Looking for charm, originality and character?
Here is our pick of hotels in Lyon that have some fascinating stories to tell!
On Fourvière hill
On the slopes of the hill, between Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) and Fourvière basilica, lies a Renaissance gem built in the seventeenth century. A city of trade and fairs, Lyon was a magnet for Italian traders who shaped the old town’s architecture.
In the early eighteenth century, this pleasure villa became a convent for the education of young ladies and a chapel was added in 1736. The building was then used as a convalescent home in the early nineteenth century. This was followed by a period of neglect before it was reborn as a hotel in 1993. Freshly restored and redesigned, it now celebrates the spirit of the place in a luxurious, contemporary style.
A former convent of the Order of the Visitation, this building was erected on a vineyard and orchard plot in 1858. It is just a stone’s throw from Fourvière basilica. It was designed by Pierre Bossan, also the architect behind the basilica, and later housed the hospital archives of the Hospices Civils de Lyon.
The former chapel now serves as the reception of this 4-star hotel, which offers rooms with a minimalistic, monastic spirit. To fully experience this haven of calm, enjoy a meal in the restaurant located in the cloister.
In the Presqu’île district
Now dedicated to leisure and shopping, Grand Hôtel-Dieu is a history-filled building in Lyon city centre. Founded in the twelfth century as a home for pilgrims and the sick, over the years it became a local institution in the field of medicine.
It is thought that one third of people in Lyon were born in its historic maternity ward!
Closed in 2009, the former hospital’s building was reopened in 2019 following major renovation works that revealed the splendour of its architecture and history. InterContinental is lodged in the eighteenth-century facade designed by Soufflot and welcomes visitors in its bar ‘Le Dôme’, with its 32-metre-tall ceiling and fabulous interior.
Spend a night in a former bank? What could be a safer bet?
This building was built in 1880 at the instigation of a banker and served as banking premises right up until 2011.
Now a 4-star hotel, Maison Nô offers a unique panoramic view of Fourvière and the Presqu’île district from its rooftop.
The safe room is actually still there and now serves as a meeting room!
Standing across from the historic twelfth-century basilica of Ainay, this former sixteenth-century presbytery is now home to a charming 4-star establishment.
After being converted into a public school in the twentieth century, it now welcomes visitors in its stylish designer interior.
In Croix-Rousse
Built in the sixteenth century, this bastion formed part of the city’s defences and became church property in the eighteenth century. During the French Revolution, it was converted into barracks and later served as a venue for art exhibitions.
Today it is a 4-star hotel. It offers bright, modern rooms, and a charming terrace overlooking Lyon with an incredible view of the city to the east.
Around Lyon
Looking to step out of the city for a stay in the Beaujolais vineyards?
Three quarters of an hour to the north of Lyon, Beaujolais country has a wealth of accommodation options in its châteaux built with the region’s typical golden stones.
Built as early as the eleventh century, Château de Pizay**** has been through various construction periods. Visitors can explore the seventeenth-century gardens designed by Le Nôtre, Louis XIV’s gardener.
Château du Souzy and its intimate rooms are housed in an eighteenth-century building, which was built on the remains of a medieval castle.
In Isère, one hour away from Lyon, Domaine Dolomieu looks forward to welcoming you in its seventeenth-century buildings and 50-acre grounds, for a timeless stay.
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