14 best Airbnbs in Lyon for the perfect gastronomic getaway

Concrete walls, marble floors and flashes of modern art give this retro pad a truly unique flair. There’s a midcentury Bohemian feel to the whole place; close your eyes and you can imagine Serge Gainsbourg sitting at the upright piano with a cigarette hanging loosely from his mouth. When you’re not soaking up the luxe vintage vibes, there’s a heated swimming pool in the shady garden to paddle about in, a terrace with a huge dining table and a bright orange awning. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute drive from central Lyon. 

Rooms? Four. Sleeps up to 10 guests.
The mood? Mid Century Modern.
Location perks? In the leafy city fringes, aka all the city feels without the chaos. 
Budget range? An affordable, unique location for a big group. 

This wisteria-covered villa is the ultimate adult playpen. Want to throw a snazzy dinner party? There’s a roof terrace with gorgeous views over the city and a cast iron cooking plate so you can do just that. Rather laze by the pool or play a game of badminton? It’s all here at your fingertips in this cool, modern pile with warm earthy tones and cosy furnishings. It’s also a very rare thing: a big old house right in the centre of the city. Perfect for groups who want to do some sightseeing.  

Rooms? Six. Sleeps up to 10 guests.
The mood? Pretty summer retreat.
Location perks? Slap bang in the city, but with room for a garden and pool. 
Budget range? An affordable choice for large groups. 

A rare chance to stay in one of the bombastic Romanesque buildings lining Place Bellecour – the largest pedestrian square in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old-school Renaissance vibes continue inside this elegant apartment which is filled with sloping beamed ceilings, rustic stone walls and antique furnishings to complete the look. If you’re after a trad French time, this place is the jackpot. 

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps up to six guests.
The mood? An elegant, trad flat full of antique charm. 
Location perks? So central, you’re just a few steps from Place Bellecour’s famous King Louis XIV statue.
Budget range? Well priced for the location. 

Minimalists will appreciate the bold lines and clean aesthetic of this striking villa done up in deep charcoal grey and bright white. The shabby chic chateaux-esque exterior hides an industrial-style interior with high ceilings, beautiful arched windows, a huge lounge and a big dining room for meals with friends and family. Tucked away in the leafy neighbourhood of Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, this pretty place is on the outskirts of town; but that means plenty of peace and quiet and just a 25 minute ride into the centre. 

Rooms? Four. Sleeps up to 10 guests.
The mood? A very zen, slick and spacious suburban villa.
Location perks? Just 25 minutes from central Leon with the peace and quiet of being tucked away in the leafy outskirts. 
Budget range? Reasonably priced, especially for a large group.

Oenophiles look lively. Lucky for you, Lyon is just south of the Beaujolais wine region meaning there are some cracking vineyards (and bottles) just a 30-minute drive out of town. This country apartment is in the heart of a historic wine spot on the Champ-Renard estate – a former fortified castle that has been growing grapes since the 18th century. When you’re not getting cosy in the rustic rooms kitted out with beamed ceilings, rugged stone walls and plenty of mod cons, you can tour the estate, walk around the park gardens and have a sneak peek around the castle. Stay in September if you want a front-row seat for the harvest season.

Looking like something out of ‘Rapunzel’, this ivy-strewn turreted pile is positioned on top of a hill just 15 minutes from downtown Lyon, which means stonking panoramas aplenty. Eye up the best of the view from the pool or the shady terrace. Inside you’ll find quaint rooms full of cosy beams, beautiful tiled floors, gorgeous arched windows and enough charm to make you want to stay well past your holiday. 

Rooms? Five. Sleeps up to 10 guests.
The mood? A romantic hillside stay.
Location perks? Gorgeous views of the city and just 15 minutes from downtown Lyon. 
Budget range? On the more expensive side, but for good reason.

A large city centre apartment is a rare thing, but this spacious flat has room for eight guests while being just minutes from Part-Dieu Station – aka, the perfect base for exploring Lyon and beyond. Inside its all airy white rooms and polished parquet floors. Plus there’s a free parking space, plenty of toys for children and facilities for pets. In a nutshell: a perfect place for a family city break. 

Rooms? Five. Sleeps up to six adults and two children.
The mood? Bright, airy and very, very central.
Location perks? Slap bang in the city, with plenty of space for kids and pets.
Budget range? Reasonably affordable. A good choice for families. 

Does lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand sound like your dream holiday activity? Well, this impressive mansion, just 10 minutes from downtown Lyon, has a perfect swim spot to while away a few hours in the sun. Inviting cream sunloungers, hammocks swinging from olive trees and clay walls topped with terracotta tiles, give the garden a Mediterranean feel. While inside you’ll find plenty of charming features like the spiral stone staircase and marble fireplaces. 

