A Romantic Getaway in Lyon: The Complete Guide to a Romantic Weekend in Bellecour
A romantic getaway in Lyon comes down to three key elements: a charming hotel in the heart of the Presqu’île, an itinerary you can explore on foot, and a great restaurant for dinner. You’ll find all of these around Place Bellecour, just a few minutes’ walk from one another.
Every year, Valentine’s Day stirs up the same desire: to get away together. But in Lyon, there’s no need to wait until February 14. From the glow of autumn to the mild winter evenings and the first days of spring, the city is beautiful in every season—the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Here’s our guide, curated by Le Globe and Cecil, our 4-star hotel in the 2nd arrondissement.
Why choose Bellecour for a romantic weekend?
Because here, everything is within walking distance. Le Globe et Cecil, at 21 Rue Gasparin, is one minute from Place Bellecour and about 200 meters from Place des Jacobins and the Théâtre des Célestins. Old Lyon, the Saône riverbanks, and the banks of the Rhône are just a few metro stops away (lines A and D, Bellecour station) or about a 10-minute walk.
No car, no stress: you arrive, drop off your bags, and go for a stroll.
Le Globe et Cecil: a charming hotel in Lyon, with over a century of history
Here, there’s no stuffy formality. Le Globe et Cecil has been welcoming guests for over a century with a “home-away-from-home” atmosphere: a place to live as much as a hotel.
What makes it so charming for a romantic getaway:
A commitment to sustainability: the hotel has held the Clef Verte certification since 2023.
59 rooms, each decorated in a different style. Choose the atmosphere you prefer: a bathtub, a view of Lyon, a fireplace…
A secluded lounge, perfect for a tea break or a drink away from the hustle and bustle.
Le Comptoir Cecil, the hotel’s restaurant-bar, serves creative bistronomic cuisine—dine without leaving the hotel. A true neighborhood gem, well-kept secret among locals!
Breakfast in bed to enjoy the experience just like in the movies…
Our Romantic Gestures
- Champagne in the room upon arrival
- Breakfast served in your room
- Late check-out the next day
- Dinner at Comptoir Cecil (or recommendations for the best places nearby)
- Flower petals, a bouquet of flowers, a personalized note, decorations upon request
Anything is possible—just ask us…
A Romantic Weekend in Lyon: Our Itinerary Around Bellecour
SATURDAY: THE PENINSULA AND OLD LYON
- Morning: Place Bellecour and Rue Victor Hugo. Start with one of the largest squares in Europe, featuring the equestrian statue of Louis XIV and the tribute to Saint-Exupéry, a native of Lyon. Then stroll through the shops and cafés of the Presqu’île. For a first drink together, Place des Jacobins and its fountain are just a stone’s throw from the hotel.
- Early afternoon: Cross the Saône River. Take a footbridge to Vieux-Lyon, a Renaissance district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow streets, traboules, and colorful facades.
- Late afternoon: Fourvière. Take the funicular from the Vieux-Lyon station to reach Fourvière Hill. From the basilica’s forecourt, the view of the rooftops and the two rivers is one of the city’s most beautiful panoramas, especially at dusk.
- Evening: dinner. Head back down and have dinner at Comptoir Cecil, or try a Lyon bouchon for traditional cuisine. We can help you make a reservation at the front desk.
SUNDAY: A RELAXING DAY
- Buffet breakfast at the hotel (or in your room at no extra charge), with no wake-up calls or obligations.
- Morning: The Grand Hôtel-Dieu, 300 meters away, for its monumental courtyard, its dome, and the shops at the Cité internationale de la gastronomie.
- Early afternoon: a walk along the waterfront. Stroll up the Saône quays or walk along the banks of the Rhône, or hop on a boat tour (check the schedules—they vary by season).
- Cultural option: the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts on Place des Terreaux, about a 15-minute walk away, or an evening at the Théâtre des Célestins or the Lyon Opera.
When is the best time to go on a romantic getaway to Lyon?
Anytime. Winter weekends have their own charm: cozy evenings, warm, inviting restaurants, and a city all lit up. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful occasion, but it doesn’t have a monopoly on beautiful stories. Booking a weekend before the big day also means enjoying a less crowded city and more hotel availability.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Address: 21 rue Gasparin, 69002 Lyon
- Directions: Metro lines A or D, Bellecour station
- Check-in starting at 2:00 p.m., check-out by 12:00 p.m.
- Breakfast: buffet, 21€ per person
- Pets: allowed (€15)
Select your dates
Located on the Presqu’île, near Bellecour, where you can do everything on foot. Le Globe et Cecil, a romantic, charming 4-star hotel, offers 59 uniquely styled rooms.
Take a stroll through Vieux-Lyon, head up to Fourvière for the panoramic views, wander around Bellecour and the Jacobins, have dinner at a traditional bouchon or a bistronomic restaurant like Le Comptoir Cecil, and finish with a walk along the waterfront.
A two-night weekend is enough to experience the highlights without having to rush all over Lyon.
Of course. The Globe & Cecil Hotel offers a selection of gift certificates valid year-round. No excuses around February 14—”it’s just a marketing gimmick,” “prices are inflated on that date”…
Classic yet unforgettable… A hotel stay with a restaurant, a bouquet of flowers, and a glass of champagne is the very essence of a romantic evening!
Every year, Le Globe and Cecil offer a 100% custom-designed romantic package! Need more information about this year’s package? Give us a call.