Testimonial Family
Innkeeper :
Claire, before talking about your stay here, tell us a little about yourself: what made you want to spend a few days in Lyon with your family?
Claire :
We’d been wanting to discover Lyon with the kids for a long time. My husband and I had already been there, but almost fifteen years ago, when we were still students. We had fond memories of a very lively city with lots of restaurants (and we love to eat). With two children aged 8 and 11, we were looking for a destination for a long weekend that was both cultural and pleasant to walk around, and where we could also simply stroll around. Lyon ticked all the boxes.
And it has to be said that the city’s reputation in terms of gastronomy plays a big part. Children are starting to take an interest in cooking, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to show them a type of cuisine they don’t yet know.
Innkeeper :
And how did you choose our home for your stay?
Claire :
I remember the moment I came across your hotel very well. I was looking for an establishment in the city center, because with children you like to be able to go out without having to get back in the car or take public transport every five minutes. What immediately appealed to me was the impression of a hotel with a real personality.
We see a lot of hotels these days, and they all look a bit the same. At your place, the photos showed a warm, very pretty place, almost like a big town house.
And the location seemed ideal. When you’re discovering a city with children, being able to do everything on foot really changes the experience.
Innkeeper :
How did your arrival in Lyon go?
Claire :
Very simply. We arrived by train in the late morning. The kids were already excited about the weekend, and as soon as they stepped into the city center, they started looking everywhere. What struck us right away was the atmosphere: there’s something very lively, but without being oppressive like in Paris, for example.
When we arrived at the hotel, the welcome was very natural. The children were immediately seen as real travelers, not just as “guests’ children”. It may seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference.
They explained how the hotel worked, the little extras available, and above all gave us several ideas for family-friendly outings. It immediately put us in the mood.
Innkeeper :
Did the children settle in quickly?
Claire :
Very quickly, yes. They immediately spotted the little games provided. It may seem trivial, but when you’re traveling with the family, these little touches count for a lot.
On the first evening, after walking all day, the four of us got together in the bedroom to play a board game. It was a very simple moment, but I think it’s precisely this kind of memory that children retain.
It felt more like a welcoming home than a hotel.
Innkeeper :
And your first discoveries in the city?
Claire :
The very first afternoon, we set off to explore the surrounding area. The great thing about Lyon is that you quickly get the impression of traveling to several cities in a single day.
We began by strolling through the streets of the city center, simply to soak up the atmosphere. The kids loved looking at the facades, the little squares: Jacobins and Célestins, and the stores. I must say, everything here is beautiful!
They soon discovered the famous traboules. For them, it was like going on an adventure through a secret labyrinth.
Innkeeper :
Have you explored Vieux Lyon?
Claire :
Yes, and it was one of the highlights of our stay. We went there the next morning. The kids felt like they were walking into a movie set!
The cobbled streets, the colorful houses, the little bakeries… it all creates a very special atmosphere. We took the time to lose ourselves a little and stopped to taste some of Lyon’s specialties. The children were very intrigued by the names of the dishes in the famous “bouchons lyonnais”!
Innkeeper :
Have you enjoyed the banks of the Rhône or Saône rivers?
Claire :
Yes, very much so. It’s one of my favorite aspects of Lyon. The quays are really designed for walkers.
One evening, after dinner, we simply walked along the water. The children ran ahead of us along the Rhone quay, looking at the boats, observing the reflections of the lights… They had trouble understanding the notion of “peninsula”.
Innkeeper :
Have you visited any museums or done any special activities?
Claire :
Yes, we chose an activity that appealed to the children: the Musée des Confluences. It was impressive for them, both for the architecture and the exhibits.
They loved the science and animal sections. It’s typically the kind of place where you can spend several hours without seeing the time go by. On the other hand, it’s not our favorite neighborhood!
Innkeeper :
How did you experience Lyon’s gastronomy as a family?
Claire :
WE LOVED IT! We tried to vary our experiences. We tried a bouchon lyonnais to discover traditional cuisine. The kids were curious, and played along: the quenelle was a big hit, but the apron and grattons were a flop.
The next day, we opted for something simpler: a little neighborhood brasserie on the terrace. We also ate Italian at Casa Nobile, and easy at Petit grain. There really is something for everyone.
The prices are not as high as I expected. It’s easy to find small, affordable places where you can eat very well!
Innkeeper :
Do you have any other memorable rides?
Claire :
Yes, the climb up to Fourvière will remain a great memory. We chose to take the funicular, which was great fun for the kids.
Once at the top, the view of the city is spectacular. You immediately understand Lyon’s geography: the rivers, the hills, the different districts. This time, we were able to help them understand the “presqu’île”!
The children spent a long time observing the city, trying to spot the places we had already visited.
Innkeeper :
And your return to the hotel in the evening?
Claire :
It was a real pleasure. After a day of walking and exploring, finding a quiet, welcoming place makes all the difference.
The children had got into the habit of sitting on the sofas and ordering a drink before going back up to their rooms! Mint syrup on one side and apricot juice on the other. This was the moment to debrief the day before going up to the room for a shower or a little nap.
Innkeeper :
If you had to sum up your stay in a few words?
Claire :
I’d say it was a lively, gourmet and very family-oriented holiday.
We love Lyon
Innkeeper :
Last question: if you had to give one piece of advice to a family wishing to come to Lyon?
Claire :
Taking the time.
Don’t try to see everything. Lyon is a city to be discovered by walking, stopping and observing.
Let yourself be surprised by an alley, a square, a café. Talk to the people. Taste the local specialities.
And above all, bring the kids along: they’ll see the city in a whole new way… and maybe even reveal details you’d never have noticed before.