Five Festive Days in Lyon, France

Our Local Expert Says:

Situated in a unique location, Mercure Lyon Plaza République offers reasonably priced accommodation in the heart of the city.

Description:

The Mercure Lyon Plaza République is situated in a uniquely central location within the city of Lyon. Sited on the narrowest part of the Presqu'île (peninsular), the river Rhône is a few minute walk to the west and the Saone; a few minute to the east. In addition, the hotel is five minutes' away from Place Bellecour (north) and Place Terreaux (south). From the Hotel you can also walk easily to the historic area of Lyon Vieux (Old Lyon) and Fourvière, or use the nearby underground station (Cordeliérs) to access other areas of the city. The pedestrian shopping area of Rue de la République is right on your doorstep, where - in addition to high street stores - you can also find many of Lyon's must-visit cafés, bars and restaurants.

The exterior of the hotel exhibits the characteristics of a classic 19th century edifice, which is standard of the architecture in the area. While Rue de la République is a pedestrian only area, the Mercure Lyon Plaza République is physically located on Rue Stella, which sees quite a lot of traffic during the day. The hotel has a total of 78 rooms ranging from standard to privilege. All rooms provide simple but comfortable furnishings; however, the standard... read more

Description:

Bellecour is one of the largest public squares in Europe and is a great place to start any tours around the city of Lyon. Situated on the Presqu'île - within the UNESCO World Heritage area - the square provides great views of Basilique de Fouviére, on top of the nearby Fouviére hill. If the square could speak, it would talk of a turbulent and often bloody history; revolutionary battles and public executions all took place on the Place Bellecour of latter days. Today you won't see any guillotines on the square, but Bellecour does somehow speak its history and it's not hard to imagine all that has passed over this iconic location.

Description:

Originally occupied by the Romans, Presqu'île developed into a hub of activity by the 16th Century, marked by the construction of an impressive city hall, the Saint Pierre Abbey, and the remodeling of the Hôtel-Dieu. Situated between the Rhône and Saône rivers, this length of land is now a burgeoning commercial center that seamlessly mixes modern pleasures with ancient architecture and a pervasive sense of history. Not to be missed is Rue de la République; as one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe it's a great place to take a stroll while perusing the extensive array of boutiques, cinemas, department stores, and restaurants. A World Heritage Site, this place is a must-visit on your visit to Lyon.

Description:

Since the Middle Ages, the story of l'Eglise Saint-Bonaventure has been intimately linked to the story of Lyon itself. Saint Bonaventure was buried in this church in 1274, half a century after the arrival of Franciscan monks in the region. The church has been destroyed by violence several times in its history, and rebuilt and renovated each time to become a sanctuary today: a place where believers might come on pilgrimage. The magnificent organ is played, free to the public. Guided tours are available. Check website for details and call for mass timings.

Description:

Located right next to the grand Hôtel de Ville de Lyon and the Opéra national de Lyon, Place Louis Pradel is in the center of many of the tourist attractions in Lyon. It's the perfect place to enjoy a drink, recover from shopping or museum-going, and people-watch.

Description:

The word "terreaux" describes the old moats and medieval mud ("terre") walls that protected the town up to the end of the 16th century. These were filled in to make room for a large square where the town's guillotine was erected. It is the second most important square after Place Bellecour, as it is flanked by Palais Saint Pierre and the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). In 1892, the city council bought a statue from the famous sculptor Bartholdi (of Statue of Liberty fame) which Bordeaux had commissioned then refused.

Description:

Café Leffe, with this well-known name you know what to expect when you go inside-Belgian beer and more Belgian beer. They have Leffe, Kriek and more on tap but the choice doesn't stop there, because they also have bottled beers. As the terrace goes out onto one of the most beautiful squares in Lyon, it is best to come here when the weather is nice. Those who are hungry can come in to the dining room and have mussels and chips, sauerkraut and other snacks.

Description:

In the 17th century the councillors and council offices had offices in the hôtel de la Couronne but a decision was made rapidly to construct a more suitable building. So, between 1646 and 1672, S.Maupin was responsible for building a monument that reflected the ambitions of the city of Lyon: he imagined four buildings around an entrance courtyard (opposite today's Opéra house). In this courtyard, a portico and a grand staircase lead to the "cour d'honneur". The building was barely finished in 1674 when it caught fire and further financing and extensive re-decoration were needed. All the pavilions and the belfry (containing 65 bells) resisted reasonably well until the restoration started in 1700 under the guidance of J.H.Mansart who also improved the outer decor. A magnificent hemicycle-shaped portico decorated with Gods of the sea and a Cyclops was added in the "cour d'honneur". Mansart completed his design with the ancient architecture he so admired. The decoration of the main rooms, such as "la grandeur consulaire de Lyon" painted by T.Blanchet in 1660, was a source of great pride for the city of Lyon and its councillors.

