Lyon

Translated into over 30 languages and dialects, Saint-Ex captivated the imaginations of millions of readers, young and old alike. Born into French nobility, the author of The Little Prince was born in Lyon at the turn of the 20th century. A precocious adventurer, he experienced his first flight at the age of twelve. This passion for aviation intertwined with his lifelong dedication to writing. In 1926, he flew the mail across Africa and South America for the Latécoère company (later Aéropostale). In 1931, he published Night Flight, his second novel, which achieved great success, as did Wind, Sand and Stars in 1939, drawn from his notable experiences reporting from Vietnam, Moscow, and Spain.During World War II, he served in the French Air Force before going into exile in the United States after the armistice of 1940. It was in New York where he conceived the universe of The Little Prince. After returning to Corsica in 1944, he embarked on a reconnaissance mission in preparation for the Allied landings in Provence. He did not return from this mission and was declared "missing in action" on September 20, 1944.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, depicted here as a young man around 1922 © PVDE / Bridgeman Images

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In 1850, religious authorities postponed the inauguration of a statue of the Virgin Mary due to bad weather. Eventually, the skies cleared—a sign from the Divine. Spontaneously, the people of Lyon placed candles and lanterns in their windows, illuminating the entire city, with the chapel of Fourvière standing out against the night sky. That night, a celebration was born—the Festival of Lights—which, a century and a half later, attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike to the streets of Lyon. Today, it is a popular event. For four days in December, creators of light installations showcase their ingenuity and creativity. Beyond the festival, Lyon continues to invest in urban lighting. With nearly 1000 new lighting installations added each year, the city is internationally recognized for its expertise in urban nocturnal landscapes. Each neighborhood boasts its own unique "light" signature, from industrial spotlights to the flickering of lanterns.

The illuminated city hall during the festival ©DR

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