Lyon poetry guide: creativity made easy – channeling your inner French poet

MyFrenchLife™ - MyFrenchLife.org - Lyon poetry guide: creativity made easy – channeling your inner French poet
What if you could be a poet for a day? Find how to channel your inner French poet, while taking a walk through Lyon. This Lyon poetry guide will help you to relax, find awareness, and discover poetry in your senses.

Lyon poetry guide: your inner French poet

France’s history is rich with poetry. Rimbaud, Verlaine, and Baudelaire to name a few.

Angst may come to mind when you think of these poets.

But, not anymore.

This Lyon poetry guide promises to skip the angst and take France as its muse (unless angst is your muse, of course).

Poetry also serves positive benefits to your health, such as increased sense of well-being. So, sit back, relax, and channel your inner French poet with this Lyon poetry guide.

Poetry made easy: using your senses

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The essence of poetry is everywhere. Although, it can be easier to find in some places. Lyon, with its beautiful architecture and two rivers, serves as a perfect backdrop to take a walk and explore the senses.

The idea is to find what inspires and let it unfold into words…

The goal will be to take a walk near the river Saône and capture the essence of your walk.

What you will need for this exercise is:

  • A pen and paper
  • A blanket to sit on by the river
  • If you have a camera, this can be useful to capture an inspiring image to write about later.

1. Channeling French inspiration: everyday innovation

 Keep in mind; from the moment you wake up, that your day of poetry has begun.

Pay attention to every moment:

  • The sip of espresso you experienced in the morning – what was the taste?
  • What did you eat for breakfast? A pain au chocolat? – How did it feel in your hand, and your mouth?
  • If you had a commute, what did you notice? Did any color pop out to you? Was there a song playing in the Métro station?
  • Were there any aromas from a boulangerie on your way to the river?
  • What is the weather today? How does it feel?

Now that you’ve mastered the art of everyday observation and inspiration, you’re ready to move on to the next step – exploring your surroundings.

Let this Lyon poetry guide take you to one of the city’s most beautiful locations…

2. The poetry process: a walking itinerary in Lyon

First, find your way to the Vieux Lyon Métro Station.

MyFrenchLife™ - MyFrenchLife.org - Lyon poetry guide: creativity made easy – channeling your inner French poet - Dramatic Saone

From there, you can easily walk to the Saône. When you reach the Saône (from the direction of the Métro), take a left.

You’ll soon find yourself at the river. Now, jot down some observations.

The idea of this exercise is to enjoy the music of life.

As you walk alongside the river, look around you – what do you notice?

Do you notice people enjoying the river?

Are you drawn to looking at the swans?

As you walk along in this direction, you may wish to sit on one of the benches and gather your observations for a moment.

MyFrenchLife™ - MyFrenchLife.org - Lyon poetry guide: creativity made easy – channeling your inner French poet - toward the benches

As you walk further, you’ll see a stunning statue of one man holding another man.

This statue is named ‘The Weight of One Self’ by Elmgreen and Dragset.

Observe this statue for five minutes and write down whatever comes to mind.

3. Lyon poetry guide: building your poem

Once finished your initial observation exercise, find a spot to sit by the Saône.

Continue to observe for at least another 30 minutes, writing down your observations.

When you write, write fast; do not think too much about what you are writing.

Then on your way home, take a close look at your notebook. Choose the words that stand out most to you.

From there you will be well positioned to build your poem…

This Lyon poetry guide enables you to channel your inner French poet. We’ve even prepared an itinerary to add to your experience.

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What are your thoughts on this Lyon poetry guide? Do you have any suggestions for poetic walks in France? Please share your thoughts and/or poems with us; we’d love to hear from you!


Image credits:
1. Lyon via Wikipedia
2. ‘Double rainbow over the Saone’ by Amy Kirsling
3. ‘Turbulent Saône’ by Amy Kirsling
4. ‘Toward the benches’ by Amy Kirsling
5. ‘Itinerary – Poetry walk’ by Amy Kirsling
 
This is a guest post by member, Amy Kirsling.

About the Contributor

Judy MacMahon

Experience FRANCE beyond the CLICHÉ with MyFrenchLife.org MyFrenchLife is for Curious Savvy Francophiles wherever you are. Meet Francophiles in France, online, and/or wherever you live. You’re very welcome to join us - Judy MacMahon - MyFrenchLife.org

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