Description:

This very pretty brasserie is situated on the Place des Terreaux, which is a charming attribute for an establishment that doesn't lack charm itself. Inside, the décor is meticulous, with the presence of numerous mural frescoes representing far off countryside. Blue is dominant, due to the omnipresent azulejos. A lot of attention is also put into the cuisine and you can sample grilled meat, salmon fillet, rabbit legs or a large variety of salads. A relaxing place.

Description:

Previously a Benedictine Abbey, Musee des Beaux-Arts has housed France's second largest collection of fine arts since 1803. The museum's collections include paintings from 14th to the 20th century (including works by Manet, Monet and Matisse), 19th century sculptures, a large collection of Egyptian antiques (displayed in 9 separate rooms!), antiques from ancient Greece and Italy and artefacts from the Sumerian, Assyrian and Babylonian civilisations. The museum also houses France's second largest collection of coins and medals. With so much to see, you really need to leave a few hours free to take it all in, after which, you can enjoy a coffee and take in the sights of the grand Place des Terreaux, located on the doorstep of the museum.

Description:

If there is one opera house that bears witness to the theatrical past of its town, then it is the Opera House of Lyons. This opera house was built between 1756 and 1832 to cater to the growing popularity of opera in Lyons at the end of the 18th century. The style is neo-classical, which was typical of the time, with a peristyle on the ground floor and décor you would expect in a Greco-Roman temple with its chimera and muses. Following a competition set up by the Council of Lyons, the Opera House was renovated by the architect Jean Nouvel who retained its original structure and the four outer façades whilst giving it a modern face lift. It now accommodates a corps de ballet, an orchestra as well as many rehearsal rooms, storage areas for costumes and props. The main hall has been decorated using various black and red materials such as granite and wood and uses a soft lighting system which is particularly effective at nightfall when combi ned with the outside lights. Apart from opera performances, audiences will definitely enjoy the impressive line-up pf dance shows, cultural events and concerts they feature eevry year. Check website for details.

Description:

Located on the lovely Place des Terreaux, Opus represents a new concept of the Bar & Restaurant. Its innovative design causes the space to evolve with the passage of hours and minutes. The unique decoration combines a constantly changing play of light both inside and outside with clear and uncluttered furnishings. The result is a unique sensory experience while sampling the modern, innovative cuisine. At lunch, the dishes change each day according to the chef's inspiration. In the evening, beside the offerings from the menu and the grill, three prix fixe menus revisit French classics with flavours of Asian and World cuisine.

Our Local Expert Says:

This beautifully landscaped park should not be missed on a visit to Lyon. Mature lush greenery, cultivated flower gardens, an outdoor zoo and a romantic boating lake, all accessed via grand tree lined pedestrian walk ways that may leaving wishing you were accessorized with a parasol and 19th century perambulator.

Description:

Visitors entering the lovely Parc de la Tête d'Or may find it reminiscent of locations used in a multitude of English period dramas; in fact, the park design was inspired by traditional English gardens, but landscaped on a very grandiose scale. Covering 105 hectares, the park includes a large man-made boating lake, which covers roughly one quarter of the park area. The lake features an enigmatic island area which can be accessed using an underground tunnel (closed after 5pm), or used as a landing spot for boaters. The rest of the park includes large green spaces with mature flora, a zoo, botanic gardens and tropical greenhouses. Access to the park and all mentioned attractions (excluding boat hire) are provided free of charge. To experience the most enchanted entrance to Parc de la Tete d'Or, take a walk along the tree lined river Rhône and enter the park through the 'Enfant du Rhône' gate.

Description:

This zoological garden in the middle of the Parc de la Tête d'Or on the corner of boulevard des Belges and avenue Verguin is a real home for over 1100 animals. Next to the deer park, visitors of all ages can see wild animals from all over the world, such as elephants and giraffes and in the spring you may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of their babies. A little patience and a stroll in the park will probably reward you with a sighting of a grey heron by the lake, a squirrel on a bench or even a rather bad-tempered Florida turtle (which some people unfortunately drop in the lake!). Admission is free. Hours vary seasonally. Check website for more details.

