[Sept. 2025] Near the hotel we stayed at in Lyon, France, we came across a folkloric-looking building with a simple red pattern on its exterior walls.
I thought it was probably a monastery, but we were able to enter part of the church.
The name is Saint-Martin-d’Ainay, and indeed, it was originally a monastery church.
The paper I was given states that its history dates back to the 5th century.
The monastery disappeared by the end of the 17th century, and only the church remains.
It also says that in 1905, the Pope granted it the title of basilica.
Apparently, the title of basilica is only given to churches recognised for their historical and artistic value and as centres of faith.
It is apparently an honour, and it elevates the church’s status.
The fresco on the altar shone brightly in gold, but the rest of the building was relatively simple, exuding a sense of history and weight.
We were the only tourists there.
Two elderly women, likely volunteers, were quietly working here, so I felt hesitant to take photos.
Leaving here, we headed toward the red suspension bridge we’d spotted on our post-breakfast stroll.
The old town is just beyond this bridge over the Saône River.
The bridge itself is photogenic.
I looked it up and found out that the name is Passerelle St. Georges, and it was built in 1853.
Apparently, it was destroyed during World War II and restored to its original state.
Across the bridge was a church (Eglise St. Georges) with a pointed tower, and beyond that, the row of houses on the hill, which was picturesque.
After crossing this bridge, walk to the right and you’ll reach the old town.
We headed toward Saint-Jean Cathedral, which is listed as one of the city’s main attractions.
However, when we arrived, it was closed.
It was a Monday, and being closed on Mondays made it feel like a museum.
Apparently, it’s still an operating cathedral, though.
So, we decided to walk straight down the main street.
The narrow, cobblestone street had a great atmosphere.
At the same time, rows of restaurants and souvenir shops were lined up on both sides, making it feel like a typical tourist destination.
Speaking of souvenirs, Praline Rose, a sweet pink nut candy, is apparently a specialty of this town.
We also came across a shop specialising in it.
We didn’t buy anything, though.
