THE very best way to explore a new part of the world, especially a busy foreign city, is to immerse…read moreyourself in the local culture. Specifically, local bars. Late at night. Without any other tourists around!
We were walking around Lyon very late and, noticing a few lively locals enjoying a tipple at a cozy looking bar at the end of an alleyway, decided to stop in and have a drink. Initially we got some strange looks, but the bartender was friendly. (The locals did warm up to us, eventually, and we had some educational conversations about our different ways of life with many of them).
The menu was handwritten on the wall, so we opted for a beer and a glass of Champagne, which is always good and usually cheap throughout France. I got some strange looks when I ordered that, however. This is one of those "beer at the bar" type establishments.
The decor is interesting and worth taking a time to peruse. Especially in the bathrooms!
We stayed for a couple of hours as the place emptied out. I'm not sure if this is normally a very popular bar, but it was a good place to use the toilet, grab a drink, an warm up from the chilly evening air.