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How to become a true Lyonnais?
Here are ten things you must do to pass yourself off as a local in Lyon
Not to be missed in Lyon
Last updated date : 23/02/2026
Are you a visitor to Lyon, or have recently moved here, and want to impress people with your local knowledge?
Here are ten essentials for any ‘gone’ (read on to discover the meaning) worthy of the name!
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1 - Have a picnic on the banks of the Rhône
While there is no shortage of parks and gardens in Lyon, the river banks are without doubt the most popular place for locals to get together, by the water’s edge or on the steps. All you need is one friend (or more), a jambon-beurre (ham and butter baguette sandwich), a bottle opener and, to be more local than the locals, some gratons (pork scratchings)!
2 - Drink a beer at Brasserie Georges
‘Fine food and beer since 1836’ is the slogan of Brasserie Georges, and it's a fitting one because it's also the motto of the people of Lyon! Dining in this enormous Art Deco restaurant is a timeless experience, with waiters bustling around you at a frenetic pace. It's no surprise that Lyonnais have made this their birthday venue of choice (be warned, you're likely to hear the barrel organ play ‘Happy Birthday’ several times!).
And, because we love local produce in Lyon, you can enjoy Brasserie Georges beers on site, in several bars and restaurants around the city, or directly at home (their beers are available in many shops).
Brasserie
Brasserie Georges
30 cours de Verdun Perrache - 69002 Lyon 2ème
3- See a match in Matmut Stadium
If you want to be seen as a true Lyonnais, join the crowd and support LOU! Head to the legendary Matmut Stadium for thrills and spills at the TOP 14 tournament. After the match, head to the Brasserie located within the stadium for the ultimate social occasion: the third half. A word of advice: if you don't like singing at the top of your lungs or doing paquitos, this might not be for you.
Find out more about Matmut Stadium.
4- Take a selfie on the rooftop of Le Sucre
Now you’ve had a beer at Brasserie Georges, treat yourself to a mojito at Le Sucre. While you’re there, make sure you post a selfie on the rooftop (which offers a view of Lyon like no other) to your Instagram page. If you don’t have a selfie at Le Sucre, you’re not Lyonnais either!
5- Lose yourself in the ‘traboules’
It’s Sunday and you’ve decided to visit Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon). It may be touristy, but it’s still popular with the locals. Here, you will find Lyon’s famous traboules, a maze of hidden passageways between streets (you’re a true local, so we don’t need to tell you that they can also be found in the Croix-Rousse and Presqu’Île districts!). Anyway, if you get lost while exploring them, don’t worry because all roads lead to the banks of the Saône.
A little tip: to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit Vieux-Lyon in the morning, between 9 and 10.
6- Eat an ice cream at Nardone
The weather’s hot and it’s the perfect excuse! The ice cream parlour Nardone, which has been handed down through the generations since 1899, has an impressive and amazing range of flavours (there are more than 60 to choose from!). Nardone is located near the Fresque de la Cour des Loges (and you’ll know where that is because you’re familiar with all of Lyon’s murals, of course).
7 - Make a rendezvous ‘sous la queue du cheval’ (beneath the horse’s tail)
Make sure you don’t wait under its head, or nobody will come! Don’t ask us why, but this is the place where everybody arranges to meet…
8 - Have a ‘mâchon’ (authentic local brunch) at Les Halles
The people of Lyon are famous for their love of food. Whether you’re looking for sweet or savoury, you’ll find many amazing delicacies at Les Halles. Psss, make sure you try the delicious spread at Sève…
9 - Speak the local lingo
To be a true ‘gone’ (or ‘child’ in the Lyonnais dialect), you’ll need to expand your vocab and make sure you use words like ‘vogue’ and ‘pelo’ in the right contexts!
10 - Place some ‘lumignons’ on your window sill
Learn why the 8th of December is such an important date in Lyon and make sure you don’t forget this final point, which will really qualify you as a true Lyonnais…