Vieux Lyon is an old city, harking back to the late Middle Ages, within a thriving modern metropolis. After emerging from from the Metro Line D, we found ourselves in the main square in front of the freshly scrubbed Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon. We discovered the front entrance to the building just a few hundred yards up the cobbled street and were greeted by Morad, who said that the owner was unable to be there because of the winter holiday. No one could have been more knowledgeable than he. We had been expected and duly welcomed. Coffee, fresh bread and preserves were waiting for us.

The building that houses the spacious apartment is built somehow into the hillside. It took some focus and several trips to navigate the four or five stories up the spiral stone staircases and through the maze of small courtyards to the front door. If you have your doubts about the climb, you can always take the funicular to the top of the hill and walk down. Truth of the matter: you never have to walk upstairs. The view out the windows says much about the collision of the old and the new in Lyon from the turret towers right outside to the Radisson Hotel on the the horizon.

The apartment can sleep three. Four can dine in the small alcove. The appliances were large and in excellent condition. Most impressive was the constant supply of hot water from an updated system and an excellent shower. This property is in prime condition. Morad told us that when we leave to just close the door and leave the key on the table; someone would be there shortly to clean.

The only disappointment was the fact that the wi-fi was not functioning during our stay.