A traditional Lyon bistro, usually family-run, serving hearty regional dishes like quenelle, andouillette and salade lyonnaise. The best ones on the Croix-Rousse slopes are known for serving locals more than tourists.
Discover Authentic Lyon: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Lyon, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the traboules, the Mur des Canuts and the Musée Cinéma et Miniature.
Top 5 Things to Do in Lyon
Marché de la Croix-Rousse
Tuesday to Sunday mornings, roughly 100 stalls stretch along the boulevard — cheese, bread, rotisserie chicken, flowers for Sunday lunch. This is where the neighbourhood actually shops, not a display for visitors.
A bouchon on the slopes
The traditional Lyon bistros on the Croix-Rousse hill serve the same dishes as the ones downtown — quenelle, tablier de sapeur, salade lyonnaise — usually for less, and usually to a room full of regulars.
Vieux Lyon and its traboules
The Renaissance quarter across the Saône hides traboules — covered passageways once used by silk workers to move goods, rain or shine. Look for unmarked doors; some are still open to walk through.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
The city\u2019s food hall, near Part-Dieu, is where to go for a proper splurge — charcuterie, cheese counters, oysters at 10am if you\u2019re that kind of traveller.
Place des Terreaux at dusk
Bartholdi's fountain, the Hôtel de Ville, and the Fresque des Lyonnais mural just around the corner. Come as the light drops and the square empties of day-trippers.
Explore Lyon's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Lyon
We've mapped local spots around Lyon, from hidden passageways to Guignol. Ready to explore?
Old Lyon & Croix-Rousse
Traboules of Lyon
Hidden passageways through Lyon's buildings, once used by silk workers and Resistance fighters. Push open a door in Vieux Lyon or the Croix-Rousse – try the Cour des Voraces – and step through.
Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse · Hidden passages · Made for exploring
Mur des Canuts
In the Croix-Rousse, the largest mural in Europe: a giant trompe-l'œil telling the story of the canuts, Lyon's silk workers. Look twice.
Croix-Rousse · Mural · Perfect for photos
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
In a UNESCO-listed Renaissance building in Vieux Lyon: film sets, costumes and props, plus an incredible collection of miniatures.
Vieux Lyon · Museum · Great for film lovers
Le Petit Musée de Guignol
Guignol, the mischievous puppet, is Lyon's mascot. This little museum in the old town shows puppets from around the world – and puts on lively Guignol shows.
Vieux Lyon · Puppet museum · Perfect for families
Jardin des Curiosités
A hillside garden with a sweeping view over the city, a tribute to Lyon's twin city Montreal. Bring a book and stay a while.
Saint-Just · Garden · Ideal for views
Jardin Rosa Mir
A secret garden of shells, stones and plants, created by mason-artist Jules Senis.
Croix-Rousse · Garden · Made for hidden corners
Old Lyon murder mystery
A two-hour evening investigation through the historic district, on the trail of a serial killer. Who's your prime suspect?
Vieux Lyon · Escape game · Great for groups
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Encyclopaedic collections from antiquity to today, in a 17th-century abbey on the Presqu'île.
Presqu'île · Art museum · Perfect for art lovers
Along the rivers
Grand Hôtel-Dieu
The Renaissance Hôtel-Dieu, once a hospital, now a complex of shops, restaurants and a five-star hotel. Wander the arcades with the free audio guide.
Presqu'île · Historic monument · Ideal for a stroll
Île Ô floating theatre
Moored in the 7th arrondissement, Europe's only floating theatre, staging family-friendly plays and drama workshops for children.
7th arrondissement · Theatre boat · Great for families
Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art
Every two years, the city turns into a vast temporary museum of international contemporary art.
Lyon · Biennale · Made for art lovers
Food & shopping
Praline tart workshop at Duclef
Make Lyon's emblematic pink praline tart alongside the Duclef pastry chefs. Then eat it, obviously.
Pastry workshop · Perfect for food lovers
Le Musée
An authentic Lyon bouchon – checked tablecloths, and classics such as tablier de sapeur.
Presqu'île · Bouchon · Made for Lyon cuisine
Violette et Berlingot
A traditional sweet shop in central Lyon. Fill a bag.
Confectionery · Ideal for gifts
Atelier Milo
A ceramics workshop and café with classes, open studio time and pottery painting.
Ceramics café · Great for a creative break
Cigoire
A concept store with a fresh weekly pick of fashion, home and food from independent designers.
Concept store · Perfect for gifts
Day trips
Lac d'Aiguebelette
Hike around Savoie's smallest lake, 100 km from Lyon, then dive into its crystal-clear water.
Savoie · Lake · Ideal for a day out
Charbonnières-les-Bains
A spa town between the Monts d'Or and Monts du Lyonnais, with walks and a casino.
West of Lyon · Town · Great for walks
Sauzaye wetland
A restored wetland in the Ozon valley, rich in wildlife.
Ozon valley · Nature reserve · Perfect for nature
Clément-Ader Aviation Museum
Aircraft and engines in Corbas, with guided tours by enthusiasts.
Corbas · Museum · Made for aviation fans
FAQ
Tuesday through Sunday mornings, along Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse. It's closed Mondays.
Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux Arts is on the Presqu'île, a short walk from the Saône — cross one of the bridges and you're in the old town.
Hidden passageways through buildings in Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse, once used by silk workers and Resistance fighters.
In the Croix-Rousse district; it is the largest trompe-l'œil mural in Europe.
See a Guignol show at Le Petit Musée de Guignol or a play aboard the Île Ô floating theatre.
Where to Sleep in Lyon
See Mercure hotels in Lyon, all within reach of these picks.