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Why Canadian Soccer Star Kadeisha Is All About Lyon’s Pancakes

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Since joining Olympique Lyonnais in 2017, Kadeisha Buchanan has helped the French soccer club maintain its winning streak. In August, the team beat VfL Wolfsburg 3–1 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in San Sebastián, Spain, leading them to their fifth straight European title – that makes four for the Brampton, Ontario–raised central defender. At 17, Buchanan began playing regularly for the Canadian women’s national soccer team; two years later, she received the Young Player Award at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, having lived in Lyon for nearly four years, she says one of her favourite things about the city is the architecture of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). “Compared to Toronto, Lyon has a slower pace, but I enjoy living in the city centre because it’s lively and vibrant.”

Make sure to review government entry requirements prior to travel.

Travel Guide, France
By Ari Magnusson
Illustration by Saskia Rasink
December 23, 2020
A black and white portrait of Kadeisha Buchanan
Photo: Canada Soccer

Kadeisha’s 5 Spots in Lyon

A large greenhouse found within the grounds of Parc de la Tête d’Or in Lyon, France
Photo: Gonedelyon

  1. Parc de la Tête d’Or —

    I live within walking distance of this beautiful park (the largest in the city) and come here for picnics or to go for runs between games. There’s even a little zoo inside, full of giraffes, zebras, flamingos, monkeys and lions.

Coffee with a plate of eggs, bacon, maple syrup and pancakes served at Le Desjeuneur in Lyon, France
Photo: Le Fooding

  2. Le Desjeuneur —

    In France people eat crepes, but I grew up on pancakes, which they serve at this cozy brunch spot. I also order a side of bacon and eggs, but I have to ask for them “well done” because locals like their eggs runny.

Coffee being poured into a small glass at Café Mokxa in Lyon, France
Photo: Café Mokxa

  3. Café Mokxa —

    This modern café in the middle of the city is the reason I got into chai lattes – they make them sweet and with a hint of spice. At one point I would go every day after training.

The majestic detailing of the ceiling of La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, France
Photo: Thomas Millot

  4. La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière —

    To get to this amazing basilica on top of the Fourvière hill, you go through Vieux Lyon and then have the option of hiking or taking a funicular ride. I bring visiting friends and family here for the great view of the city.

Diners eating aboard the double-decker bus of Le WagonBar in Lyon, France
Photo: Le WagonBar

  5. Le WagonBar —

    This restaurant is on a double–decker bus that takes you on a tour of Lyon – the chefs are down below, and diners are on the upper deck. It’s quite romantic to enjoy plates of French food while driving through the illuminated city.