Discover the new temple of Lyon's gastronomy

Lyon’s International City of Gastronomy opens 19 October 2019. It’s one of the 4 such sites created in France following UNESCO inscription for gastronomic meals in France.

This is Lyon was able to visit this new tourist attraction. An attraction expect to collect 300,000 visitors to the site each year. Here are our 5 reasons to go.

Discover lyonnaise cuisine and the secrets of praline pie

If you want to know what a proper “Sabodet” or “Pillow of the Beautiful Dawn” is, you simply need to go to the City of Gastronomy. The first room is dedicated to the many stars of Lyon cuisine, most namely the pope of gastronomy Paul Bocuse.

One can admire his last cooking piano, the “Mona Lisa” of the museum, according to its director Florent Bonnetain. We also discover the saga of the Lyonnaise mothers, the Michelin Guide and the great names of the restaurant business for a century. In another room, on large touch screens, one discovers the old recipes and products of Lyon.

You fully understand why Lyon is the capital of gastronomy

Take a look in the “time to eat” room to understand why Lyon holds a central place in international gastronomy. A large map shows all the products that can be found, from Bresse poultry to the Beaujolais wines.

“Lyon has a unique geographical location. There are only quality raw materials just a few kilometres away, “ says Florent Bonnetain, director of the City of Gastronomy.

Visit the oldest part of the Hotel-Dieu

Visitors are greeted at the door by a large Vincent Breed chandelier made up of 13 spoons. Since it’s an old hospital of course, the artist uses the fact that 13 out of 14 patients were lucky enough to survive, the chandelier symbolises that morbid fact.

Inside the Hotel-Dieu, The City of Gastronomy is located in the “dome of the 4 rows”, a part of the building built in 1622, renowned in its time for its very innovative design. The grand dome was previously used only for ventilation and the 4 rows separated the sick.

One can also admire its great apothecary of the 17th century, completely restored. The city shows us the past of this hospital, open until 2010 and helps us understand that care also goes through food.

Taste the dishes of great chefs

On the top floor of the City, a large open kitchen welcomes visitors. Behind the stoves, a brigade of 10 chefs prepares dishes, explains the techniques, discusses with the public.

You can taste 3 prepared dishes (12 € in addition to the entrance ticket) in the large dining room, with a glass of wine or fruit juice. Chefs from all over the world come and cook in front of the public at the City.

Educating children to taste good

On the second floor of the city there is a space entirely reserved for children. A miniature kitchen allows them to touch all the normal objects found in a kitchen and learn the art of food.

An interactive video game helps teach them about proper nutrition and how it corresponds to good health. In another room, a giant atlas of gastronomy allows young and old alike to discover recipes from around the world. The theme of Lyons International City of Gastronomy is the link between diet and health. It will also be developed through conference cycles and exhibitions.