FRENCH JOURNEY - PROGRAMME 2

LYON - ILLUMINATIONS 

Back to Lyon and its commercial centre - La Part-Dieu. Since Roman times, the situation of Lyon in the heart of Europe has always been to its advantage. Otherwise, Lyon never tried to get ahead. All that has changed. Nowadays, the city tries to spread its noticeable charms by all means.

Nightlife is Lyon's true life. The whole city turns into a theatre of lights. Every building glows and sparks.

Twenty years ago, this grand lighting scheme was no more than a dream in the eyes of Alain Guilhot, lighting architect.

Alain Guilhot:  Personally, I feel light can be magical.  And I wanted to show that this lighting could both reveal and awaken,  Wake up and reveal.  And what's marvellous is that the pleasure of discovery is shared by both residents and tourists

As years went by, Guilhot became more adventurous, adding touches of spectacular colour here and there. His vision he has exported himself to other cities in the world.

Wendy:  Doesn't it cost a fortune to illuminate all this?

Alain Guilhot:  It has cost Lyon 40 million francs over ten years.
In terms of maintenance, it's only 4 francs a year per resident.
It's very little.

Financial and political battles have been fierce. But, in the end, it's always the interests of society that triumph.

Alain Guilhot:  The magic of light has also enabled us to give a feeling of pride to the residents and has given the administration a reason to look after and protect the city.  Less graffiti, less damage, less vandalism. Lighting adds glamour,  and makes people feel that life is beautiful - and the city is beautiful.

Copyright BBC 2000