Food & drink · Place Bellecour — Vieux Lyon traboules — Saint-Jean — certified bouchon
Eat through Lyon’s bouchons and old passageways
Follow Vieux Lyon's courtyards and traboules before sitting down at a certified bouchon for the generous, strongly flavoured cooking that defines the city.
Cross from Bellecour into the Renaissance lanes of Vieux Lyon and look for signed traboules that slip quietly through buildings and inner courtyards. These shortcuts once served residents and trades rather than tourists. Emerge near Saint-Jean, then let a reserved bouchon meal continue the history through local dishes, convivial service and an unhurried table.
Use only traboules officially open to the public, keep voices low because residents live around the courtyards and never force a closed door. Reserve a restaurant carrying the Bouchons Lyonnais label, check set-menu details and dietary options in advance, and arrive hungry: traditional dishes can be rich, offal-led and served in several courses.