. I miss being able to buy guinea fowl. Their meat is not white, but not dark.

Bread anyone?

And last, but certainly not least because man (or woman) cannot live by bread alone: cheese! They say that France has 365 different varieties of cheese, one cheese for each day of the year but I am convinced there are a lot more than that. Just take a look at a small sampling ...

I’ve either made you hungry or you were completely grossed out by this post (especially if you’re vegetarian)! I know I made myself hungry! I’m ready to go back!

P.S. I really don’t like normal liver all that much. I can eat chicken liver pâté, but not any other kind of cooked liver. Other than foie gras of course. I know it’s not P.C. but I can’t help myself! That’s what living in France did to me!

We’re not in New Jersey anymore! In case you couldn’t tell from the photo, it’s back to Lyon we go (at least blog-wise if not in reality).  Our goal on this day was to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame on top of Fourvière hill (above). There is a funicular that runs to the top but we decided to walk instead, taking two connecting montées. I addressed montées lightly in a previous post, but to refresh:

Montées, or rises, consist of winding flights of steps or steeply sloping streets that climb the Fourvière hill, providing superb views down over the old town. Each of them has their own particular charm.

Montèe des Carmes-Déchaussés has 238 steps.

Montèe Nicholas-de-Lange has 560 steps, making a grand total of 798 steps. That’s a lot of steps!

Looking back down over the city.

Along the way I noticed that once in a while there were paintings done on rocks that were imbedded in the wall of the stairs. Tiny, miniature paintings.

Our view once we arrived at the top. The sky may look threatening, but it never did rain on us, just a little drizzle.

I tried to stitch together a panoramic view.

The Basilique from the front.

And inside.

A beautiful mosaic in the crypt.

A gorgeous tree on our way down a different montée. I think maybe it’s a chestnut??

And finally, we make our way down the Montée des Chazeaux.

And on to lunch at a typical Lyonnaise bouchon !

I hope you enjoyed your little tour of the Fourvière Hill and the Basilique!

dad… i know you’re still in China tonight and all and you’ll be home tomorrow night this time, but I just wanted to let you know what’s going on at home ...

Notations from mom: outside temp today: 82 F; pool temp upon opening 59 F

Ain’t it amazing? Who would think that Rick could call me on his cell phone from the top of the Great Wall of China? He did. Huffing and puffing as he made the climb. I stand in awe of technology. Hopefully pics to follow once he gets home. And I am SO ready for that!
Note pics just added that were sent from his phone!

While Rick was in Tiananmen Square in Beijing watching a somewhat “friendly” protest, I was in my backyard viewing the first firefly sighting of the season. Just a few faint ones, but still, there they were. The frogs were also busy singing tonight around dusk. The low pitched altos and the baby sopranos gave a lovely concert. I have never lived anywhere else that I can have both fireflies and frog song. I can’t begin to tell you how happy they both make me. Plus, there was also a bat swooping around eating insects. Granted, there was only one where we used to have at least six or seven, but due to some kind of mold (which I can’t remember what it was exactly) our bat population has died off over the past several years. I hope they are making a comeback.

Speaking of coming back, I will be glad when my husband is home once again!

Mt. Fuji through the haze as seen by Rick two days ago. Photo by Rick.