Certified Bouchon Lyonnais in the Heart of Vieux Lyon
Experience an authentic, certified bouchon lyonnais in Lyon's historic old town
Find Us
8 Place Saint-Jean, in the heart of Vieux Lyon
How to Find Us
A prime location at the foot of Saint-Jean Cathedral
L'Auberge des Canuts welcomes you at 8 Place Saint-Jean, in Lyon's 5th arrondissement, right in the heart of the historic Vieux Lyon district. Our terrace faces the magnificent Saint-Jean Cathedral, offering a unique setting to enjoy traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
We are just a two-minute walk from the Vieux Lyon metro station (Line D), making us easily accessible from anywhere in Greater Lyon. The metro connects directly to Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache train stations — ideal if you are arriving by TGV high-speed train or passing through the city.
Whether you stroll along the banks of the Saone, ride the funicular down from Fourviere Hill, or take the metro, you will easily find our certified bouchon lyonnais on the most iconic square in Vieux Lyon.
Our Neighbourhood
Vieux Lyon — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vieux Lyon, on the right bank of the Saone, is one of the city's most iconic districts. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and is one of the largest Renaissance-era urban areas in Europe, alongside Venice and Florence.
Its cobbled lanes, secret traboules (covered passageways unique to Lyon), and stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture make it a place where history and gastronomy intertwine. The district is divided into three quarters: Saint-Jean in the centre, Saint-Paul to the north, and Saint-Georges to the south, each with its own distinct character.
Between Saint-Jean Cathedral and the banks of the Saone, every walk through Vieux Lyon is an invitation to discover a living, gourmet heritage. The traboules — hidden corridors that run through buildings — are an architectural curiosity unique to Lyon that you can explore before or after your meal with us.
The neighbourhood is also home to the Gadagne Museum, dedicated to Lyon's history and the art of puppetry, as well as many artisan shops and art galleries that make Vieux Lyon a must-visit destination.
Getting Here & Parking
Practical information for your visit
Public transport
- → Metro Line D: Vieux Lyon - Cathedrale Saint-Jean station (2-minute walk)
- → Funicular: from Fourviere or Saint-Just, alight at Vieux Lyon station
- → Bus: lines C3 and 31, stop Saint-Jean
By car
- → Parking Saint-Georges: the nearest car park, 5-minute walk (Quai Fulchiron)
- → Parking Cathedrale: Avenue Adolphe Max, 3-minute walk
- → Parking Celestins: on the Presqu'ile, cross via the pedestrian footbridge
Vieux Lyon is largely a pedestrian zone, which adds to its charm and tranquillity. We recommend using public transport or parking in one of the nearby underground car parks. The recently redesigned banks of the Saone also offer a pleasant walk to reach the restaurant from the city centre.
Vieux Lyon: A Historical Jewel
Lyon, world capital of gastronomy
Lyon is widely recognised as the world capital of gastronomy, and Vieux Lyon is its beating heart. For centuries, this district has gathered the finest food artisans and the most celebrated dining tables.
The bouchons lyonnais — traditional restaurants born in the 19th century — hold a place of honour here. They carry on an art of living where cooking is an act of sharing, conviviality, and regional pride.
Every meal here tells a story: the story of the legendary meres lyonnaises, the silk weavers (canuts) of Croix-Rousse, and generations of chefs who made Lyon a gastronomic beacon. Discover our story and our journey in the heart of Vieux Lyon.
What Makes a Bouchon Lyonnais Special
What makes our bouchons unique in the world
Convivial Atmosphere
Tables are shared, conversations mingle, and laughter fills the room. At a bouchon, you don't just come to eat — you come to share an authentic moment of togetherness.
Rustic Decor
Red-and-white chequered tablecloths, a zinc counter, vintage posters, and curated bric-a-brac: every bouchon tells the story of Lyon through its warm, inviting decor.
Home-Style Cooking
Every dish is prepared on-site with fresh, local ingredients. From quenelle to cervelle de canut, each recipe has been handed down through generations.
Signature Dishes
The iconic dishes of Lyonnaise cuisine
Saucisson brioche
An unmissable classic: a pork sausage wrapped in a golden, fluffy brioche, served warm with a fresh green salad.
Quenelle sauce Nantua
The pike quenelle — light and airy — draped in a rich crayfish sauce: the very symbol of Lyonnaise gastronomy.
Oeufs en meurette
Eggs poached in a red wine sauce with lardons and onions: a rustic, flavourful dish that delights every palate.
Cervelle de canut
A whipped fresh cheese seasoned with herbs, shallots, and olive oil — Lyon's signature cheese, inherited from the Croix-Rousse silk weavers.
Saucisson chaud
Served with steamed potatoes and a lentil salad (Lyon's "caviar"), the warm Lyonnais sausage is a generous, comforting dish, traditionally accompanied by a pot lyonnais of wine.
Saint-Marcellin
A small, creamy cheese from the Dauphine region, served warm or runny — the perfect companion to a fresh green salad.
Authentic, Certified Bouchons Lyonnais in Vieux Lyon
How to recognise a certified bouchon
Not every restaurant in Vieux Lyon is a genuine bouchon lyonnais. The "Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais" label is awarded by the Association for the Defence of Bouchons Lyonnais and guarantees strict criteria: traditional cooking, fresh local produce, a classic setting, and a warm welcome.
L'Auberge des Canuts is one of just a handful of certified establishments that carry on the tradition with pride and rigour. When you step through our door, you know you are entering a genuine bouchon lyonnais.
Beware of imitations: a true bouchon is earned, and you can spot the real thing by the quality of its dishes, the generosity of its welcome, and the authenticity of its atmosphere. Our chef also holds the Maitre Restaurateur title, a French state distinction for excellence.
Tips for a Great Experience
Make the most of your visit
Book ahead
Certified bouchons are in high demand. We recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and during peak tourist season.
Let us guide you
Trust the patron and the daily specials. Seasonal produce always takes centre stage on our menu.
Try the classics
Don't leave without tasting the quenelle, the cervelle de canut, or the tablier de sapeur. These are the must-try dishes of Lyon.
Take your time
A meal at a bouchon is meant to be savoured. Enjoy the atmosphere, chat with your neighbours, and live in the moment.
Savour Gourmet Lyonnaise Cuisine
L'Auberge des Canuts awaits you
At L'Auberge des Canuts, every dish is a celebration of Lyonnaise cuisine. Our ingredients are fresh, local, and seasonal. Our chef is committed to honouring traditional recipes while adding his own personal touch.
Whether you are visiting Vieux Lyon for the first time or are a long-time local, we invite you to discover — or rediscover — the flavours of a generous, warm-hearted cuisine in one of the most beautiful districts in France. Consider giving a gift voucher to introduce loved ones to our bouchon, or join us for a traditional machon lyonnais on Sunday morning. We are open every day, including Mondays, and your dog is welcome.
Press & Awards
What they say about us
Our certifications and distinctions
Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais
Label awarded by the Association for the Defence of Bouchons Lyonnais, guaranteeing respect for the Lyonnaise culinary tradition, fresh local produce, and a warm welcome.
Maitre Restaurateur
A French state title awarded by the prefecture, certifying home-made cuisine from raw, seasonal ingredients. A mark of quality and craftsmanship recognised by the French government.
In the press
Awards
Book Your Table in the Heart of Vieux Lyon
Come and experience an authentic, certified bouchon lyonnais — rated among the top 5 in Vieux Lyon.
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