I never intended to come to Lyon but when I met Ella in Zadar she told me about Fête des lumières and I couldn't not visit. A three day festival of light, not unlike Vivid Sydney, the city is dazzled by dozens of installations, projections and animations - it's a sight to behold. Fête des lumières is based around and celebrates the Christian mother, Mary. The city centre closes to vehicles at night and the people wander as if in a post apocalyptic reality.

After a quick stop at a service station near Mont Blanc, where the vending machines sell risqué movies,  I entered France. Immediately after crossing the border my car-share was stopped by the police; apparently they're easy pickings. Thirty minutes later we were on our way again.

I met Ella at the central station with a big hug and a smile. Now heading south we were going to Lara's mother's apartment. Ella met Lara and her companion Rebbeca in Croatia where the duo were cycling from Lyon to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Lara kindly offered her room to Ella, and her mother, Corrine, would host us.

Upon arrival Corrine welcomed us in and prepared a baked Vacherin cheese, Mont d'Or. My, oh my, I was in heaven. A heavy stroke from a spoon was required to perforate the brown crust to gain access to the delightfully rich jewel.

During the festival everyone lines their windows with candles; it's a beautiful tradition and wonderful to see everyone coming together.

On our first outing we saw the city's ferris wheel painted with ever changing projections of three dimensional landscapes and a roller-coaster giving the sensation of depth and falling into the animation. If you ever find yourself in a large crowd focused on one thing, turn around and look at the people’s faces; look to see them in a content state holding their loved ones whilst being completely at ease. See them in their natural state without a care in the world.

Packed in the Metro like sardines in a can, it was time to go home. Can you believe that for this event the city's Metro was free!?