Description:

The Musée d'Art Contemporain (Museum of Modern Art) was housed in the Palais des Beaux-Arts for 10 years, and in 1995 was transferred to the heart of the Cité Internationale. The museum has a large exhibition space spread over three floors; showcasing paintings, sculptures, films, photos or videos by some of the most famous modern artists. Certain works of art were created directly inside the building. This museum has some colossal pieces and more installations than any other European museum. Every year the museum holds a modern music event known as "Musique en Scène" as well as the all important Biennale d'Art Contemporain (Biennial of Modern Art). The venue also houses a café, a book store and a documentation center for those who are interested in research. The space can also be used to host various business events. Check website for more details.

Description:

Le Musée des Confluences is an attempt to understand the complex nature of the interaction or the 'confluence' between the human being and the society that surrounds him. This is explicitly announced by the host of numerous exhibits on display that chart the process of evolution and diversify into fields like natural history, archaeology and anthropology. Workshops are regularly arranged for children, and so are a huge number of activities. The museum also organizes various temporary exhibitions that highlight the nature of communication between man and culture, and related themes. Check website for further details.

Description:

Le Pharaon is grandiose and follows a theme, which as its name suggests, largely takes its inspiration from Ancient Egypt, from the décor to the costumes worn by the solely female staff. The fruit machines will undoubtedly attract more than one pilgrim in this pyramid of luxury and money. Ideally located in the international city next to the Hotel Hilton and the Palais des Congrés, Le Pharaon's clientele includes businessmen and women, tourists, as well as a few Lyonnais.

Description:

The Rhône is one of the largest rivers in France and is the mainstay of industry from Lyons to Marseilles with its factories, dams and power stations. It is particularly true of Lyons, ideally located between the Low Countries and Italy. The Rhône is one of Lyons' main landmarks and the banks from the Gerland district up to Parc de la Tête d'Or park have been recently redeveloped to offer cyclists, skaters and walkers an unusual way of exploring the city. If you want to discover Lyons by boat, head towards the North rather than the industrial zone of Feyzin in the South. Don't worry though, you can still sail, water ski and swim in some parts of the Rhône.

Description:

The view from the panoramic bar at the Hôtel Sofitel may not be as breathtaking as the one from the Crédit Lyonnais tower or the basilique de Fourvière, just as the tour métallique cannot compare to the Eiffel tower. But if you want a quiet drink in a well-known, comfortable bar and enjoy the view of Lyons by night, this is the place to go!

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the place to be for house and techno music 'til the wee hours!

Description:

Moored on the bank of the river Rhône, at the smartly renovated Quai Victor Augagneur, the Q-boat is in a prime location for getting noticed. Quai Victor Augagneur, which begins under the central Pont de la Guillotiére, is a hotspot for riverside activity, particularly in the spring and summer months when the place comes alive with outdoor musical performances, street art and even the odd public film viewing. The Q-boat, formerly called 'The Fish', provides a swanky terraced area during the day when the weather is good. This is a great place to sit back and watch the action of the quay while enjoying a drink or a light meal. By night, the Q-boat opens its spacious interior and turns up the volume attracting Lyon's young clubbers, who come to dance the night away to house and techno music. Entrance is free, but the bar is a bit pricey.

Description:

At Entrecôte, diners do not eye each others' dishes longingly, since there is only one menu. This concept has already been tested out in numerous towns in France. Everyone is served the same thing here - a small salad and a rib steak with its famous sauce, accompanied with chips. Everyone chooses his own cooking style and the chef does the rest. It's simple, it's friendly and it's certainly very good.

Description:

The Croix-Rousse is an area famous for its stairways, bistros and gardens hidden among the buildings, former silk workshops and its passages known as Traboules de la Croix-Rousse. On every street, you will see lots of different things typical to the Croix-Rousse area. Being a culturally rich area, you will find here old churches, monasteries, amphitheaters and many other buildings of historic and cultural interst. So as not to miss anything, take the 2 hour guided tour organized by the Office du Tourisme and discover the silk workers area and then take the famous passageways on the hills to return quickly to the Place des Terreaux.

Description:

Situated in the center of the Croix-Rousse, Café Chantecler is frequented for both its location and welcoming atmosphere. It's a quaint place to visit at anytime of the day. The lovely terrace and the reasonable prices are its strong points. But that's not all; occasional evening concerts and short films are on offer. Call for more details.

