Lyon : our pick of peaceful spots to eat outdoors

Fourvière 

Here is a place that we are particularly fond of: the ancient theatre! Perched on the tiered seats rising above the stage in a breathtaking, timeless decor, you have a commanding view over Lyon. You are close to the city and its history, yet disconnected from the world. In this unique place, your break can naturally extend into a session of reading in the sun or quiet contemplation… 

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Sander-van-der-Werf / Shutterstock - 1046502721

Museum

Lugdunum - Musée et Théâtres romains

17 rue Cléberg - 69005 Lyon 5ème

lugdunum.grandlyon.com/fr/

Voir la fiche

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Michel Denancé

On the hillside just below, alongside the exit of the funicular station ‘Minimes Théâtres Romains’, the André Malraux garden with its classical fountains and mouldings, its benches and shaded spots, is a refreshing place to take a quiet break, at least on days when the two neighbouring schools are closed.

On the way down to Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon), the Belvédère garden, located just above Villa Florentine on Montée du Chemin Neuf, is also a lovely spot for a break away from the bustle. Not only does it offer shade, it also boasts an uninterrupted view of Lyon. 

Vieux Lyon

In the old town, you will find an archaeological garden just behind Lyon Cathedral. This tranquil space has a view of the side of the edifice and the remains of the church of Sainte-Croix and the baptistery. Soak up the history.

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Brice Robert

Presqu'île, right in the centre of Lyon

On the peninsula between the two rivers, Place des Célestins is one of the prettiest spots to take a break in the city centre. A short walk from Bellecour, people come here to enjoy the calm on one of the many benches with a view of the theatre’s facade and the water feature. This secluded little square is lined with old buildings, restaurants with terraces, shops, and magnolias that blossom pink and white in spring. Before leaving, take a look through the periscope standing in the middle of the square. With its timber decking, this square is a fine example of past and present coming together in harmony. It is an oasis of calm in Lyon’s busy city centre, perfect for families to take a break. 

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Brice Robert

Historic site and monument

Les Célestins - Théâtre de Lyon

place des Célestins - 69002 Lyon 2ème

www.theatredescelestins.com/

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Christophe Urbain

A little bit further along the Presqu’île, towards Lyon’s 1^st district, Place de la Bourse is also a rather pleasant spot for a sandwich, opposite the splendid Palais du Commerce. Between its rows of boxwood shrubs in pots and trees in blossom, the benches are quickly taken at peak times. 

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LV

Croix-Rousse

After buying your lunchtime provisions at the market or in the district’s many food shops, several options are open to you: if it’s a panoramic vista you’re after, opt for one of the benches at Parc du Gros Caillou.

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LV

If you want to feel the laid-back vibe of the Croix-Rousse, make your way to Place des Tapis or Place Colbert, where you may get to watch a game of pétanque (a variety of boules) while you eat.

For a garden with protected natural assets, choose Jardin des Chartreux, which overlooks the river Saône below. The lawn, benches, old trees (including rare species) and magnolias come together to create a lovely setting, dotted with busts of famous local figures. 

Confluence

At Place Général Delfosse on Quai Rambaud, near the events venue L’Embarcadère, the tiered rows of the open-air theatre offer a fine vantage point over the Saône, and a charming spot for a bite outdoors. A little further south on the riverbank, you will find a slightly wilder environment at Ouagadougou garden, near the old dock. In this modern district, the garden and its pond provide tranquil surroundings where you can spot coypus, ducks and moorhens. What’s more, the garden of the Musée des Confluences is also a delightful place to take in the relaxing ambience of the Confluence.

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Gaël Fontaine

Left bank of the Rhône

You are probably familiar with Tête d’Or Park and the riverbanks already. But have you ever parked your posterior on one of the benches at Place Maréchal Lyautey, where you can peacefully chew your sandwich as you listen to the sound of metal balls clinking from a game of boule lyonnaise? It’s an experience not to be missed!

And have you ever taken a stroll along the paths of Général Charles Delestraint garden (just off Quai Augagneur), and enjoyed a salad on a bench in the shade, at a stone’s throw from the Prefecture but away from the busy banks of the Rhône? 

Between Part-Dieu and Montchat, make your way to Sisley Park, formerly the grounds of a nineteenth-century mansion. Its lawns, tall trees and paths lined with benches beckon you for a lovely, quiet lunch break in the city centre.

In Monplaisir, you will find the garden of the Institut Lumière, the place where the Lumière brothers created their marvellous inventions. This peaceful, shaded garden is a delightful place to stop. What’s more, at the neighbouring Place Ambroise Courtois, a market is held almost every day where you can pick up some provisions for your picnic. 

With our suggestions in mind, all that’s left for you to do is choose your perfect picnic spot !