Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/823773
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2017 48 WHEN travelling to France, most travellers get caught up in it's capital, and while Paris has plenty to see, it is easy to get stuck in the tourist traps, not re- ally experiencing anything that is genuinely Parisian. If you are looking for an authentic French experience the city of Lyon, al- most 500km from Paris, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a sure thing. With genuinely unique cuisine, historical and architectural landmarks, light festivals, history in cinematogra- phy, a trip to Lyon is one worth remembering. Take a tour of Vieux-Lyon Vieux-Lyon, Lyon's oldest dis- trict, is protected under Malraux law. The silk weavers and rich merchants settled here from France, Flanders, Germany and Italy and built lavish homes in gothic, Italian and French re- naissance styles in the districts of Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges and Saint Paules. During the 16th century it was estimated that there were 180,000 looms in the city. Discover the traboules underneath the city The dark underbelly of the city takes on a totally different meaning in Lyon. Underneath the city are a series of tunnels that allowed the silk merchants of old to transport their silk to the market whilst taking shelter from the elements. Most of these passageways are part of residen- tial properties but around 40 of them are open to the public, run- ning beneath the buildings in the direction of the Saône River. Fourvière basilica Strategically located on the top of Fourvière hill, to the west of the city is one France's most iconic hilltop churches. The Basilica of Notre-Dame du Fourvière, built between 1872 and 1884, is dedicat- ed to the Virgin Mary, who is at- tributed to saving the city from the bubonic plague that swept through Europe in 1643. Head inside the basilica and check out the extrava- Travel Lyon - an authentic French city Malta is poor in wetlands, so we can never have much in the way of resident or breeding wild ducks. On the other hand we're not lacking in sea, and as Malta sits on one of the main migration flyways across the Mediterranean, our birdwatchers still get to see thousands of wild duck in migration. Among the several duck species that occur is the Pintail (M. Silfjun), which is one of the larger ducks. As its name implies, this bird has a long pointed tail - especially evident in the male - which readily identifies this species from the other ducks. A little sea-gazing while ferry-crossing between Malta and Gozo in spring can reward you with sightings of lines of wild duck flying fast and strong low over the waves, or bobbing at rest on the surface. Such flocks can include hundreds of Pintails, along with other beautiful names like Wigeon, Garganey and Shoveler. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate Text Victor Falzon | Photo Aron Tanti 7 points for political parties to safeguard our wellbeing 557. PINTAIL GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 460 CAMPING AID: Put several sheets of newspaper underneath your sleeping bag when you go camping. This will keep your bag dry, free from dirt and grass stains, and will provide a warm padding. Friends of the Earth Malta intends to be at the vanguard of environmental and biodiversity protection as it has in the past. In view of the severe environmental threats facing the Maltese Islands, FoE Malta is making the following proposals to be taken up by the political parties: 1. Constitutionally entrenched protection of the environment – All citizens to be given right of action to sue the State for implementation and enforcement of laws/actions to protect environment and air quality. This right is to be entrenched in Constitution. 2. ODZ or Public Domain Sites to be designated as no- building/no commerce zones in the Constitution. 3. All ERA/PA Boards and Appeals Bodies to have 50 % members appointed by NGOs. Increase NGO appointee representation on ERA/PA Boards. 4. Designate Manoel Island AND White Rocks public Parks 5. Cap ERA/PA fees for bonafide NGOs 6. Introduce initiatives incentivising NGOs which work in environmental advocacy and protection of biodiversity. 7. A pollinator strategy for the Maltese Islands