Lyon's atmospheric Quartier Saint-Jean is the place to discover the city's Old World ambience. It's a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. This medieval quarter north of the cathedral is filled with narrow cobblestone lanes and quiet little courtyards.
Begin exploring around Rue du Boeuf and the Place Neuve Saint-Jean, a picturesque square filled with traditional restaurants. Then wander around the pedestrian streets of Rue Saint-Jean and Rue des Trois Maries. There are many inviting shops and cafés along the way. Continue until reaching the Hôtel de Gadagne at the Place du Petit Collège. This magnificent 15th-century mansion houses two excellent museums.
The Musée d'Histoire de Lyon (History Museum) illustrates the history of the city-from antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the 20th century. The Musée des Arts de La Marionnette (Puppet Museum) displays marionettes from all over the world. A short stroll away from the Gadagne museums is Le Guignol de Lyon (2 Rue Louis Carrand), where the Compagnie M.A. marionette company performs. Attending a traditional puppet show is one of the most entertaining things to do in Lyon.
Another place to watch a marionette performance is in the Quartier Saint-Georges, at the Théâtre la Maison de Guignol puppet theater (performances are in French; check the schedule in advance). The theater is found in a peaceful square a 10-minute walk away from the Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and a few steps away is the Café du Soleil (2 Rue Saint-Georges), a great place to enjoy an authentic Lyonnais meal.
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