Silk-Weaving in Lyon
The Silk Romance is set in the romantic city of Lyon, in France, in a modern silk mill. Lyon grew out of the silk-weaving industry. If you’re interested in the fascinating history of silk-weaving, I wrote a post previously all about silk and Lyon here on the Trip Fiction site, and one here on my blog.
When The Silk Romance was first released, I did this interview with France Book Tours. Emma asked me:
Paris Vs. Lyon: What Do You Have To Say?
What a difficult question! First of all, I love Paris. There are so many places I love in the city – from the Montmartre district, to Notre Dame, to the Père Lachaise Cemetry, but I think my favourite place in all Paris is the Musée d’Orsay on the banks of the Seine.
It’s a beautiful art gallery in a wonderful old railway station, and holds some of my favourite artists, from van Gogh to Degas.
So why do I love Lyon more than Paris? Well, I find Paris can be quite manic at times, and the pace of life in Lyon is much slower. Here are some photos of the city. (Photos on this page are courtesy of Pixabay.)
If you’ve enjoyed my photos, you can find out more about the city here.
It’s a few years since The Silk Romance was published. Here is one of my first ever reviews, written by by Alyssa Linn Palmer, on Musings of a Writer and Unabashed Francophile
“Let me say straight off that this book was deliciously different, and yet, comfortably similar, to many other romances. And it was the differences that made this story fresh, and kept me reading past my bedtime…until I finished the book! Usually I don’t do that, but I was enjoying it so much that I absolutely had to.
What did I love? I loved that it was set in Lyon. I loved the silk factory, and that Jean-Luc was a racing driver turned businessman. And I loved that he and Sophie had a history. Stories where the couple have already parted once always seem a bit more intense to me. There’s always a harder uphill climb to the finale, old skeletons to put to rest on top of whatever the current tribulations happen to be. And Sophie and Jean-Luc have more than a few of both.
This is a great read. A good story, a believable and charming romance, and utterly delightful.”
And if that lovely review (thank you, Alyssa!) has whetted your appetite, here is the Amazon link to download my French-set romance.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed my photos of Lyon.
Do you have a favourite part of France? Or a favourite city in Europe? If you have any comments at all, or any recommendations of places to visit, please let me know. I’d love to hear them!
Helena Fairfax 
Helena, Lyons looks beautiful and harmonious – after reading your post I’d love to visit it. I’ve been to Paris a few times but must say it’s not my favourite capital city.Many thanks for your generous promotion and I’m looking forward to reading your book…off to buy it now. Best of luck with the sale and wishing you a lovely weekend. xx
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Thanks so much, Annika. I’d love to go back to Lyon again, and also Nice on the south coast. Like you, Paris isn’t my favourite city, but I do love the art galleries there. Thanks so much for downloading The Silk Romance. I do hope you joy ithe read. Have a lovely weekend!
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Venice. Visited six times, five via Corehouse (the stately home that was centrepiece of my real-life BRIDESHEAD REVISITED experience) and which itself could define a life. I have been strangely lucky to live and see so much, let it not yet be over.
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I’ve been twice to Venice, James. It’s the most wonderful place. I feel very reluctant to go back now, though, having heard how it’s sinking, and about the damage that tourists do, including the massive cruise ships that stop off there. It’s would be a great shame to destroy such a beautiful city. I just look at paintings by Canaletto now. And yes, we have been very, very lucky to have seen so much…!
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What a luck to happen upon your blog just as I was trying to find something to read as my last downloaded book is almost finished. I saw Annika’s recommendation and just went in and downloaded yours.
I enjoyed reading about Lyon, you make it sound so very tempting.
Like you I favour Musee d’Orsey in Paris and without doubt it is a beautiful town. It can get hectic though so your photos from Lyon look so tempting.
miriam
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Hello Miriam, thanks so much for downloading The Silk Romance. I do hope you enjoy it!
I do love the Musee d’Orsay. I think it’s my favourite art gallery of any I’ve been to. Lyon is a beautiful Renaissance city, with a relaxed atmosphere. I would love to go back soon. I do hope you get to visit some day!
Thanks you for dropping in, and for your lovely comment!
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Fab photos and so interesting. You certainly get about and have a blast. Thanks for sharing. This is wonderful xx
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Thanks, Jane. It’s a while since I was last in Lyon but I’d love to go back. Much easier to get to now, too, with the Eurostar. Thanks so much for dropping in, and for your lovely comment!
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Lucky you. Sounds fab and looks fab. Happy week. xx
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