La Flaneur Guesthouse: First Hostel Experience

I took the 2.5-hour train from Paris to Lyon and spent a few nights at La Flaneur Guesthouse. I had an absolute blast with Simona and Paige from the UK, Gareth from Australia, and Sam from North Carolina/Italy. I appreciate you all.

Arriving in Lyon and Overview

I didn’t get to the hostel until 15:30 or 16:00. I was starving, but couldn’t find anything I wanted. So I had a beer. Then I got food. When I returned to the hostel to relax a bit, I met Paige and Simona. We chatted most of the night, and they invited me to my first rave…which was an experience in itself.

I spent my first full day exploring the old city, the basilica, a cemetery, and Roman ruins. I really enjoyed walking through the narrow cobblestone streets. I also found a Buchon Lyonnaise, which I highly recommend. For 40 euros, I had a three-course meal and wine. Fiston was the name of the restaurant.

Notre-Dame Basilica de Fourvière

The first group of images was my hike to the basilica. Definitely got my heart pumping, and I realized I missed the gym since starting my trip. This was the only sunny day I had. It was well spent outside. Well, it did rain later on, but it was sunny to begin with. I think I’m already over churches. They’re all the same now: pointy spires, gold-crusted paintings or frescos, and tall ceilings. The one thing I can’t get over is their age and architecture. It’s what keeps me visiting.

Ludgunum

This second group of images are of the Roman ruins of Lugdunum (Lyon). Oh, and the museum there as well! These were neat to see. And to think that there are entire cities beneath our feet. I’d like to visit some more if I can find them. Near the end of the museum was a LEGO-themed story about Brickius, the Roman soldier from Lugundum. So I had to try on a helmet.

Fiston

Food! WOW! Bone marrow, pike fish dumplings with nantua sauce, and creme brulee. Everything was delicious and well worth the price. 40 euros is the most I’ve spent so far on a meal. It’s usually much less! But this was amazing.

My First Rave

Afterward, I visited a cinema and a miniature museum. It was alright, but I really looked forward to the rave. It was around supper time that I found Gareth and invited him along to join us. We had a couple of beers and some wine before heading out at about 00:30. I was already tired. But we danced until 6:30. And the night flew by. Great experience, but definitely won’t be doing it again right away. Maybe in Germany!

The train from Lyon to Milan, Italy, was supposed to be nine hours, but I missed a short connection and didn’t arrive until after 23:00. So it turned into an 11-hour trip. Cia!

Addition December 18, 2025:

I don’t have a blog post on Milan. Probably my least favorite stop on the trip.