Five coffee places in Lyon where freelancers can work
Being a freelancer, there is always this moment when working at home becomes complex. You begin to have trouble concentrating. You’re less productive.
You feel like you need to find yourself in the middle of a bunch of people. If it’s possible, in the middle of other freelancers… To do so, some rent an office or subscribe with a co-working space. Others are looking for freelancer-friendly places with a bit more flexibility.
As a journalist living in Lyon for the past three years, I have had the opportunity to spend time in many of them in the first arrondissement.
Sofffa, for a cozy atmosphere
Down “Les pentes de la Croix Rousse” and since a few months ago in Guillotière too, Sofffa is the coziest place to work you’ll ever find. Here, you don’t pay for your drinks but for the hours you spend there.
They give you an old alarm clock at the entrance to keep track of your arrival time, and you work amongst the reclaimed furniture enjoying hot or cold drinks at will and a sweet buffet to keep your strength up.
- Sofffa – 17, rue Sainte Catherine – 69001 Lyon ; 27, rue Cavenne – 69007 Lyon
Away hostel & coffee shop, trendy and friendly
It’s a hostel, but it’s not just a hostel. Within walking distance of the Place des Terreaux, Away hostel and coffee shop is a trendy place.
Away Hostel (c) Frenchie Cristogatin
In the coffee shop space, near the relaxing living spaces, Away welcomes freelancers and digital nomads. You can enjoy delicious homemade items, lunch (or dinner) and quality coffees.
- Away Hostel – 21, rue Alsace Lorraine – 69001 Lyon
Rakwe, coffee connoisseur
Real coffee lovers? Rakwe is the place for you. The owner Elias – who speaks English fluently – always tells you everything about the origin and the particularity of the coffee he serves.
Rakwe café
Ask for a latte, he will ask, “Cow’s milk or almond milk? Cocoa or cinnamon?”. No background music here, but paintings and photos on the walls (as the place is also a gallery), Rakwe is a friendly place you’ll be happy you found.
- Rakwe – 26 rue René Leynaud – 69001 Lyon
La Bicycletterie, for an unusual ride
Not far from the Place des Terreaux, here is an unusual place where you can buy or repair your bike and, at the same time, eat a delicious chocolate cake. No bike? That’s fine too! At La Bicycletterie, you can come with your laptop and work for a few hours enjoying fast Wi-Fi.
- La Bicycletterie – 16 rue Romarin – 69001 Lyon
La boîte à café by Mokxa, best things come in small packages
This is a place that cannot be missed. It is as nice as it is small. At “La boîte à café”, the coffee is roasted by Mokxa, the pastries are delicious, service is cool, and you are surrounded by people who work studiously yet are friendly. You need to experience this place as it’s like no other.
- Mokxa – 3 rue Abbé Rozier – 69001 Lyon
