Lyon has as many museums as a city three times its size, among them Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon. Housed in a renovated hôtel-Dieu, this former hospital run by the Catholic Church was designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot, also the architect of the Pantheon in Paris. The permanent exhibition, "Bonnes tables, belles tables", was put together by chef Régis Marcon of Three Star Régis et Jacques Marcon in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, 100km southwest of Lyon.

This is evident with any visit to the city’s restaurants, but pop into the new Cité de la Gastronomie to learn just why UNESCO has granted the city Intangible Heritage status. Housed in a historic Hotel-Dieu, an 800-year-old former hospital, you’ll find everything from Paul Bocuse’s original stove to a cinematic apothecary exhibit. In the tasting centre, sample menu items from a host of famed chefs both local and international.

Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon stands proudly along the Rhône, its off-white walls and spectacular dome housing what used to be a hospital until 2010. Hôtel-Dieu has since been transformed into a beautiful space with restaurants, shopping, the Intercontinental Hotel and a gorgeous rooftop bar. Le Grand Réfectoire-L’Officine is found in the old refectory of the Hôtel-Dieu sisters and has a terrace which is the perfect spot for a drink.

In the heart of Lyon there is an extraordinary complex, the House of God, also known as the Hotel-Dieu. It is a medieval hospital, famous especially for the stay here in the 16th century of the Benedictine monk Francois Rabelais, who wrote his famous work “Gargantua and Pantagruel”. Built in the Middle Ages, the hospital was originally a meeting place for pontiffs and a shelter for travelers.

The Intercontinental Hôtel-Dieu is in my opinion the best choice for visitors to Lyon in 2023. Ideally located on the banks of the Rhone River, it is perfectly situated to provide guests with great views over the river or the palatial courtyard, and a super convenient location. It's centrally located and makes a perfect base to navigate the whole city.

Sirha Lyon"), a world-renowned foodservice and hospitality event. Every 2 years, Lyon hosts Sirha, a Mecca for all foodservice and hospitality professionals. This exhibition is also the stage for the finals of the Bocuse d'Or and Pastry World Cup, two emblematic, world-renowned cooking competitions.

We stepped off the Rhône Express from the airport, bleary-eyed after a 6am flight, onto a sunlit platform. Plants and trees lined the forecourt, casting Ripley-esque shadows on the wall behind as a Gil Scott-Heron tune played over the tanoy. As train stations go, this one was pretty cool.

In the afternoon we will be free to explore on our own; maybe poke our heads into the Grand Hôtel Dieu, wander around the different courtyards, walk along the Rhône or ease into the evening with a boat cruise on the tranquil Saône river.

Sitting on the West Rhône river bank, the imposing Grand Hotel Dieu is more inviting than it seems. Inside the 250-year-old building, the tables of the Grand Réfectoire line up under the vaults in a chic and warm atmosphere.

The Hôtel-Dieu de Notre-Dame-de-la-Piété was a hospital during the Middle-Ages. The first buildings date from the 12th century. The monumental façade opening onto the Rhône, it was built by Soufflot in the 18th century.

A newly established shopping center near Bellecour Square houses upmarket brands, a smaller version of Les Halles de Part-Dieu, and the Hotel Intercontinental. Shops include Marie Sixtine, Aroma-Zone, and OBBO Design.

A: Most hotels in Lyon permit additional guests to stay or share the room, at additional charges. Guest capacity also depends on the hotel’s policy, as every hotel has a different policy.

InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel – Located in Presqu’Île, this hotel is all about amenities. They have everything from currency exchange to concierge services.

Le Grand Hôtel-Dieu est un monument historique de Lyon, ancien hôpital désormais réhabilité en lieu de vie avec boutiques, restaurants et animations pour toute la famille.