Lyon: gourmet weekend in the capital of gastronomy

Discovering the Croix-Rousse district

Thegastronomic escapade begins in the Croix-Rousse district, for a charming stroll to the rhythm of this village-like neighbourhood. Lose yourself in the narrow streets on the slopes of the hill and discover the traboules hidden between the buildings. This arrondissement is strongly marked by its history, linked to the canuts (silk workers), in the architecture of many of its buildings. It's also a great opportunity to take in the panoramic views over the capital of Gaul from the many bucolic areas of this bohemian district, where the Lyonnais have their own little habits.

A cuisine steeped in tradition

If Lyon is the capital of gastronomy, it's largely thanks to the Mères Lyonnaises. Simple, family-style cooking and local specialities are the ingredients that have made them famous. Originally, these women were the cooks of the great bourgeois families of Lyon. It was at the end of the 19th century that some of them set up on their own and ran the city's best restaurants.

At the restaurant Le Bouchon des Filles, the traditional cuisine of these women lives on, but with a modern twist. This is one of Lyon's best bouchons, traditional restaurants known as the perfect place to sample typical specialities. At this Croix-Rousse address, quenelles, beef tabs and andouillettes are served in a friendly, authentic and welcoming setting.

📍 Location: 20 Rue Sergent-Blandan, 69001 Lyon

⏰ Opening hours: 7pm - 10pm every day, 12pm - 1.30pm / 7pm - 10pm on Saturday and Sunday

A gentle afternoon

The gastronomic break ends with a trip to the Presqu'île. With its many historic and unmissable sites, the heart of Lyon is a must for all visitors. This is the perfect time to admire the most beautiful squares between the Rhône and Saône rivers. As with Croix-Rousse, set off on an adventure and let yourself be carried away by your desires in this sumptuous arrondissement.

Just a stone's throw from the Rue de la République, where your shopping desires can easily be fulfilled, take time out for a little snack break. Take a trip back to childhood, to the comforting cake paradise of Miss Madeleine. In an original recipe, with a chocolate shell, revisited Saint Honoré style or savoury, the madeleine has pride of place in all its forms in this cute little boutique.

📍 Location: 11 Rue des Quatre Chapeaux, 69002 Lyon

⏰ Opening hours: 09:00 - 19:00 Tuesday to Saturday

Atypical dinner at "la Georges"

Good beer and good food" is the slogan of the Brasserie Georges, and it says it all! A must when visiting the City of Lights, the leather banquettes and period chandeliers have adorned this large refectory hall since 1836. Renowned for its generous Lyonnais cuisine and beers brewed on the premises, it's an epic meal to be had... and repeated.

Following in the footsteps of Emile Zola, Rodin, Jules Verne and Léon Blum, it's your turn to sit down at this brasserie, which serves thousands of people every day. After this meal steeped in tradition, take the time to discover the Presqu'île in a new light; by night.

📍 Location: 30 Cours de Verdun Perrache, 69002 Lyon

⏰ Opening hours: Open every day from 11.30am to 11pm and until 12.15am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A morning on the other side of the Rhône

Start the second day of this culinary weekend at the Newtree Café. Breakfast formulas are less than €10, in an eco-responsible and transparent approach. Before you leave, slip an ultra-indulgent chocolate bar into your luggage!

📍 Location: 67 Rue de la Part-Dieu, 69003 Lyon

⏰ Opening hours: 08:00 - 19:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 19:00 Saturday, 10:30 - 17:00 Sunday

Once you've had your fill, it's a 15-minute walk to Brotteaux station. Formerly a railway station, it is now a sales hotel and meeting place. Built between 1904 and 1908, it was Lyon's first railway station. It is one of Lyon's most popular nightspots, with many young people gathering in the bars and clubs that have taken over the building several times a week.

In the footsteps of Paul Bocuse

If there's one chef everyone in Lyon knows, it's Paul Bocuse. In Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, a covered market packed with 1001 flavours, he is a name that resonates in the mouths of all the shopkeepers. The "belly" of Lyon is THE place to find all the local produce, in an atmosphere bubbling with expertise.

Lugdunum is the temple of charcuterie, and that's nothing new! The number of specialities is impressive: saucisson, rosette, jésus, cervelas, etc. As you pass the stalls selling quenelles, pâté croûte and seafood specialities, it's hard not to stop at every counter to sample these exceptional delicacies.

Make a stop at the shopkeeper(s) who will whet your taste buds, but save a little room... Impossible to leave Les Halles without tasting the mythical pink praline tart, at Boulangerie Jocteur.

📍 Location: 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon

The art of living à la lyonnaise

Take advantage of the afternoon to stroll through the streets of Vieux Lyon, after a 30-minute walk or by public transport. The bustle of Saint-Jean and its cathedral, the calm of the inhabitants of Saint-Georges or the theatrical past of Saint-Paul- there's something for everyone in this charming district.

For a gourmet break in the famous rue Saint-Jean, the Boulangerie du Palais works the praline in all its forms: brioches, tarts, galettes, roulés... Traditional viennoiseries are not left out in this bakery with its exciting smells.

📍 Location: 8 Rue du Palais de Justice, 69005 Lyon

⏰ Opening hours: 07:00 - 20:00 Thursday to Monday

Daniel & Denise: the pinnacle of gastronomy

Lyon's bouchons pay tribute to all the local produce, thanks to the undeniable expertise of the most experienced chefs in theculinary arts. At Daniel & Denise, chef Joseph Viola, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, sublimates the traditional pâté en croûte, calf's head, Bresse poultry and Mère Richard's Saint-Marcellin.

📍 Location: 36 Rue Tramassac, 69005 Lyon

⏰ Opening hours: 09:00 - 14:00 / 19:00 - 22:00 Tuesday to Saturday