Get Your Caffeine Fix at Lyon's Best Cafés and Coffee Shops

A self-proclaimed ‘urban oasis’, Anahera is a coffee shop, boutique, and ‘bar à plantes’ all rolled into one. Located in the residential 7th arrondissement, lunch here is a great way to experience the Lyon loved by its residents and taste modern Lyonnais cooking. The menu changes daily, but expect healthy Buddha bowls and vegan cakes. In this plant-filled metropolitan jungle, fine teas and coffee go hand-in-hand with creative cuisine. As well as offering an array of patisseries and cakes, Anahera is also open for brunch on Saturdays, which is worth reserving a table for.

Right in the centre of Lyon, just a short walk from Place Bellecour, the rivers and shops, Slake’s location could not be more convenient. A true Lyonnais coffee shop and café, it’s run by manager Marine Monot who is proud of the range of vegetarian and vegan options on offer, as well as the selection of Lyonnais and international coffee. The menu changes on a regular basis, but expect to see breakfast muesli bowls, wild rice salads and a selection of vegetarian tarts. Monot urges customers to “try the more daring drink choices, such as the chai latte, charcoal latte or homemade hot chocolate”.

Situated in Old Lyon – a district brimming with history, from its ancient Roman past to its role as the centre of the French Resistance during World War II – Café Vert is a great vegan-friendly option. Visit the café before making your way up to Fourvière – by foot or cable car – where you can visit Fourvière Cathedral and the ancient Roman amphitheatre. Everything on offer at Café Vert is vegan, and most of it is raw – even the cakes. Be sure to take advantage of the terrace outside in summer, when seats are put out onto the cobbled streets.

Situated just a couple of steps from Croix-Paquet metro station, Rakwé Café opened its doors in 2017 in an art gallery, with the goal of bringing people together over quality coffee and art. Home-roasted and from far-flung parts of the world, the coffee beans at Rakwé “are hard to source but offer exceptional aromatic notes and a unique cup of coffee to all our customers,” according to owner Elias Sferi. Rakwé sources its own ‘green coffee beans’ – considered healthier and more environmentally friendly – but if you want the café’s speciality, opt for Rakwé’s namesake – the brew served up in a traditional Lebanese coffee maker.

Located on the 32nd floor of the Tour Part-Dieu, Celest Coffee and Food Shop is a great choice for those looking to enjoy their coffee with panoramic views of Lyon. Already housing a separate (and renowned) cocktail bar, the coffee shop was opened to serve those more interested in enjoying a relaxed cup of coffee than a martini. The coffee’s quality is indisputable: all the baristas were trained at world-renowned coffee roastery Maison Malongo and know the relative benefits of the four types of filtration on offer.

Globetrotters Marianne and Aldo – owners of Café J’adore located on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse – told Culture Trip: “After several years in Spain, the U.S. and Mexico, we decided to put down roots in France, creating something that we’re both passionate about: a coffee shop.” Marianne is proud of their varied clientele: families, groups of friends and, due to the shop’s location in the vibrant 1st arrondissement, dynamic and international youngsters. Be sure to try the Lyon-themed breakfast, which comes with a French pastry and freshly squeezed orange juice.