Lyon, also written Lyons in English, is the third largest city in France and centre of the second largest metropolitan area in the country. It is the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region and the Rhône département. It is known as a gastronomic and historical city with a vibrant cultural scene. It is also the birthplace of cinema.
Events
The Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) is by far the most important event of the year. It lasts four days around the 8th of December. It was initially a traditional religious celebration: on December 8th, 1852, the people of Lyon spontaneously illuminated their windows with candles to celebrate the inauguration of the golden statue of the Virgin Mary (the Virgin had been the saint patron of Lyon since she allegedly saved the city from the plague in 1643). The same ritual was then repeated every year.
In the last decade or so, the celebration turned into an international event, with light shows by professional artists from all over the world. Those range from tiny installations in remote neighbourhoods to massive sound-and-light shows, the largest one traditionally taking place on Place des Terreaux. The traditional celebration lives on, though: during the weeks preceding December 8th, the traditional candles and glasses are sold by shops all over town. This festival attracts around 4 million visitors every year; it now compares, in terms of attendance, to the Oktoberfest in Munich for example. Needless to say, accommodation for this period should be booked months in advance. You will also need good shoes (to avoid the crowd in the metro) and very warm clothes (it can be very cold at this time of year).
The Nuits de Fourvière festival From June to early August, the Roman theatres host various shows such as concerts (popular music, jazz, classical), dancing, theatre and cinema. International artists who usually fill up much larger venues are often seduced by the special atmosphere of the theatres.
Nuits sonores an increasingly popular festival dedicated to electronic music, every year in May.
The Biennals Lyon alternatively hosts a dancing (even years) and a contemporary art (odd years) biennals from September to December/January. The dancing biennal is traditionally opened by a street parade in which inhabitants of the Greater Lyon take part through neighbourhood associations. If you are in town at this moment, do not miss this colourful and funny event.
.....and so we get to the Bier, Lyon has 12 brew pubs (Nov 2025) and a couple of decent bars plus a decent bier shop, so lets start off with the brew pubs;
Platypus Brewpub, 32 cours Charlemagne
A great friendly brewpub with a good evolving selection of well balanced beers, served from 9 taps they do have a few guest ales, also a plus point is small tasting boards on the taps that give a brief idea of what to expect from your beer of choice. There is outside seating on the street. Inside is quite small and cosy with an eclectic mix of old and new, they have lots of board games and books for you to while away the time. Occasional live music. There is a cool vibe, plus nice staff. Reasonably priced (happy hour from 17:00 - 19:00) drinks, including well-made cocktails. Seats fill up fast shorty after opening! If you are visiting Lyon and want to discover local craft scene, look no further.
Drôle d'oiseau brewpub, 49 Rue de l'Abondance
What a wonderful neighborhood brew pup. A few simple but delicious dishes à la carte to enjoy in the middle of the microbrewery with a warm, friendly atmosphere that many places lack. Here people chat, delve into their beer glasses in wine tasting mode and compare drinks. But the best part of the experience are the gracious and friendly staff.
Ninkasi Ale House, 267, rue Marcel Mérieux Lyon.
An odd place. A huge complex with everything from café to night club. Metal bar, scene next to the windows to the brewery. The inside is huge in two stories, but also has outside seating and a beer garden. I’d expected the beers to mediocre and boring when I walked into the gigantic building, but boy, was I wrong? They make a lot of different styles, even beers as far out as Berliner Weisse is made, and the service is friendly and multilingual. Highly recommended! The best brewery in Lyon, some beers are quite excellent the price of a 6 beer sampler was only 7 EUR. Nice to end the evening there: dance music and dance floor.
Ninkasi Opéra, 27 Rue Arbre Sec
Beautiful little brewpub that has a beer and music theme, besides the fact that they have their own beers available, nothing special about this chain. Well equipped, well decorated the staff are courteous, but not informed of available beers/correct selection. Relatively cheap for the area.
Ninkasi Ferrandière, 22 rue Ferrandière.
Hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 01:00
Another Ninkasi location, where you get the whole line-up including the seasonal beers and the special editions of the Fruiteé - always ask what fruit it is. It is located close to a lot of good shopping in Lyon, so take a pit stop from shopping here. It is dark with a stone floor with the bar and furniture kept in dark wood. The service is swift and friendly. Prices are good as the other Ninkasi locations.
