University of Lyon, Lectures

Reached Lyon on 14th December, 2013.  I had few lectures in the University of Lyon.Lyons is the third largest city in France. It  is shaped by its two rivers, the Rhône (to the East) and the Saône (to the West). The old town between the two rivers is a beautiful mix of ancient and the modern.  This gateway to the Alps enfolds Roman ruins, Renaissance-era architecture, abundant art spaces, renovated riverfronts and a lot of buildings with  futuristic architecture. It is known as a gastronomic and historical city with a vibrant cultural scene. It is also the birthplace of cinema. Founded by the Romans, with many preserved historical areas, Lyon is the archetype of the heritage city, as recognised by UNESCO. France’s most celebrated chef, the octogenarian Paul Bocuse, hails from Lyon, and the city’s bouchons — homey restaurants serving rustic, traditional cuisine — are famous countrywide. We had dinner in one such restaurant and the food was delicious. Early traces of settlement date back to 12,000 BC but there is no evidence of continuous occupation prior to the Roman era. Lugdunum, the Roman name of the city, was officially founded in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus, then Governor of Gaul. The first Roman settlements were on Fourvière hill, and the first inhabitants were probably veterans of Caesar's war campaigns. The development of the city was boosted by its strategic location and it was promoted Capital of Gauls in 27 BC. The Roman theatre in Fourvière, the most important remain of the Roman city of Lugdunum.This is a  get-up-and-go place, not a lie-back-and-rest one, with an almost Swiss sense of cleanliness, order and efficiency.