On our way back from St Croix-en-Jarez disaster – or a rocky outcrop – struck. I drove too close, there was a bang and we had a flat tyre.

We had to call Leo&Go who arranged a breakdown truck followed by a lift home.

I was meant to be going into work for the Turkish elections but we were significantly delayed and by the time we got back to Lyon I had to leave it to my colleagues. They did a very good job.

Cath’s sister Sally came to visit so on Sunday we went to St Croix-en-Jarez – a hilltop village that used to be a Carthusian monastery.

We had been last year but it is so picturesque we thought it would be a good place for lunch.

When we got there it was clear something was going on – the place was packed with runners. Turns out it was this. How to turn your weekend into une épopée.

We had a very nice lunch and then a walk around the village admiring the views and the cottage gardens. I also saw a lovely black redstart.

Today is Europe day and there was another protest outside work about the proposed changes to Euronews.

Once again, there was a model of the green cube crying blood red tears.

I wish they’d stop using that image – it makes me sad to think that the cube is so upset.

Today was the coronation of King Charles and I went to work to oversee the coverage Chez Euronews.

On the way in I cycled past a kid sitting on a child-seat behind their dad waving a Union Jack!

The coverage went well with live blogs in 10 languages.

Then later in the day while exploring a market in the 6eme we stumbled across King Charles himself.

How can you tell summer is coming? Well in Lyon one sure sign is the outside seating areas being assembled outside almost every restaurant or bar.

Some areas are further ahead in their preparations – the peniches au bord du Rhône are already enjoying great business.

Today is 1 May – a bank holiday in France – workers’ day. There seem to be two traditions – protesting and buying les muguets- lily of the valley.

I didn’t see any trouble but maybe I was out too early.

The other tradition is the buying of Lily of the Valley for your loved ones – either in a supermarket or at one of the street vendors who pop up for that very reason.

J’ai pris cette photo chez Euronews. Vous avez besoin de la regarder tres bien. Mais là en haut il y a une buse.