While drinking in this gourmet city remains firmly rooted in the surrounding Rhône Valley’s ancient wine-growing heritage, new-gen addresses have embraced world cocktail culture in style, using Lyon’s long-envied gastronomic know-how and rich bounty of local seasonal produce to create some sensational new drinks and food pairings as only the French can. Come the warmer days of spring and summer, the city’s fervent café-life spills onto pretty pavement terraces and floating bars moored along the Rhône’s landscaped Rive Gauche (Left Bank) hum with after-dark dance parties and festivities. Clubbing remains fairly mainstream.
For more Lyon inspiration, see our guides on the best hotels , restaurants and things to do . Presqu’île Vieux Lyon Croix-Rousse Confluence Rive Gauche Perched on the sixth floor of design hotel Maison Nô , this all-day bar enjoys a 180-degree panorama from its skyline perch. On warm days (wonderfully frequent in this fairly ‘southern’ city), hit the deck for a sun-drenched view of Fourvière’s wedding-cake basilica and Eiffel Tower lookalike (west), or Lyon’s ugly-but-iconic ‘Crayon’ skyscraper in the Part-Dieu business district (east).
A White Negroni is as traditional as it gets on the highly original cocktail menu. Gourmet delicacies to share include duck heart, lobster and marinated beef. Contact: maisonno.
com Nearest Metro: Hôtel de Ville Prices: £££ Getting in: Table reservations recommended at weekends Just aroun.