Lyon, capital of the senses: addresses that reenchant the city
Lyon never really sleeps. Beneath its Haussmann façades and Renaissance alleyways, a new scene is being invented. From festive restaurants and neo-traditional bistros to revitalized bouchons, the city is bursting at the seams with creative, gourmet offerings. Here’s a rundown of the addresses that are revitalizing Lyon, not forgetting what you absolutely must do.
Brume: when partying becomes an art of living
Brume is the spot that gets the Presqu’île talking. At the helm: Thibault and Max, already founders of Café Court, team up here with a chef of impressive pedigree. Aubin, who trained at Bocuse, Têtedoie and Le Barthélemy in Saint-Barth, has created a lively, cutting-edge Franco-Asian menu, designed to marry seasonal produce with unexpected textures.
But Brume is more than a restaurant: it’s an immersive experience. Tailor-made cocktails imagined by Rémy (Chartreuse ambassador), 180 wine references, a private cellar for initiates, and an atmosphere that slowly builds up pressure until 1am with an electro DJ set and remixed French variety. A rare balance between culinary excellence and festive ambience.
📍 Brume – 45 rue de la Bourse, 62002 Lyon. Reservations strongly recommended.
La Mère Brazier: Lyon myth, brilliant reinvention
It’s impossible to talk about Lyon without mentioning La Mère Brazier, the restaurant founded in 1921 by Eugénie Brazier, the first triple-starred chef with two restaurants. Two-starred chef Mathieu Viannay revives this gastronomic monument with legendary dishes: poularde de Bresse with blue lobster, pike-perch bread with crayfish, sweetbreads with apples. A must-try.
📍 12 Rue Royale, 69001 Lyon
Sauf Imprévu: the bistronomic version of tradition
In the 6ᵉ arrondissement, Felix Gagnaire (son of Pierre Gagnaire) signs off with a warm, no-nonsense return-from-the-market cuisine. Special mention for the warm pâté en croûte, melting roast pork and homemade apple tart. An address awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, which puts everyone in agreement.
📍 40 Rue Pierre-Corneille, 69006 Lyon, France
Bergamot: sweetness and acidity on the plate
In Gerland, Maxime Pujol offers market cuisine with a touch of acidity. His favorite ingredient? Bergamot, which he uses with finesse in an inventive and colorful menu. The poetic decor (spun glass, soft ceramics, murals) completes the experience.
📍 123 Rue de Gerland, 69007 Lyon
Victoire and Thomas: between boards and creativity
In a former silk workshop, Victoire and Thomas strike a balance between a generous wine cellar, sharing planks and carefully prepared seasonal dishes. A place that’s both intimate and relaxed, perfect for an impromptu dinner with a good red wine.
📍 27 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 69001 Lyon
Micro Sillon: natural wine in capital letters
This is the cutting-edge address in the 1st arrondissement. Mathieu Rostaing-Tayard and Joanna Figuet orchestrate a short, wild and daring menu. Lamb tartare with seaweed caviar, “Tête Bech” terrine with yellow wine, fine aged cheeses: here, nibbling becomes gastronomy, accompanied by natural wines and craft beers. Takeaway from 2pm, service from 4pm.
📍 6 Place Fernand Rey, 69001 Lyon
Daniel and Denise Créqui: reference stopper
Just a stone’s throw from the Part-Dieu train station, MOF Joseph Viola perpetuates the tradition of the Lyonnais bouchon with exacting standards. Here, the dishes shine: pâté en croûte ris de veau/foie gras, andouillette pulled with string, homemade quenelles… A must for those who want a taste of the real Lyonnais terroir.
📍 156 Rue de Créqui, 69003 Lyon, France
What to do in Lyon The 5 must-sees
Getting lost in Old Lyon
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Vieux-Lyon is packed with secret traboules, Renaissance houses and Gothic cathedrals. Perfect for a historic and romantic stroll.
Climbing Fourvière
Take the funicular to the Fourvière Basilica for a breathtaking view of the city. At your feet: the Saône, the red rooftops, the Alps in the distance. Unforgettable.
Explore the Croix-Rousse
A former district of the “canuts”, the Croix-Rousse is now home to artists, designers and local cafés. Stroll between galleries, markets and workshops.
Immerse yourself in Les Halles Paul Bocuse
A temple to gastronomy, this covered market offers the very best of Lyon’s cuisine. Charcuterie, cheeses, wines, pastries: a paradise for epicureans.
Sailing on the Saône
Rent a boat or take a mini river cruise: Lyon can also be discovered from the water, between the Rhône and Saône rivers.
How to enjoy Lyon
- ✈️ Access: 2 hours from Paris by TGV, 1h40 from Geneva, 1h20 from Marseille.
- 🚇 Transport: 4 metro lines, 2 funiculars, self-service bicycles.
- 🗓️ Best periods: May to October, Fête des Lumières in early December.
- 📍 Tourist office: Place Bellecour (69002)
Read also: Where to eat in Marseille this summer? 5 local addresses not to be missed
