Destinations: Lyon, France

Smack in the middle of the Cotes du Rhone wine-growing region, at the crossroads to central Europe, the gastronomic capital of France (so much piggy at those traditional restaurants!), is an artistic and cultural center, and most importantly... oozes some serious ancient Roman history. What's not to love?!?!? (Especially since I'm a sucker for all things Roman/Latin-- despite our bad moods towards Materazzi and that lousy Italian football team-- and Lyon was the capital of the Roman territories of Gaul, after its founding as Lugdunum in 43 BC.) Of course I had to tag along with Pierre on a recent business trip.

[Photos: the Basilique Notre Dame lit up at night; graffiti; impressive wall murals-- part of the seven-storey Fresque des Lyonnais)