Description:

Going up the Rue de l'Abbé Rozier from the Place du Forez, you come out of the Rue René Leynaud to see the immense façade of the church of Saint Polycarpe: this sight is reminscent of certain Baroque churches in the little roads of old Rome... But we are in the Croix-Rousse and it is not what you expect to see. The façade dates from the middle of the 18th century as the architect Loyer was charged with refitting the church of the Oratorians built in the 17th century. Four immense Corinthian capital fluted columns surround the door and reach to the ground floor and its pair on the second floor. The church suffered some damage during the Revolution (cf. Sculpted décor) then was enlarged in the 19th century (cf. notably the nave and the dome).

Our Local Expert Says:

Located in the distinctive 'village' of Croix-Rousse, the 'traboules' form the arteries that create a unique pulse in this area of the World Heritage zone.

Description:

The Croix Rousse district started developing in the 18th century when the silk workshops moved here from the Vieux Lyons area. These slopes became a typical working class neighbourhood where the silkworkers known as canuts lived and worked. The density of the buildings created a maze of streets and it is easy to imagine the bustle in the streets when Lyons was the centre of silk manufacture in Europe. To help people get from one street to another, staircases and passages (traboules) were added inside buildings and inner courtyards. The idea was to create short cuts from street to street to go up and down the hill. Some of the traboules were used as hiding places for the silkworkers protesting in the 1831 revolution. As in the area of Vieux Lyon, some of the traboules are only accessible to residents who know the entrance door codes. The Croix-Rousse area and it s unique passages is absolutely charming. One of its most famous site is undoubtedly the cours des Voraces (entrance at 9, place Colbert, exit rue Imbert Colomès) which takes its name from a secret " canut " society headquartered in this building. The huge staircase is particularly impressive by day or by night with its special... read more

Description:

In the heart of the Croix Rousse quartier, this brasserie is worthy of its name (brasserie of the schools). It is frequented by Lyonnaise students, who come here for a coffee, a beer and a bite to eat. The menu includes maxi salads and other dishes that are quickly eaten (a specialty is frogs legs with parsley) and suitable for a student's budget. The atmosphere is lively and convivial, especially in summer on the large terrace.

Description:

The Galerie Vrais Rêves houses contemporary photographic exhibitions that give teh impression of dreams and of the surreal. An interesting and innovative use of light and space adds to the unusual charm of the photographs and of the creative works on display here. For more information on the artists and the current exhibits, check the website.

Description:

Following the example of the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, the Rosa Mir Garden is a place where the marvelous and the artistic mingle into one. A mason, Jules Senis Mir, built this stunning place in honor of his mother. It is something in between a private garden and a small temple consisting of naturalistic art: there are concrete sculptures with shells pressed into them, and untouched forests. The style employed in its construction shows heavy Catalonian influences, espcially modernist in nature. Admission is free. Hours vary seasonally; check website for more details.

Description:

This stone is more than just a curiosity, sitting as it does at the end of the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, just a stone's throw away from the Place Bellevue.. There are two stories.... one is a legend and the other is the scientific explanation. Legend has it that the stone is the heart of a legal bailiff which was turned to stone as a form of vengeance on the part of people who had been wronged by him. Geologists believe that the stone is a rock fragment left over from the Jurassic period which must have been left there during the last ice age. Everyone has their own explanation but whatever it is, it must certainly have been a surprise when they tunneled into the hill in 1890 to make way for the railway and found this great big stone!

Description:

The Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse a big-budget venue produces costly local and regional productions. The plays are somewhat refined, and the programme consists largely of classics (such as Scapino, by Molière) and local works. It is was formerly the home of the famous "Maison de la Danse".

Our Local Expert Says:

Evolving French cuisine amidst romantic surroundings; La Maison Villemanzy is a top restaurant pick that won't break the bank.

Description:

The Maison Villemanzy restaurant is situated on the slope of the Croix-Rousse and offers a unique view of the city. Warning: you absolutely must book to be able to enjoy such a wonderful panorama. This former bourgeois house has managed to keep all of its style. On the food side, one of the particularly popular dishes is Poultry Livers in Red Pepper Sauce or Cauliflower Crème Froide with l'oeuf du vigneron.

Our Local Expert Says:

It's a must to get lost in Lyon's web of 'traboules'. You will find an abundance of hidden gems and experience the 'arteries' that give life to the UNESCO World Heritage zone of Old Lyon.

