The City of Lyon has a special connection the Virgin Mary. Read the story behind the festival and how it’s connected to Mama Mary. This is why every year the entire city is lit up for a few days around the feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December.

I’ve included here the video for the one 2022 to give you an idea of what it’s like. I haven’t had the chance to edit my videos yet.

We knew it would be crowded so we left DiploDog in the room with some food and water after a long walk. We didn’t want him to get trampled on and we knew he would rather be sleeping coz it would be a long night.

While we prepared and the dog got nervous (he can feel when we are leaving him) the tot is having a little screentime.

We left the hotel at around 8pm. As expected the trains and streets were crowded. I recommend doing advance booking for dinner during the Festival of Lights because it was a nightmare looking for a place to eat.

Masks were required for everyone 11 years and older but we still had DiploBaby wear a cloth mask.

I think I took more vids than pics so I can’t really give such a clear idea but there were lighting installations for everyone. It’s definitely not as over the top and impressive as the Berlin Festival of Lights.

These installations are more artsy and kitchy.

It was fun anyway to be out and about as a family.

DiploBaby loves cute graffiti!

The area around Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is quite an impressive sight to see!

We got hungry but all the restaurants were fully booked and even McDonald’s had a long line. We ended up lining up for FIVE GUYS, which is a fastfood joint we’ve heard good things about but never tried.