Brasserie de l'Amour, 82 Rue Magenta
A fun, laid-back brewery bar with original beers. The atmosphere really does justice to the brewery's name. The staff are super friendly and always excited to talk beer and explain their current selection (that always varies). The pizzas and other snacks they offer are all tasty. I'd highly recommend it if you wanna have a good beer in a relaxed and cosy bar.
Brasserie Georges 1836, 30, cours de Verdun Perrache Lyon
A real French Brassiere atmosphere, if you want to drink beer in a massive, ornate, Art Deco hall with white tablecloths, then this is the place for you. The beer is nothing really all that special, the brune was easily the best beer, the food is expensive but very good. Usually about 4 of there own beers on tap. Worth the visit, especially for the incredible interior. Plus, nice bathrooms!
Malting-Pot, 263 Grande Rue de la Guillotiere
A decent brewpub on the east side of town. Nice beer garden area with picnic tables to the rear. Inside is quite small with lots of recycled wood etc, plus there is a restaurant. The operation is fully modern however, and the beers are of good quality. They have 13 taps with at least 8 inhouse beers. The food is very tasty and the staff are very friendly and polite. A good place for a friends get together.
Microbrasserie de Montchat, 65 Rue Trarieux
A micro brewery that is open one day a week where you can go and taste local produce. You are able to discover three different beers. Pizzas and appetizer platters are also available to order. The service is impeccable and the staff are very friendly. A very welcoming place, perfect for meeting up over a drink.
Saint-Priest (Lyon)Boulevard A. Boulloche, C.C. La Porte des Alpes
The beers are really just above average; the place is not easy to reach,take Tram 2 to Portes des Alpes stop. Carry on walking the same way the tram was going, past the tram shed, and turn left to walk alongside the shed. When you reach the far end the brewpub is over to your left across the road. No more than ten minutes walk maximum; Seems to be part of a chain of Brewpubs across France and Canada.
Belafonte, 3 Place Saint-Paul
A small cosy bar with a large terrace located in the old town part of Lyon. The tap list is quite good with a couple of inhouse beers (possibility that they could be brewed on site) and the bottles list over 200 is very similar to the ones of Dikkenek café, some imagination goes into the beer menu but the French list is both light and expensive. Lots of less serious Belgian stuff creeps in when the better local brewers should really be supported. Prices are OK, service is good plus they have several snacks such as bread with tapenade. Otto says between 18.00 and 21.00 is happy hour. Then you can drink a pint of Craft beer for about 6 Euro's! That's cool! The nice outside terrace where you can watch interesting people go by is great on a sunny evening.
La Beer Fabrique - Atelier bière et microbrasserie, 10 Rue Saint-Polycarpe
A brewing workshop in Lyon to make your own beer. Also offering brewing workshops and a whole host of innovative concepts cantered around craft beer. Let yourself be tempted by our different formats, alone, with family, friends, or colleagues! They offer: Workshops for individuals, corporate team-building activities and recurring events cantered around craft breweries or beer and gastronomy projects. Ideally located in the heart of Lyon at 10 rue Saint-Polycarpe (1st arrondissement). A great place to taste some authentic local microbrews 👌
Brewpub Le Pika, 285 Rue Garibaldi
A great discovery. It's a Canadian-style brewpub, where the beer is brewed on site, and fresh and delicious dishes are homemade by their chef to complement the various craft beers on offer. The beer menu at this microbrewery offers a wide selection. The atmosphere is cosy and is well decorated and has high ceilings, giving a nice sense of space. The welcome from the owner is just like this bar, warm. Plus great food and reasonable prices.
Hubster is a Lyon-based brewery that produces a range of craft beers, such as the "HOP SIDE" American IPA and the "VICE HOOD" beer. The brand is popular in the Lyon area and its beers can be found in various bars and restaurants.
La Gibusse is the result of a meeting between two passionate, festive men, deeply in love with traditions. Georges, a hairdresser, a true Villefranche-sur-Saône native, and a conscript at heart. Thierry, an electrician, rugby player, from Lyon, and a great beer enthusiast. La Gibusse aims to quench the thirst of all beer lovers, of all ages and sports fans…
The Bars;
Les Berthom Lyon V, 2, place Ennemond Fousseret Lyon.
