One evening several years ago as we strolled along a pedestrian bridge in Lyons on the eve of the Summer Solstice, my husband and I were captivated by the sight and sounds of thousands of people walking along the river, listening to the sounds of music emanating from musicians on barges below. As we mingled with the crowd, sharing a sense of joy and community, we learned that the French celebrate National Music Day at this time every year. We knew we were sharing a very special moment, one that we thought we could experience again only by retuning to Lyons on a Solstice evening.

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