Brighten up your Christmas with Lyon's festive light show
Monday, 27 Nov 2006 16:58
Lyon's great architecture is transformed by light works in December (Photo: Muriel Chaulet)
The French city of Lyon will be turned into a live public art show with its annual festival of light this December.
The unique event - the Fetes des Lumieres - sees the city transformed for four days, giving holidaymakers and residents a chance to discover a new side to the city at night.
A tradition dating back to 1852, the first light festival was a spontaneous celebration by local residents on December 8th, who lit lanterns, candles and took to the streets following the passing of a terrible storm.
Though it has continued to this day, only in recent years has it become a programmed event, with innovative urban lighting as its focus.
For this year's festival, taking place between December 7th and 10th, young designers and artists, as well as more established artists and crafts people have been selected to create original light works for the city.
In all there will be 50 works, which will use the city's buildings, streets and open spaces as their subjects.
It will not all be neon lights and LCD screens however, as artists will also be using more traditional lighting such as candles, fire and flames for their works.
A walking trail will also be set up for works in the city centre, taking in 15 of the light displays, starting at Croix Rousse and finishing at the Place Carnot.
Outside of the city centre, the Fete des Lumieres' organisers promise smaller scale experiments and animations in all of the city's districts.
However, Lyon has plenty for holidaymakers to see whatever the time of year.
The city is the third biggest in the France, behind Paris and Marseilles, and is reputed to be one of the best places to eat out in the country, thanks to its high number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Its proximity to two major wine-making regions - Beaujolais to the north and Cotes du Rhone to the south - adds to Lyon's appeal as a gourmet centre.
Additionally, Lyon also has a reputation for shopping, arts, crafts and culture, and makes a good place to see a concert, visit a museum, or check out some cutting edge fashion in the city's boutiques.
For more information, including accommodation, see
www.lyon.fr
Return flights with Easyjet departing from London Stansted on December 7th 2006 cost £129 via
ebookers.com
Return train tickets leaving December 7th 2006 from London Waterloo with Eurostar cost £159 via
www.eurostar.com