France’s third city, Lyon is where the Rhône meets the Saône. From a rustic farmhouse in the countryside around the city to a swanky pad in the centre of town, these are the best bed and breakfasts in Lyon.
Félix Dort
Bed and Breakfast
Quirky touches complete the look at Félix Dort | Courtesy of hotels.com
From a series of copper pans to old weaving machines stashed beside the beds, there are plenty of quirky touches when it comes to the decor of the five guest rooms at Félix Dort. Much of it gestures to a rustic past, the salvaged farmyard tools and vintage lanterns, for example, but there is plenty of sophistication, too, with fancy marble fireplaces and chandeliers. There’s also an airy conservatory and a garden, where you can take your morning coffee and croissant.
The enclosed courtyard at Aux Pierres Magiques, with its lush trees and shrubbery, offers a haven of calm, and the interior design is just as natural. The rooms are tastefully furnished with wicker chairs, shabby chic fabrics and ornate candlesticks; the headboards are made from stripped wooden panels or unpainted, salvaged shutters.
Le Clos du Cher en Beaujolais is a 30-minute drive from Lyon, in Saint-Germain-Nuelles, and it’s well worth the trip. This lovely old farmhouse is surrounded by vineyards and verdant fields, perfect for a picturesque stroll, and the property itself features a sun terrace, patio and indoor hot tub. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV, and homemade meals are served in the dining room.
The rustic exterior of Le Domaine de Canelle hides contemporary interiors | Courtesy of hotels.com
Occupying a 19th-century building in the heart of Beaujolais, just a short drive from Lyon, Le Domaine de Canelle’s golden, rough-cut stones and shutters are charming. Inside, at the end of a winding staircase, there are two spacious rooms and one family suite. Each room is furnished in a contemporary style and guarantees a quiet and relaxing stay. It’s a particularly good place to stay in summer, when you can make the most of the garden and its private outdoor pool.
The B&B Hotel Lyon Centre Perrache Berthelot is ideal for a stay near Lyon’s city centre, especially if you’re travelling on a smaller budget. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped; you’ll notice curious optical-illusion patterns on the walls and curtains, which add a unique touch to the simple design. The breakfast is particularly special: a smoothie bar offers treats such as cranberries and goji berries, and there’s also a range of local sweet and savoury specialties.
Rediscover the childhood pleasure of den-making and clambering into bunk beds in this highly original tree-top B&B in Chaussan, a short drive from Lyon. Ideal for nature lovers, the cottage is in a beautiful rural setting, surrounded by pines and birches. The surroundings inspire the interior decoration: shelves are made from branches and stools are handcrafted from tree stumps. It’s also a convenient starting point for many hiking trails, and close enough to Lyon and Saint-Étienne.
Le Vaubecour Presqu’île is a stylish, no-fuss B&B in a central location, with many famous sights, such as Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Place Bellecour, right on its doorstep. The modern and minimalist design is sleek and sophisticated, and there’s an artsy, cultured vibe to the interior thanks to a range of landscape paintings, curious abstract portraits of otherworldly characters and city prints. There are also two well-stocked bookcases to dig into during the evenings.
