Description
Venue: Lyon When: Daily
Lyon offers an enjoyable experience to the visiting shopper and the chance to purchase goods you'd be pushed to find elsewhere - from fine Lyonnais silks to local delicacies such as quenelles, saucissons de Lyons and chocolate coussins.
Start your shop at the Rue de la République, in the Presqu'île area, and stop off at chic department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Then head for the elegant designer boutiques lining the "Golden Triangle" formed by Rue Emile Zola, Rue Gasparin and Rue Président Herriot. Watch exquisite silk fabrics come into being before your eyes at the Atelier de Soierie, 33 rue Romarin, in the first arrondissement. Silk scarves and shawls are for sale in the boutique next door.
The antiques quarter is located on and around the rue August Comte in the second arrondissement. But you could also go further afield to La Cité des Antiquaires at 117 Stalingrad in the Lyon suburb of Villeurbanne. Open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, this is where over 150 dealers do business (9.30am-12.30pm; 2.30pm-7pm Thursday-Sunday; closed Sunday afternoon during the summer months). Art lovers should also head for Lyon's two arts and crafts markets: the Marché de l'Artisanat along Quai Fulchiron and Marché de la Création along Quai Romain Rolland.
Foodies will be spoilt for choice in this gastronomic capital. The Halles de Lyons covered market at 102 Cours Lafayette is a good introduction to Lyonnais specialities and a great place to sample the Mâchons (snacks) at market time. Follow this up with a trip to Voisin Chocolatier, 28 rue de la République in the second arrondissement. One of Lyon's most renowned chocolate makers, Voisin also has addresses in the town centre, at 132 boulevard de la Croix Rousse and 38 avenue Victor Hugo. Try out their excellent Coussin Lyonnais - a local speciality.
Still not found what you're looking for? Opt for a one-stop-shop at Part-Dieu - home to one of Europe's largest shopping malls.
Lyon Information
Lyon Tourist Office
Address: 19 Place Bellecour, Lyon
Phone: +33 (0) 4 72 77 69 69