Out and about My week-end à la lyonnaise

Summer on the slopes of Croix-Rousse hill

By Doriane
Published on 01/06/2023

A magnet for creative types, students and artists, the slopes of Croix-Rousse hill (known as ‘Les Pentes’) are teeming with galleries, micro-cafés, little shops and workshops. Experience them like the locals and savour the unique nightlife.

11 am
Street art around each corner

Street art sur les Pentes de la Croix-Rousse © LV

If you’re an early riser, treat yourself to a lie-in to make the most of the long summer evenings! Once you are up though, no more lazing around: slip on some light clothes, comfortable shoes and set out to explore the streets, alleys, traboules (hidden passageways between buildings) and many colourful stairways on Les Pentes, which are dotted with works of street art from the Place des Terreaux at the bottom to the plateau at the top. Take in the painted steps of Passage Mermet, meet the gaze of David Bowie on Rue Neyret, seek out the potholes that have been beautifully filled in by street artist Ememem, and keep your eyes peeled to discover all the surprises that await you on the walls of this open-air urban gallery.

1 pm
A break for street food

Sticking with the “street” theme for lunch, try a kebab that was ranked France’s best in 2021 by the French TV show ‘Très très bon’. This shop with an attractive neon blue sign serves up mouth-watering Berlin-style kebabs made with veal and filled with grilled vegetables. They are supplemented with fresh herbs and a home-made marinade. The deliciously soft bread is made by a Turkish baker. Freshness guaranteed! To save time, you can even place an order with the click & collect service.

Chëf Berliner
10, rue Terme, Lyon 1er
chefberliner.fr

3 pm
Shopping for creativity

Once you’ve eaten your fill, walk down Rue Romarin, which connects Place des Terreaux with the charming square of Croix-Paquet, and browse the accessories, decorative objects and jewellery on offer in the shops of the independent creative designers La Rumeur Blonde, Les Artpenteuses or, our personal favourite, Les Ateliers Romarin, run by five young local designers. You can find an outfit made in Lyon at the stylists Rose Carbone and Les Poupées, or step into the Carrie Bradshop thrift store to unearth some vintage gems. At Jane’s, you will find a selection of beautiful, locally made bow ties.

Rue Romarin, Lyon 1er

6:30 pm
Asian tapas

Did you find a new outfit? Now it’s time for a culinary voyage! Located on Petite Rue des Feuillants, Sabaï Sabaï serves up home-made tapas with an Asian twist. On the menu, you will find various little dishes to choose from, such as shrimps with green peppercorn seasoning, Thai-style mini burgers with ginger mayo, and ‘kinilaw’, a marinated raw fish dish from the Philippines. The service runs until 11 pm and there’s never a lull here, thanks to the jazz bars that draw music lovers to Les Pentes and keep the atmosphere lively all through the evening.

Sabaï Sabaï
4 petite rue des Feuillants, Lyon 1er

8 pm
Cool jazz

On a hot summer’s night, there’s nothing better than live jazz music in a cool basement club. La Clef de Voûte is housed in an eighteenth-century vaulted cellar and puts on a rich programme from Wednesday to Sunday night, as well as a weekly jam session. This venue showcases up-and-coming artists and welcomes established musicians, including trios, quartets, quintets, vocal and instrumental jazz. If you’re already a jazz fan, then this is a place to be discovered. If you’re new to jazz, then the acoustic concerts, proximity with the artists and timeless atmosphere of the club will make you fall in love with it… and the special atmosphere of Les Pentes!

La Clef de Voute
1, place Chardonnet, Lyon 1er

10 pm
High spirits

To keep the evening going after your concert, how about a refreshing, sophisticated cocktail in an intimate setting. Far from the standard, and often too sweet, Mojito and Sex on the Beach, these bars serve up imaginative cocktails that are bursting with flavour, created by the bartenders. Like the Monkey Club, Groom is an excellent place to savour such cocktails. Groom’s star cocktails include ‘L’été indien’ (Indian summer), made with Flor de Caña rum, coconut, Ayuuk, lemon, pineapple and coriander. And, if you feel an urge for clubbing, you’re in the right place!  

Groom 
6 rue Roger Violi, Lyon 1 
The Monkey Club 
19 place Tolozan, Lyon 1