Rooms? Seven. Sleeps up to 14 guests.
The mood? Laidback Mediterranean hangout made for whiling away hot summer days.
Location perks? Ten minutes from downtown Lyon, but with enough space for a stunning garden. 
Budget range? Pricier, but a good option for big groups. 

The bohemian area of La Croix-Rousse is an idyllic labyrinth of tree-lined squares in Lyon, all looked over by tall houses that were built as weavers’ workshops. The architect owner of this former hive of industry has completely redesigned the space, keeping the large vaulted ceilings and rustic wooden rafters, but adding a dash of Manhattan-style glam. The place looks like something from a film set, from the mezzanine bedroom that looks out across the minimalist living room to the gleaming dark wood floors. Plus, being in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods you’re surrounded by brilliant restaurants, cafés, shops and one of Lyon’s liveliest outdoor farmers markets. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
The mood?  A luxe loft in romantic bohemian surroundings.
Location perks? You’re well-placed to explore Lyon on foot and lap up the late-night culture on the doorstep. 
Budget range? Affordable, but chic. Ideal for a couple’s getaway. 

Another grand pile straight out of a romantic fable. You can see the impressive silhouette of this ancient castle from miles around, with its 15th-century turrets poking from the treetops surrounding it. It’s within one of these cylindrical wonders that you’ll find this dreamy apartment bursting with original features and complimentary modern furnishings. The place is surrounded by parkland ripe for exploring and hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of Lyon and Mont Blanc. Or explore the pretty village of Curis-au-Mont-d’Or before making your way into the city.

Rooms? One. Sleeps up to two guests.
The mood? A very romantic retreat in a turret. Perfect for two. 
Location perks? Ancient history, beautiful scenery and plenty of cafes and restaurants are right at your fingertips.
Budget range? Reasonably priced for two. 

You might be 10 minutes from downtown Lyon, but you wouldn’t know it in this family apartment nestled away on the historic island of L’Ile Barbe in the middle of the River Saône. The island is still home to a fifth-century abbey, the first monastery built in Lyon, and this little bolt-hole is in the thick of all this ancient history. You’ll be pleased to know the building’s been revamped with mod-cons and plush furnishings, but historic touches like airy arched windows and aged shutters are still there. 

Rooms? Two. Sleeps up to six guests.
The mood? Historic bolthole.
Location perks? In the middle of the River Saône on a private island. Sweet.  
Budget range? A unique location on the more expensive side. 

Packed with oddball charm, this kooky villa is filled with contemporary art from local artists, patterned furnishings and beautiful details like an ornate stone fireplace, shuttered floor-to-ceiling windows, and vintage chandeliers. Outside, there’s plenty of space for alfresco meals, a sunny terrace, lawn and a pool for amusement. Situated in St Cyr Mont d'Or, it’s just a 15-minute drive to downtown Lyon, but is also a chance to explore the quaint surrounding village packed with history, food markets and spots for wine and oysters. 

Rooms? Six. Sleeps up to 11 guests.
The mood? Cool, quirky and homely.
Location perks? A chance to explore the pretty greenery of St Cyr Mont d'Or, while being just 15 minutes from the sights and sounds of central Lyon.
Budget range? A more expensive stay. Ideal for larger groups. 

Not only is this impeccable apartment on the left bank of the Rhône truly chic – we defy you not to fall in love with the patterned parquet floor, wood-panelled bedrooms, modish antique furniture and beautiful wrought iron balcony so you can tuck into a breakfast croissant with a stunning view of the city. It also has a legendary Airbnb host who pulls out all the stops for their guests. From stocking the cupboards with home-made jam and helping guests with their bags to pointing out the best local spots (including a superb bakery around the corner). 

Rooms? Three. Sleeps up to six guests.
The mood? A taste of traditional Lyon elegance and hospitality. 
Location perks? A perfect base for city sightseeing.
Budget range? Affordable, especially for larger groups. 

It doesn’t get much chicer than staying in a grand château nestled in the rolling greenery of a park estate. Behind the dolls’ house-style cornflower blue shuttered windows and ornate stone exterior, you’ll find this pile filled with wood-panelled rooms, gleaming parquet, grand fireplaces and sweeping staircases. It’s a time capsule of a space packed with antiques and decorative curios. The perfect base for a trad French getaway. 

Rooms? Seven. Sleeps up to 14 guests.
The mood? A timeless, fairytale château. C’est chic. 
Location perks? Beautiful gardens, a pool and plenty of outdoor seating all in the gorgeous village of St Cyr Mont d'Or just 15 minutes from downtown Lyon.
Budget range? On the pricier side. A good choice for large groups.