Description:

Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is the largest Renaissance quarter in all of France, measuring 35 hectares in an area that comprises Saint Georges, Saint Jean and Saint Paul. Saint Jean includes the greatest number of tourist attractions, including the famous 'traboules' of Saint Jean. The word 'traboule' comes from the Latin meaning 'to go through', but the 'traboules' are more than just practical passageways connecting buildings together. The 'traboules' are unique architecturally in that their design was inspired by the romantic and artistic persuasions of the Renaissance period, and their romance can still be felt today while wandering - often getting lost - from one building to the next.

The 'traboules' of Saint Jean vary in length and interest. Some 'traboules' form one simple passageway from one road or square, to a parallel road on the other side of a building, while other 'traboules' have multiple passageways that connect internal courts of great Renaissance beauty. For example, the 'traboule' which connects 54 Rue Saint Jean to 27 Rue du Boeuf, passes by a number of cascading spiral staircases, through four buildings and crosses four beautifully designed and preserved ... read more

Description:

Fourvière is known to be one the busiest hub and a tourist attraction in France. Attracting a crowd of over1.5 million people each year, this place has plenty to do and see. The Basilica of Fourvière is a magnificent site that states the architectural development of the 19th century. Religious services are carried out daily at the venue. The exploration doesn't end here. Regularly there are guided tours that take one through the history of the making of the Fourvière and also a visit to the Museum of Religious Art.

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing what mankind can do in the name of religion, and Basilique de Fourvière pays testimony to that. You can see the mighty basilica from everywhere in the centre of Lyon, but going in is where you'll find the real 'wow' effect!

Description:

Built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan, the Basilique de Fourvière, that has been nicknamed the "upside down elephant" is representative of the eclecticism of the end of the 19th century. The oriental, symbolist and neo-classic influences (twisted columns and columned porticoes) are mixed with architecture inspired by the medieval style machicolated towers, which creates a shocking fortress church. An observatory offers spectacular views, and under the basilica is a crypt, accessible from the esplanade. Guided tours are available. Check website for mass and admission details.

Description:

To better understand the history of Lyon, you have to start with this museum on the hill of Fourvière. It shows the prehistory and the proto-history of the Lyonnaise region, as well as the birth of Lyon (43BC) up until the 7th century. The museum is made of up 17 areas with 17 different themes - ceramics, glassware, tools, objects showing domestic life, belief systems relating to death, the army, religion, Roman Gaul circus games. More uniquely to Lyon, the key pieces are sarcophagus of the 3rd century, a processional chariot (700BC), which was found intact (area 1), the engraved Claudian table, which is fundamental for the understanding of the Roman state (area 4). There is also a lunar and solar calendar in the Gaelic language but using Latin characters, which allowed them to regulate religious life (area 9) and mosaics of circus games (chariot races), which are truly extraordinary (area 10). You can see that these give a good representation of what Lyonnais e life would have been like under Roman occupation. Worth seeing in the surroundings is the Gaelic-Roman site of the large theatre and the Odeon. The shop sells books, magazines, mock-ups, and copies of objets d'art. On top of... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

The Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain makes for an interesting visit any time of year, but it really comes alive in the summer when it's used as the venue for a music festival that last for 6 weeks.

Description:

An inscription that was discovered in 1958 and is now on display in the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation helped date the construction of the Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain to 19 AD, under Tiberius. This amphitheater was used for entertainment and showcasing of tragicomedies, but it was also the federal sanctuary of the Three Gauls in which each tribe was represented, thus ensuring loyalty of the Gallic people to the Emperor. The highest social standing a Gaul could reach was to become a federal priest of Rome and Augustus. The amphitheater is nestled atop a hill and measures 128 x 104m. Coins displayed in the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation reproduce the holiness of the altar of Rome and Augustus which is overlooked by two statues of the Victory perched on columns. Call the museum for more details.

Description:

The original church of Saint Just, which wasn't found in its present location (11, Rue des Machabées), was destroyed in 1562 at the time of the wars between the Catholics and the Protestants. Archaeological excavations in 1971 revealed the foundations of the 5th century funeral basilica, built on a Roman necropolis. The church was reconstructed in 1591 inside the fortified town - the original was outside the walls - but it wasn't until the start of the 18th century that it had a chancel and a facade. That facade, just off the road, was designed by F. Delamonce and includes statues of Saint Just and Saint Irénée, and it is reminiscent of its neighboring early Cristian basilicas.

