An assortment of facts about the history of Lyon:
* Lyon sits at the point where the Saone and Rhone rivers meet. In 43 BC on of Caesar's lieutenants, seeing this vantage point, founded the Fort of Lugdunum (Lyon). The city grew and became the start of the Roman road system, leading to Lyon becoming the capital of Gaul.
* The first printing establishment was set up in Lyon in 1472.
* Lyon is France's most important educational center outside of Paris.
* Approximately 4,000 of Lyon's citizens were killed, and 7,500 others deported to Nazi death camps, under Klaus Barbie (Butcher of Lyon) during WWII. Also, when Nazi rule ended in 1944, all but two of Lyon's 28 bridges were blown up by the retreating Germans.
* In 1870, the Lumiere family moved to Lyon. Sons Louis and August shot the first moving picture, of workers leaving their father's photographic factory in 1895.
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My excursion today was to Beaujolais wine country. Very interesting. Those of you who know me know I don't drink much wine (it gives me headaches, especially the reds) but it's fascinating to see the areas and techniques that give rise to the various wine varieties.
The history of Beaujolais wine dates back to the Roman era, when the first vines were planted in the region. The Gamay grape, which is now the most widely planted grape in Beaujolais, was introduced to the region by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Beaujolais wine was mostly consumed locally. However, in the 19th century, the expansion of the French railroad system opened up the lucrative Paris market to Beaujolais producers and Beaujolais wine quickly became popular in Paris, and and then spread to other parts of the world in the 20th century.
One of the most famous Beaujolais wines is Beaujolais nouveau. This wine is released on the third Thursday of November each year, and it is celebrated with festivals and parties throughout France.
In recent years, Beaujolais wine has undergone a revival. High-quality, aged Beaujolais wines are now being produced. At this point in time, Beaujolais is one of the most popular wine regions in France. The region produces a wide range of wines, from light, fruity Beaujolais nouveau to complex, full-bodied cru Beaujolais.
Some pictures from the vineyard. Chateau des Ravatys:
After the vineyard, we made a stop in Beaujeu. This is a small town in the Beaujolais region that helped give the region its name.
The town was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD. Originally named Bucolicum, it was later renamed Beaujeu, which means "beautiful view" in French.
Beaujeu was an important town during the Middle Ages. In the 17th century, Beaujeu became a center for the production of silk. The town's silk industry flourished for many years, and it helped to make Beaujeu a wealthy town. As with other areas however, the silk industry declined over time.
Fortunately, the town's wine industry continues to thrive (subject of course to the ups and downs mentioned above).
Pictures from the town ...
and (of course!) the church.
No sunset/evening picture tonight, so I thought I would remember Sammi, the Wonder Dog. I lost her in December 2021, exactly 18 months ago today, and it is still very difficult. She was with me for 17 years. But her loss is also the reason why I have been able to do so much traveling over the last year-and-a-half.
Another dog is definitely in my future ... but there is more travel first. So here's to Sammi!
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