A great place to drink a beer. Several Belgian beers on offer (most of them on draught) it's definitely the best place in the city to find a good selection of beers from Belgium and other countries. There is a small outdoor café area and the inside features numerous tables set in a rustic atmosphere.. Not too crowded during week except happy hour. Friendly staff French speaking only. This is a great place to stop if you're looking for a good glass of beer or two in the city of Lyon.
BoB, 12 Rue Imbert-Colomès
BoB (Blonde ou Brune) is hands down one of the best spots to enjoy great craft beer in France's culinary Capital. The staff are very welcoming and the place attracts a friendly crowd. A very cosy place on quiet street, even though very close to downtown/old town. They carry a Czech style pilsner from local microbrewery (ask for "blonde" lager), something that you can't easily find on tap in Lyon
Carousel, cave & bar à bières craft, 3 Pl. Marcel Bertone
The vibe in here is incredible, such friendly people, all together in this gorgeous location that’s just off the square, opposite a park at the Croix-Rousse plateau. A cool place to socialize, drink craft beers, and interact with the kindest servers. An excellent and well curated beer selection. Comfortable, and varied types of, seating. Overall a great place to spend an afternoon.
Big White, 22 Rue Lainerie
A must-visit spot in Old Lyon, on Place du Change. A meeting point for a chat with friends. A place for living, celebrating, entertainment, and laughter. But it's also a chill spot to relax over a coffee, a beer, a glass of wine, or some charcuterie boards.
Hopper, 43 Cours Gambetta
A very popular bar on the corner of a busy street of Lyon. A nice atmosphere and infrastructure, with an industrial feeling. There is outside seating on the street. They have a 20+ tap selection of industrial/commercial beers (e.g. La Chouffe) and craft, including an explicit link with Meantime? Prices were a little lower than the usual in France and its open very early and on a Sunday. Otto says I wouldn't suggest it to a craft beer geek but is cool for a few good quality beers plus you never know what you might find?
House of Bears - Bar Lyon 7, 22 Quai Claude Bernard
A great pub on the right bank of Lyon. A true neighborhood bar, just as you imagine it, friendly, welcoming and unpretentious. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a clientele of regulars mixed with a few curious passersby, creating a very pleasant ambiance. The drinks menu is extensive, beers (including a draft blonde that's always €5), cocktails, wines, and spirits. And if you'd like to eat, that's also possible, as the bar offers cheese and charcuterie boards, fries, and even pizzas. The barman is very friendly and the prices quite reasonable. The bar also organizes a variety of events, stand-up comedy nights, dance afternoons, and live broadcasts of numerous sporting events, including Olympique Lyonnais and LOU Rugby matches.
Hoppy Days, 1 Rue d'Austerlitz
So if you’re into craft beer and only have time to visit one place in Lyon, make it this one! It’s not a big place, just a few tables inside, but it has a great vibe and atmosphere. Of course, the beers are fantastic. They have a few options on tap and a large selection of cans and bottles. But it’s not just about the beer or the atmosphere. The bartender was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and engaging.
Dikkenek Café, 3 rue d Austerlitz Croix-Rousse.
As a bar, this place is pretty great. The beers are mostly corporate Belgian ales, and they don’t seem to rotate very much. French beers are not really represented. There appear to be three rotating taps, but even those beers were not too exciting. The beers on tap were well priced, service is very quick and efficient. Absolutely worth a visit if you are in town.
Dr Yeast, 6 Rue de Cuire
A good beer bar in Lyon Croix-Rousse. A good beer selection, welcoming staff and welcoming interior with a nice space with a good style mixing old stones and modern tables. The place has a nice variety of taps, bottles, and cans. The atmosphere is incredible, both inside and in the surrounding area. Plus there are lots of chill people and many families around.
Orgao Beer House, 145 Rue Sébastien Gryphe
An absolute gem of a bar, specializing in craft beers on tap (12 beers), to be consumed on site or taken away in recyclable plastic bottles (growlers). Possibility of eating light tapas-based meals, lovely atmosphere. Definitely a must-visit for all beer lovers visiting Lyon.
