Lyon, France

Written By Cassandra Zetta

It all began as a quest to find my next home in the world.

Sunny afternoon in Place des Terreaux, Lyon, France, featuring the Museum of Fine Arts. People are walking and riding bikes through the plaza.

Then on my first Sunday in Lyon, just five days after arriving, something totally unexpected and magical happened. But, before I share those heart-warming details: let me catch you up.

In August 2024, I handed-in [emailed] my resignation to the coolest boss I’ve ever had [besides myself], and didn’t start packing my bags early enough. The goal was to live in Lyon, France during autumn as a reconnaissance trip, before planning a full move in 2025.

A month later, airport-curbside, flight boarding in 30 minutes, and me? Frantically tossing miscellaneous items back into the car [goodbye french notes, I wouldn’t need you anyway—jk, jk, I absolutely needed them]. Don’t worry; I arrived to my gate with 10 minutes to spare, and I landed in Lyon on a sun-filled Tuesday afternoon.

By Thursday, I’d cried all of my what-the-hell-did-I-just-do tears into a lake in the living room of my loft.

Friday morning’s walking tour through Vieux Lyon finally returned a burst of excitement. Saturday tagged-in with a boat tour with a tourist-pal made during Friday’s walking tour, and after, my first full-French conversation [yes, ordering bubble tea counts].

As my worries lifted, Sunday joined the chat.

Mid-afternoon, I arrived at a cafe for a painting-with-coffee workshop (a spontaneous sign-up from a week prior) unknowingly about to meet three fated friends who became foundational to my new life in Lyon.

The awe I still experience reflecting on budding friendships and the beginnings of a community abroad forming within five (5) days: the timing; the Universe’s resounding YES… and the first time I felt true belonging in a place; none of it is lost on me.

[For further context: natal Chiron in 11H.]

Lion face in architectural details in Lyon, France.

I have felt called to this part of the world since childhood.

Orange and tan historical architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, France.

Within two weeks on stepping foot in France for the very first time, I was certain: Lyon is my home.

Colorful, historical architecture and sunny street view of Vieux (Old) Lyon, France.
Historical architecture and street lamp in Vieux (Old) Lyon, France.

Vieux Lyon (above), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is my favorite neighborhood to explore.

Sunny afternoon overlooking Lyon, France and Rhone River from Pentes de la Croix Rousse.
Warm, yellow-orange city buildings and street lamps in light and shadow on a sunny afternoon in Lyon, France.
Warm, yellow-orange city buildings and street lamp covered in ivy in Lyon, France.
Historic traboules in Croix Rousse, Lyon, France.

From the silk trade to the French Resistance, Lyon’s traboules, or secret passageways, have an undeniably fascinating history.

Torn and worn away street art in Lyon, France.
Sunny, warm-colored city buildings in Lyon, France with a Mediterranean aesthetic.
Saône Riverside view of downtown Lyon, France from Vieux Lyon.
Vieux Lyon historical city architecture in light and shadow, Lyon, France.
City architecture in light and shadow, Lyon, France.
Vieux Lyon and street lamp in light and shadow, Lyon, France.

I will never get over how the sunlight dances across architecture. Every hour, a different song.

Sunflare on a clear day in Vieux Lyon, surrounded by trees in Lyon, France.
Historical architecture and ivy in light and shadow, Vieux (Old) Lyon, France.
Green city door in sunlight and shadows, Vieux (Old) Lyon, France.
Croix Paquet park with peek-a-boo look through from trees into the city in Lyon, France.
Black and white photo of a bike parked on the sidewalk in Lyon, France.
Sunny wooden boardwalk with foliage and white building in Lyon, France.
Sunny afternoon peeking through trees and buildings from Pentes de la Croix Rousse into Lyon, France.
Roman ruins in Lyon, France, known as Théâtre Gallo Romain; Lugdunum Théâtres Romains de Fourviére.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière / Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière with blue skies in Lyon, France.
Aerial view of downtown Lyon, France from Fourvière.

On a clear day, you can see the Alps / Mont Blanc: a treat for this Mountains gal. [On a foggy day, if you squint your eyes and believe…]

View of Croix Rousse, Lyon and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes from Fourvière.

Et voila ! J’adore Lyon. [Fun fact: I’m six months into learning French et c'est une belle langue.]

with gratitude,

Cass

Cassandra Zetta