“Truly inspirational” – these are words that are far from customary when describing any city in the world, but when used in reference to Oxford and Lyon they seem entirely appropriate.
The French city of Lyon is usurped in historical importance, originally as an important area for the weaving of silk, and more recently as a centre for French gastronomy and cinema. Meanwhile, Oxford, in the county of Oxfordshire, is perhaps most famous for its educational institutes while its buildings demonstrate every English architectural period since the arrival of the Saxons. So which of these eye-catching cities should be your first choice for a short break?
Architecture for the ages
If you enjoy immersing yourself in history, then both Lyon and Oxford will bring your passion alive – as there is history at every turn.
The architecture in Lyon spans a number of periods. You can get a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period with buildings such as: the Cathedral of St John, a medieval church with architectural elements from the 13th, 14th and 15 centuries; the Romanesque basilica style Basilica of St Martin-d’Ainay; and the Eglise St Nizier, a Gothic church from the 15th Century. From the 17th and 18th Century there are buildings including: City Hall on the Place des Terreaux; the Musee des beaux-arts de Lyon, a fine arts museum housed in a former convent; and the Temple du Change, which once served as the stock exchange.
Of course that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of modern buildings to turn your head in Lyon too. For example, the Opera National de Lyon, built in 1831 was renovated in spectacular fashion in 1993; while the Sainte Marie de le Tourette, is a monastery that was actually constructed in 1960. There are some beautiful parks and gardens within Lyon too – among the best is Parc de la Tete d’Or, which translates as Golden Head Park, and is the largest urban park in France at 117hectares. The Jardin botanique de Lyon is also worth visiting, it is open weekdays without charge and is a municipal botanical garden.
Few cities however, can match the architectural brilliance of a stay in Oxford with the city centre proving popular among film and TV crews with the city featuring in films such as: The Scarlet Pimpernel, Harry Potter, The Saint, X-Men: First Class and Tomorrow Never Dies.
Castles have featured largely in Oxford’s history – Wallingford Castle was once a Norman stronghold; while Broughton Castle was showcased in Shakespeare in Love. Blenheim Palace is considered by many to be the UK’s greatest palace and is certainly one of the finest baroque houses in the country. Alternatively you could choose to relax amid the greenery of beautiful settings such as: Rousham House, a pilgrimage setting for anyone who wants to know more about the works of William Kent; the Ornamental Garden at Waterperry Gardens, with eight acres of landscaped ornamental gardens; and Arboretum at University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum, with no walls, straight lines or glass houses – it appears designed to defy the conventions of a traditional botanic garden.
Educate yourself
Travellers to Oxford and Lyon would rightly expect something of an education on their visit. Lyon is awash with museums including the Musee des beaux-arts de Lyon, which is the fine arts museum and one of the largest art galleries in France, housing works from such luminaries as Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet. Also worth visiting is the African Museum of Lyon; the Gallo-Roman Museum, with collections from both Roman and Greek antiquities; and La Sucriere, a contemporary arts centre.
Of course the University of Oxford is the number one attraction in Oxford – it is the oldest university in the English speaking world and one of the most famous educational institutions in the world. The Bodleian Library has been dubbed Europe’s most beautiful room and is known for its role in the Harry Potter films where it takes the name of Hogwarts Library. Oxford has plenty of museums of its own too – including Pitt Rivers Museum, which looks at the world of archaeology and anthropology; the Museum of Oxford at Oxford Town Hall; and the university’s Museum of the History of Science with everything from early chemical apparatus to clocks and medical instruments.
Our verdict – Oxford on a budget or Lyon
Two beautiful cities, both steeped in history, heritage and architectural magnificence – perhaps choosing between Oxford and Lyon is simply a matter of personal taste – would you rather learn more about English history or French history?
Whatever your tastes may be, both cities are certain to expand your mind and delight at every turn. So why not save yourself some cash this year and further your horizons that little bit closer to home?
Friday: Nevis Range on a budget or Engelberg.