[Sept. 2025] On our second day in Lyon, France, after a long day of walking around, we rested at the hotel and then headed out for an evening drink.
While we typically have a main meal for lunch, it’s customary to have a drink and snacks in the evening.
The same man who had been so kind when we arrived the night before was at the hotel reception.
The day before, he had suggested ways to satisfy our hunger, and one of his suggestions was, “Go straight ahead and you’ll find a row of bars in the square.”
At the time, we weren’t yet familiar with geography, so we assumed he meant the square in front of the nearest metro station, but we went there, only to find that everything was closed and gave up.
However, on this day, he showed us a map, and we realized that if we walked a short distance to the right from the square in front of the metro station, we would come across a larger square lined with restaurants.
This square is Place Carnot, in front of Perrache station, the terminus of Metro A.
It was a chilly day at the end of September and the temperature had dropped quite a bit, but there were plenty of people sitting at the outdoor tables.
Among the rows of cafe-style restaurants, we went into a place called Victor.
It was quite spacious.
A football game was playing on TV, but there were also some older customers, so it felt relaxing.
The music playing was heavy metal, but I generally like that kind of music, so I was happy.
Here, I tried a Saint-Germain Spritz.
There are many different types of spritz on the market these days, but this was my first.
Saint-Germain is apparently a French liqueur made with elderflower.
I really liked it, so I’d like to try it again if I see it again.
My husband ordered a Moscow Mule, his recent favourite.
For me, the Moscow Mule is one of those drinks that reminds me of the discos of my student days.
The appetizer was what they call tagliere in Italy.
Ham, salami, burrata, brie, and gherkins were served on a board.
This kind of food is delicious in France, too.
It’s always easier to snack on familiar foods.
All in all, the total came to €34.50.
The area was bustling, but after leaving, the area we walked to the hotel was deserted and it was a different world.
It was only after 9 p.m.
