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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.
Rue du Boeuf, on which the hotel stands, is the main thoroughfare through Vieux Lyon, the most touristy part of town, so once you step out into the street, you’ll often encounter crowds, though the hotel itself is peaceful.
The buildings all around are stunning; a few house museums. Many contain popular restaurants and boutiques. As well as exploring the maze of streets close by, seek out the secretive traboules, Lyonnais passageways linking different mansions.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.1 miles]
Lyon’s historic and most beautiful quarter, notably filled with fine 16th-century French Renaissance mansions. An insight into how the city thrived in the Renaissance.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.3 miles]
Our summary of the typical foods, ingredients and flavours, cooking styles, dining scene and best foodie experiences in Lyon.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Any
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.4 miles]
The city’s iconic hilltop basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is famed for its sweeping panoramas, stained glass windows and bucolic Rosary Garden.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.5 miles]
The Fourviere hillside offers panoramic city views, a huge 19th-century basilica, two exceptional Roman theatres, and illuminating insights into Lyon’s Roman past.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.1 miles]
Housed in Vieux Lyon’s grandest mansion, this small museum is actually two museums: the Museum of Lyon History, which traces the history of the city since medieval times, and the World Puppet Museum, with over 2,000 puppets collected over centuries.
Best for ages: 4+ | £5
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.2 miles]
A must for film buffs: Artist Dan Ohlmann showcases 120 miniature scenes and hundreds of film props to reveal the way special effects are made in the world’s leading film studios.
Best for ages: 4+ | £8
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.3 miles]
Henri IV married Marie de Medicis in this stunning medieval cathedral, famed for its 16th-century astronomical clock and one the world’s largest 17th-century bells, rung up to 15 times a year.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.4 miles]
Set along the River Saone, this is city’s most picturesque market and the place where both locals and chefs come to hand-pick their fresh ingredients.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Auberge-Rhone-Alpes, France
The gastronomic capital of France, if not the world, is not just a foodie hotspot. With UNESCO-protected architecture and awe-inspiring Roman ruins, its one for history lovers too..
