Lyon

Lyon is THE destination for foodies. Melting pot for top international chefs, Lyon has a lively eating and drinking scene which continues into a post-restaurant-closing hours scene when restaurant staff enjoy their own eating and drinking. As well as rich Lyonnaise cooking, this city is rich in culture, with plenty of history to uncover, art to experience, treasures to purchase and even civilised strolling to be done. The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in Lyon has something for everyone from the budget bolthole to the truly luxurious city pad with Michelin-starred cuisine.

What To Expect

Lyon's stylish centre sits between the Rhône and Saône rivers, an elegant web of boulevards built in the 19th century, on which you'll find cafes and boutiques.

Despite Lyon's reputation as a commercial and industrial powerhouse, its position between two rivers allows for plenty of opportunities for scenic strolling. The towpath along the Rhône's left bank is especially nice. If your idea of perfect French civility involves mature gentlemen playing petanque and boating lakes, then this is the promenade for you.

Unlike other cities, the oldest part of town isn't at the heart of the modern city - the cobbled alleys of the medieval Old Town is on the Saône's west bank. This is a slightly quirkier area, and if you're looking for something unusual then this area, and especially the Rue de Boeuf, is the place to come. The Old Town is also full of restaurants.

The 'newest' part of Lyon - because of redevelopment - is the Confluence. This is another good spot for restaurants and is best reached by ferry, mostly because the views of the petanque parks and the city's architectural peaks are charming.

Cuisine

While Lyon's collection of art, historical treasures and architecture are certainly impressive, this city is really famous for food. There's one stretch of riverside which just seems to be food market after food market.

The bouchons, a sort of cross between a pub and a bistro, are great places to try the amazing local stews and sausages. They vary in decor and sophistication, but bear in mind that some of them have Michelin stars… Of course you'll also find fine examples of the latest international culinary trends here. In fact many of them were probably started here.

What Not To Miss

• The really ancient part of Lyon, the Roman bit - Lyon was once the Roman capital of Gaul - is best reached using the funicular from Vieux Lyon metro station. The highlights are the Roman ruins: there are two theatres here, capable of seating 13,000 people, and the Gallo-Roman museum.
• Lyon's other great museums are the Musée des Beaux-Arts - which houses works by Renoir, Degas, Monet, Pissarro and Cezanne; The Musée Lumière - where cinema began; the Musée des Confluences - an ambitious science and technology museum; and the WWII museum.
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, Lyon's purpose-built wholesale market, is a great place to start if you're here on a culinary pilgrimage - treated like a giant pick and mix by the locals who you'll find eating at the stand up tables. Bursting with specialist stalls and local producers with hundreds of years of experience this covered market is full of goodies.

Given its year-round popularity as a tourist destination, to avoid disappointment make sure to book ahead - the best places to stay in Lyon get quickly filled up!

For foodies

• Top choice for a central location, the Hotel le Royal doesn't just have a great restaurant, it's also has a lunchtime cooking school. Classical elegance, and everything you could need.
• Cour des Loges is grander. In fact it's nothing short of spectacular. More than just beautiful, the decor here borders on the theatrical. Five stars worth of individualised decor, hand painted murals and silk tapestries and a Michelin star restaurant. Romantic and special. Without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Lyon!

For a city break

• The College Hotel is a design hotel lite, with a school theme which ends up being quite chic. The rooms are all white and have excellent views, some with private terraces as well. The communal areas, cafes and restaurants make you imagine your school was more Hogwarts than Grange Hill.
• For city sophistication, try the Globe et Cecil, a 60 room contemporary townhouse hotel right in the centre of Lyon.
• Hotel Bayard Bellecour is a smart stay in a superb location, boasting individually decorated rooms with tasteful furnishings and offering buffet breakfasts each morning to set you up for the day.
• Wonderfully located overlooking the Rhone and offering stylish contemporary rooms, Okko Lyon Pont Lafayette is a top choice. Hip and chic.

Just Outside Town

• If you don't fancy the hustle and bustle of Lyon's centre then consider staying at Maison D'Anthouard. The rooms are chic and contemporary, whilst there's also a lovely garden and a restaurant serving up seasonal dishes.
• Les Hautes Bruyeres, a ten minute drive outside the centre of town, provides rustic chic accommodation as well as a lovely outdoor pool. You can even spend the night in a gypsy caravan if you so desire! A charming stay.

On a Budget

• Lyon's Mama Shelter is what many of us imagine Google HQ might be like - plenty of technology, not a huge amount of space, but fun use of what there is. And rooms start from just £41 per night.

For Special Occasions

• Converted from a convent, the Villa Florentine now offers every luxury and comfort imaginable. There's a gourmet restaurant, a spa and outdoor pool, and all with spectacular views over Lyon.
• The 5* Pavillon De La Rotonde boasts gorgeous rooms, a state-of-the-art spa and lovely gardens. And, they've even got a two Michelin-starred restaurant to boot! Dreamy.

For An Apartment Or Holiday Home

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Lyon's nicest weather-wise in the summer, with the average daily temperature reaching 22°C in July.
• This however is peak season, so for a quieter (albeit still warm enough to head off sightseeing) alternative consider coming in May, September or October.
• Visitors can fly into Lyon Airport, 20 km southeast of the city and well served by public transport links to the centre.
• easyJet fly direct to Lyon from Luton and Gatwick, British Airways from Heathrow and Flybe from Southend.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Lyon.
• Widen the net to search through our recommendations across the border in Geneva or in Grenoble.
• Alternatively, feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Lyon