7 Best places to stay in Lyon

In a former 1930s school, this fun, classroom-themed four-star hotel puts you smack bang in Old Lyon, within walking distance of Renaissance-era streets and the city’s famed traboules (covered passageways).

Nods to the building’s past ­– from monumental crayons at reception to the desk dining tables in the breakfast room – fill the place.

Many rooms offer stunning views over Old Lyon, the Presqu’ile and the hilltop Fourviere basilica, a mere quick funicular ride away.

At night, the building’s exterior comes alive with dancing illuminations, making the terrace bar a theatrical spot for a pre-bed cocktail.

This 800-year-old chateau-castle was built by a powerful lord, Guichard d’Oingt, in 1217, complete with high-wall fortifications and a moat.

Beautifully restored, mixing contemporary with historic features, it’s now a luxury hotel offering an authentic taste of wealthy French bourgeoise life; better yet, it’s located in the Beaujolais Wine Region, surrounded by world-class wine.

Note – it closes during the winter months.

This smart hotel is superbly located at the heart of the Presqu’Ile’s shopping district, close to both rivers and to the central art museums. With its typical French late 19th-century looks, including corner dome, it cuts a dash, overlooking an immense, central square, Place Bellecour. Rooms are elegantly traditional, with wallpaper and big comfortable beds. There’s a fine restaurant here, Cote Cuisine.

This chic family-run four-star feels like an upmarket mansion – mixing 19th-century features with more contemporary fabrics and furniture.

Its location, bang in the middle of Presqu’Ile, puts you in the heart of shopping HQ, with high-end boutiques all around and sweeping Place Bellecour (the vast, café-lined main square) just at the end of the road.

Food-wise you’re in for a treat, thanks to Le Comptoir Cecil, the hotel’s hip restaurant, where locally-sourced produce is turned into innovative takes on Lyonnais cuisine. At breakfast expect piles of scrumptious local fare – like pastries, cheese and Lyon’s famed charcuterie.

This splendid, unique hotel spans several historic mansions right in the heart of the Renaissance quarter of Vieux Lyon west of the Saone, but its many contemporary touches work brilliantly too.

Rooms are sumptuous, with decorations including superb silks for which Lyon was long famed. A stunning, central arcaded inner courtyard serves as setting for a fine gastronomic restaurant. They’ve also managed to squeeze in a small pool, spa, roof garden, café and two bars.

The ambience tends towards the dark, and as with quirky old buildings, contemporary facilities like the spa are slightly cramped. It is, however, a luxury oasis right in the most character-filled, tourist-visited part of the city, and thus exceedingly convenient for sightseeing.

The height of luxury, comfort and peace in Lyon, this magical hotel is set midway up the Fourvière hillside. The property served for many centuries as a convent, but has been superbly transformed.

Beyond the grandiose entrance hall are bright, spacious bedrooms with tremendous views down on Lyon. You can also look out across the rooftops of old Lyon from the outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

Villa Florentine is home to one of Lyon’s finest restaurants, which matches Michelin-starred food with a memorable setting, complete with garden terraces, conservatory and yet more city skyline views.

It’s a great place to take in the big city while feeling removed from it – perfect for those who want to sightsee but then withdraw to a relaxing retreat.

This uber-chic four-star hotel inhabits a former convent, with the lobby set dramatically in the former chapel – painstakingly renovated and dripping in colour and marble.

The theatricality continues throughout: subdued in the contemporary rooms; measurable in the bistro, with its long windows overlooking the old cloisters. There’s a typical Lyonnais bouchon too – dressed in gingham and serving hearty classics.

Location-wise it’s fabulous. It’s within walking distance of the basilica and the Lugdunum Museum with its Roman amphitheatres, and Vieux (Old) Lyon is just at the bottom on the hill too.

And after all that sightseeing (and the steep climb or ride back up), a spa and outdoor lap pool await.