Description:

La Tour, a well-known bar-restaurant, takes its name from the small tower, which houses a spiral staircase in the inner courtyard of this admirable 16th century Renaissance residence. Dating from the late 16th Century, the entrance portal was inspired by Serlio, a famous architect from Bologna. The carved pediment supported by columns is rather exceptional. The inner courtyard was re-built in the 17th Century but the original layout is still recognizable with its Renaissance style shell-shaped water well in one of the corners, a recurring feature in many mansions of that period. The whole building has been preserved with charm and style (with the help of the restaurant).

Description:

"A craftsman for other creative people" reads a blurb on award-winning glass artist Vincent Breed's website. Le Cercle Verre on the Rue du Boeuf is a showroom and purchase point for the one-of-a-kind creations that a highly inventive Breed produces in his atelier, located in Lyon. The softly lighted, intimate space is a treasure chest of sculptures, lighting, furniture, and tableware that are by turns Medusan, touchingly sensual, and otherworldly. Breed can also add his distinctive touch to your custom-designed items. He will also work with you to conceive a unique keepsake, or to add original flair to restored or restyled items.

Description:

This very good restaurant has an original edge to it: the dishes and other specialties are prepared in a kitchen made entirely of glass. Being able to see what is going on is always a good sign, if not entertaining. What comes out of that kitchen is delicious; try the layered rice and veal with lobster, or a St. Jacques salad with grilled prawns. Don't hesitate to come to this modest restaurant full of gastronomic ambition, but remember to book in advance.

Description:

Situated between Rue Tronchet and Rue de Seze, the street Place du Maréchal Lyautey offers a breathtaking view of the adjoining river. The street has become popular for being the venue of the weekly market called Lyautey Book Market ( Marché aux livres Lyautey) that attracts a lot of crowd. The market offers all kinds of books and is a book lovers paradise.

Description:

This classic café is has an elegant wooden décor, coffee hued shades, beige tones and black and white photographs on the walls that accentuate the subtle charm of the place. The one original feature at le Grand Café de Genève is the brass-covered chimney. Local dishes are the order of the day at this popular haunt, and the meals are extremely appetizing: you can choose from a range of pastas, fresh and crunchy salds, exotic cheeses, perfectly done grills and roasts. The desserts are worth a look and will make you want to come back for more! The quaint terrace is open for lunch from April. Check website for more details.

Description:

Situated between Pont Lafayette and Pont Morand, the street Quai Général Sarrail is known for hosting Christmas Tree Market (Marché au sapins de Noël). Offering a beautiful view of the adjoining river, this street is crowded during Christmas, as the locals make way through the market bustling with activity. Besides this colorful event, this street is also famous for the sereval shops offering diverse products.

Description:

Situated between Rue Aime Collomb and Pont de la Guillotiere, the street Quai Victor Augagneur is popular for hosting Victor Augagneur Food Market (Marché alimentaire Victor Augagneur). Overlooking the river, this street bustles with the shoppers and the tourists during the ongoing weekly market. Easily accessible by train, bus and car, the street has become an important landmark of the city.

Description:

Place Guichard is a another hub for shopping food items, both local and international. The annual Marché Alimentaire Guichard, a food festival held here, is what makes this street different. Moreover, this place has fine bars and restaurants to cater to gourmet needs of discerning diners. Besides, just walking along this busy street, enjoying people watching is equally delightful.

Description:

Known for hosting St Louis Food Market ( Marché alimentaire Place St Louis ), the Place Saint Louis is a popular landmark. With several metro stations situated nearby, it is no wonder that this place is easily accessible by the locals and the tourists. The food market held here, offers everything from vegetables, fruits to meat and fish.

Description:

Pignol's reputation has been growing for three generations. It is an extraordinary caterer when you are searching for high-quality food as well as exceptional service. As graduates from the world's finest culinary academies, the chefs cook and bake pastries for the biggest events in France (Olympic Games, Football World Cup). If you want your guests to remember your reception or if you are planning your wedding, get Pignol's services. He'll help you compose the best and most original meals and buffets. Everything is cooked in Lyons kitchens with the best products. The selection of French pastries is amazing. It made Pignol famous since it has created over 50 recipes. For yourself, you can order a meal to go with a piece of those sweet delights. You will find cuisine is as excellent as Pignol's well-earned fame across France, and indeed all of Western Europe. Pignol's restaurants and boutiques are throughout the greater Lyons: Boutique Pignol Bellecour, Boutique Pignol Printemps Gourmand, Boutique Pignol Vendôme, Boutique Pignol Écully and Boutique Pignol Brignais.