Must-see nightlife in Lyon & the Rhône Valley

  • L'Antiquaire

    Lyon

    Old-time jazz, flickering candles and friendly suspenders-wearing barkeeps set the mood in this atmospheric speakeasy-style bar. The painstakingly…

  • Bar du Passage

    Lyon

    Like a vestige from another time, the low-lit Bar du Passage impresses with its mural-covered ceiling, stuffed leather armchairs and vintage jazz…

  • La Maison M

    Lyon

    A fantastic addition to Lyon's nightlife scene, La Maison M has three separate spaces: a tropical-style bar near the entrance, a dance floor to the left…

  • Torü

    Lyon

    Tapping into the latest craving in Lyon, this elegant spot has an impressive tea list, plus a photogenic wall of canisters packed with loose-leaf goodness…

  • Dam's Pub

    Lyon

    A staple of Lyon's easy-going pub scene, Dam's is a lively spot for a pint no matter the hour. It has good beers on tap (including the Belgian ale Saint…

  • Modernartcafé

    Lyon

    Changing art on the walls, weekend brunch and various photography-, music- and video-driven events make this art bar a linchpin of Croix Rousse's creative…

  • Le Vin des Vivants

    Lyon

    This relaxed stone-walled corner bar on a pretty backstreet square specialises in organic wines.

  • Sofffa

    Lyon

    A novel concept in Lyon, Sofffa charges by time (€5 the first hour, €2 each subsequent half-hour) during which your coffees and snacks are free. A…

  • Grand Café des Négociants

    Lyon

    The tree-shaded terrace and Second Empire decor of chandeliers and mirror-lined walls are the big draws at this centrally located cafe-brasserie, a…

  • Slake

    Lyon

    A buzzing and decidedly hip coffee house around the corner from place des Jacobins, Slake makes beautiful lattes (the kind with artful designs atop) as…

  • Monkey Club

    Lyon

    This trendy, friendly cocktail bar has an elegant Victorian air, with its framed sepia photographs, dark-green walls and velvety furniture, plus a small…

  • Smoking Dog

    Lyon

    This bookshelf-lined pub in St-Paul is a great place to sip a quality brew amid a friendly mix of locals and expats. Stop in Tuesday nights (at 9pm) for…

  • La Boite à Café – Café Mokxa

    Lyon

    A favourite haunt of Lyonnais caffeine fiends and students, this laid-back place on the Croix Rousse slopes roasts its own beans and serves Sunday brunch…

  • Johnny Walsh's

    Lyon

    Local connoisseurs claim this is the best pub in Lyon. It has live music four nights a week, when the crowds get thick. At the south end of Vieux Lyon.

  • Bernachon

    Lyon

    For a decadent mid-afternoon break, stop by this tearoom – run by Lyon's most renowned chocolatier – for a velvety smooth cup of hot or chilled chocolate…

  • Le Sirius

    Lyon

    Set in a péniche on the Rhône, Le Sirius draws a party crowd to its DJ-fuelled nights and concerts. Check online for its latest line-up, which leans…

  • Groom

    Lyon

    This downstairs cocktail den has a winning formula of great cocktails and friendly staff, plus an excellent line-up of bands and DJs throughout the week…

  • Soda Bar

    Lyon

    This stylish, vintage-inspired bar draws a young, hip but easy-going crowd. Choose from a delectable list of cocktails (and mocktails), or ask for the bar…

  • Harmonie des Vins

    Lyon

    Delve into the world of French wine at this charm-laden wine bar replete with old stone walls, contemporary furnishings and satisfying food. A cheese or…

  • L'Imperial

    Lyon

    One for the boys, L'Imperial is a great place to get your groove on, with one of the best dance floors in town. Disco balls, laser lights and a fun,…

  • L'Odéon

    Lyon & the Rhône Valley

    This cafe and bar on Vienne's main boulevard is a fine place to grab a coffee or a beer after exploring the old town. You can sit outside on shaded cafe…

  • Les Muses

    Lyon

    On the 7th floor of Lyon's opera house, this panoramic bar with small outdoor terrace offers sweeping views over the city, and it makes a fine spot for a…

  • Péniche La Marquise

    Lyon

    This popular barge bar hosts all-night live shows and DJ sets featuring jazz, techno, hip hop and more. On sunny days, the terrace is a fine place to be.

  • La Cave d'à Côté

    Lyon

    Hidden in a tiny alleyway, this cultured bar and wine shop feels like a rustic English gentlemen's club with leather sofas and elegant armchairs.

  • La Bistro fait sa Broc'

    Lyon

    A lime-green and candyfloss-pink façade greets you at this retro neighbourhood wine bar where no two chairs match. Occasional bands.

  • Terminal

    Lyon

    This nightclub is a pulsating den of DJs and electro dance music, themed parties, disco nights and all sorts. Check the website.

  • St-James

    Lyon

    A classic wood-panelled pub with a friendly crowd, Irish brews on tap and all the key sports matches on the big screen.

  • Café 203

    Lyon

    This trendy corner resto-bar with sidewalk tables straddling both sides of a narrow backstreet buzzes day and night.

  • Le L Bar

    Lyon

    The only lesbian bar in Lyon, this discreet address is known for its jovial atmosphere and great cocktails.

  • United Café

    Lyon

    This club is one of Lyon's favourite places to party for gay men.

  • Le XS Bar

    Lyon

    This tiny gay bar is known for its convivial atmosphere.

  • L'Antidote

    Lyon

    This long-running Irish pub draws a fine mix of expats and Lyonnais. There's live music from time to time, including the odd Irish folk band.

  • La Ruche

    Lyon

    With its old-fashioned decor, La Ruche is not the triendiest of Lyon's gay bars, but it draws a loyal local crowd as well as tourists.