Beer King Pub, 246 Cr Lafayett
An excellent beer and accessible prices. Conveniently located on Cours Lafayette at the start of the market street with outside seating and high chairs inside. A good joint to hang out and watch a match with plenty of beer options on the menu. 5 hrs of Happy Hours keeps the place alive even during daytime.
405 Bar à Bières, 9 Rue Constantine
An easy going sports pub with a wide selection of beers, a rock soundtrack and a menu of bistro grub, and friendly bartenders. Happy hour, €13.50 for 2 pints and a basket of fries.
MOS - Maker of Stories, 4 Rue de la Barre
A stylish operation with sofas and outdoor seating, providing light bites and self-serve beer taps. Definitely recommend coming here during happy hour - pints are starting from €5!
HOPSTORE, 27 Rue de la Martinière
A chill hangout with a large selection of craft beers, elevated pub grub and sidewalk tables. Great vibes, friendly and professional staff.
My Beers Lyon Confluence. 97 Cr Charlemagne
A beer lover's paradise. The place is super cool with an excellent craft beer selection, friendly servers, a fun atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, and the staff are really nice and helpful. #1 Tram nearby.
Les Voûtes Restaurant & Live Music, 53Bis Quai Clemenceau
A cool restaurant with a magnificent terrace and inside you can eat under the vaulted ceilings of the dining room.
Darts Club des Gones, 1 bis Rue de la Loge
A place as unexpected as incredible. It is a dart's club where you have to be a member! But once the formality is complete, the place is open to you. You will be very surprised to discover this place open all night and where you can drink really good beers, crafts for the most part. Homemade cured meats, rare beverages, crazy staff, a very rock'n'roll vibe, wow!
Rock n'Eat Live, 32 Quai Arloing
A great venue for metal shows, drinks, pizza and burgers! There are three rooms, so you can enjoy a pub atmosphere and chat in the back during a concert. Tables and games are available and the décor is pretty cool too! Amazing underground Rock atmosphere
I hope you found my guide to the brewpubs and bars in Lyon useful?
Now you just need to get yourself out there and start the beer adventure for yourself!
Go grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local pub's and brewers!
So for now À votre santé Otto
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R.I.P.
La Brasseuse, 5 Quai Jules Courmon
A fantastic workshop led by Adrien and Charlotte, two true enthusiasts. The beer recipes are amazing and the tasting break is simply brilliant. A great activity to do with friends or family.
BBC (Best Beers Concept), 30 Quai Saint-Antoine
Is a beer bar and brewery in Lyon, known for its wide selection of beers and its own brewed offerings, such as the "Papa Don't Beer" Red Ale and "Smouss Criminal" Pale Lager. The establishment is also referred to as the "BBC Café" and isa popular spot for local beer enthusiasts. Beer selection: BBC offers a variety of beers, both brewed in-house and from other breweries.
Le Palais de la Bière 1, rue Terme Lyon.
A small place and very busy, with lots of different beers on offer, including many French microbrews. . The interior is mainly kept in wood and the small front room is dominated by a long bar besides a lot of small wooden tables. They only open after 6pm, which is a drawback when on a short visit to Lyon. The service was helpful, but only in French. Worth a visit.
Les Fleurs du Malt, 56, cours Gambetta Lyon.
Not a bar but a Beer Store. A very small beer shop and the middle of the small shop is filled with crates, which leaves almost no space to move around the shop!. But it is conveniently situated right next to a Metro exit from Saxe-Gambetta station. The service is helpful if that is what you need and quite good at English. New beers arrive regularly, so return visits can be recommended, mainly French microbrews, but also a few international beers. Prices are reasonable.
Les Fleurs du Malt, 56, cours Gambetta.
An amazing little shop in Lyon. Many different styles, from local French micro beers to hard to find American micro’s. Friendly staff and great metal music on speakers. The only bad thing its the prices. most micro are very expensive.... A nice place for a European beer geek tasting groupie!
la chope de lug, 9 rue du boeuf.
Small bottle shop with an awesome selection of French craft beers. Friendly service with extremely reasonable prices. To my mind, this place is a mandatory visit for anyone who is visiting Lyon. This place has tons of beers that is not in any of the fancy bottle shops in Paris, and it certainly has beers that are under-represented in Lyon.