Some years ago I had visited the Musée des Beaux Arts to view a self portrait by Rembrandt. I doubted that it would still be there – it wasn’t – but I went to see anyway, and was reminded how impressive this former Benedictine abbey of the Dames nobles de Saint-Pierre really is; those recruits from the highest aristocracy in France may have set themselves apart, but certainly knew how to dull the pain of seclusion.
I did find a painting by the Dutch master – La Lapidation de sainte-Etienne 1625 – or, the Stoning of St Etienne. I puzzled over how someone could kill someone by bashing his head in with rocks and then naming a great French city after him, but then it was lunch time! With typically French sensitivity in matters gastronomic, I found that you could actually reach the museum’s superb restaurant without having to pay admission to the museum. So, if passing this way and in need of a bite, do drop in, the dishes on offer are excellent.
Photo CC Tristan Descamps Lyon Tourist Office