Our Story — L'Auberge des Canuts
An authentic bouchon lyonnais built on passion and tradition
The Story of L'Auberge des Canuts
A bouchon lyonnais in the heart of Vieux Lyon
Born from a deep love of Lyonnaise cuisine and a genuine commitment to the city's culinary heritage, L'Auberge des Canuts opened its doors in 2017 in the heart of Vieux Lyon, facing the historic Saint-Jean Cathedral. The choice of Place Saint-Jean was no accident — this UNESCO World Heritage district is where the founder's journey in gastronomy began.
In this setting of exposed stone and timber beams, steps from the cathedral, Romain Vericel set out to carry on the tradition of the authentic bouchon lyonnais — generous, homemade cooking crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Over the years, the restaurant has become one of the must-visit addresses in Vieux Lyon, recognised with two excellence labels and loved by a loyal clientele of locals and international visitors alike.
Chef Romain
Training, experience and culinary philosophy
Romain Vericel embodies a vision of Lyonnaise cuisine deeply rooted in tradition. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he honed his craft alongside passionate, exacting chefs devoted to this rich culinary heritage.
His culinary philosophy rests on a few simple, uncompromising principles: prepare everything on-site from raw ingredients, respect the seasons, favour short supply chains, and elevate the classic bouchon recipes without betraying them. "A proper tablier de sapeur deserves respect," he says. In the dining room and in the kitchen, Romain is personally involved in every service, alongside his wife, to guarantee an authentic experience at every table.
Our Quality Commitments
Daily standards for your satisfaction
Fresh, local produce
At L'Auberge des Canuts, every ingredient is selected for its freshness, local origin and seasonality. We work directly with producers from the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, keeping supply chains short. No industrial products, no frozen goods — our promise is to bring the best of the region to your plate, exactly when nature provides it.
Made from scratch
Everything here is prepared on-site from raw ingredients. From quenelles to cervelle de canut, from tablier de sapeur to praline tart, every dish is crafted from scratch in our kitchen. This is a core requirement of our Maitre Restaurateur accreditation: 100% homemade cuisine, without compromise.
Warm welcome and service
The soul of a bouchon is conviviality. Here, every guest is welcomed like a regular — attentive service, relaxed atmosphere, a team that is always available and smiling. Whether you are with family, friends or colleagues, we make sure every moment at the table is unforgettable.
Honouring tradition
Keeping the heritage of the bouchons lyonnais alive is our raison d'etre. We follow in the footsteps of the legendary Meres Lyonnaises — the formidable women who shaped Lyon's gastronomy. Each month, we host a traditional mâchon in the spirit of the canuts: a hearty meal served early in the morning, just as the silk workers once did — museau salad, charcuterie, generous gratins — at 35 EUR per person.
Labels & Distinctions
Maitre Restaurateur & Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais
Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais Label
L'Auberge des Canuts is officially listed by the Association des Bouchons Lyonnais, which brings together establishments awarded the "Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais" label. Granted by an independent panel, this label guarantees strict criteria: traditional Lyonnaise cooking, fresh local produce, a classic setting (exposed stone, timber beams, wooden furniture), and a warm welcome. It is regularly audited and renewed. For every guest, it is a guarantee of an authentic experience — far from tourist traps — in a real bouchon lyonnais.
Maitre Restaurateur Title
L'Auberge des Canuts is proud to hold the Maitre Restaurateur title, the only distinction awarded by the French state to independent restaurateurs. Created in 2007, the title is granted by the regional Prefect following a rigorous audit by an independent certification body. It evaluates over 30 criteria: 100% homemade cuisine from fresh, raw ingredients, quality of welcome, service, tableware, hygiene and decor. The title is valid for four years and subject to regular re-auditing. For the guest, it means one simple thing: nothing here comes from a packet. Everything is cooked, with care, in our kitchen.
Want to experience our story at the table? Give a gift voucher to share our bouchon with someone special, or get in touch with any questions. For a special event, explore our group dining options.
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