Lyon shines bright in the bleak mid-winter

Lyon’s annual orgy of spectacular visual and audio displays has begun in its usual flamboyant style.

The French city’s fabulous “Festival of Lights” may have its roots in religion but in these modern times it has become a breathtaking synthesis of contemporary art. During its four days, millions of locals and tourists from all over the world fill the city’s streets.

Amid the amazing sights, priests carried a statue of the Virgin Mary up Fourviere Hill to the Basilica. At its heart, the festival is Mary’s tribute but it has also developed into a magnificent start to the Christmas season.

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