How to Pull an All-Nighter at La Fête des Lumières

1. Try to get as much sleep during the day, or at least lie in bed, thinking that the more time spent in close proximity with bed will make you less tired (thanks Leslie).

2. As pénible and annoying as it may be, stay amongst the crowds. The jostling, families who refuse to unlink their five body chain as you walk into them like a game of Red Rover, icy glares, and drunks will most certainly keep you awake.

3. Ride the ferris wheel. The fresh air (aka biting winter cold air) will keep those eyes open. Not to mention the flashing lights from Place Bellecour and the screams of people who don't want you to rock the car while at the top.

4. Stop to see the spectacular sights. The constant changing of lights on the St. Jean cathedral keep any tourist camera ready, but remember to warm up with some vin chaud.

5. Be utterly awestruck at the front of the same cathedral. A good time is also guaranteed if you look the other way, at the crowd and their gaping mouths and huge eyes. Everyone, children and adults alike are captivated by the detailed light projection.

6. Spend a good two and a half hours to three hours eating dinner. Bonus points if you have to wait to get into a restaurant, which is quite likely seeing as though "tout le monde" is in Lyon at the festival. It's wise to order the menu (an entree, a main course, and a dessert). Try to close down the restaurant if you can, because after that, you're out on the streets again.

7. Find a bar or better yet, a discotheque that's open until 5am. If not, roam the streets with the rest of the all-nighters.

8. If you're lucky, find a local that will show you the secret boulangerie that opens at 4 am everyday of the week. (Was it rue Prefecture something?) Open the door to what looks like an apartment entrance and knock on a pale blue door with no sign. No indication of baked goods. A very small, very old woman will open a small window, and you can see men with pants dusted with flour, huge ovens, and stacks upon stacks of baguettes. Order a croissant, pain au chocolat, quiche. Munch and savor the feeling that you ate something you shouldn't have.

9. When all else fails to entertain, ride the metro around when it opens and until you reach the terminus. At least you can snooze for a little while and be warm.

10. Camp out at the train station cafe until the earliest train can take you back to bed. When that train undoubtedly gets canceled (supprimé) or delayed, go back out into the city and shop to soothe your tired soul. By this point you've reached your 5th or 6th wind and can stand to peruse the shopping streets of Lyon but immediately get envious at every passerby and their shining bright eyes, knowing that they've probably slept the night. You catch a glimpse of the bags under your eyes, mussed up hair, and grouchy scowl. Head back to the train station and wait it out with a Snickers bar. This should give you enough sustenance until you make it home.