Lyon is already one of France's most famous culinary hubs, boasting culinary legends like the late Eugénie Brazier and Paul Bocuse, the famous lyonnaise bouchon, Michelin stars the global final of Bocuse d'Or and now it can add La Cité de la Gastronomie (City of Gastronomy) to its string of gastronomic attractions.
Opened since 19 October the new culinary museum and food experience can be found inside the city’s iconic Grand Hotel-Dieu, a hospital founded in 1443 on the banks of the Rhône just a stone's throw from Place Bellecour.
Michelin-starred Chef Régis Marcon heads up the new venue's Committee, and describes it as "a new type of venue: as much a cultural center and museum of heritage and history, as a place where food lovers, cooking enthusiasts and professionals can meet and create; it will be a test kitchen of innovation and a place for gathering and experimentation."
Inside, spaces have been designed to appeal to a cross-section of curious minds, from professional chefs and foodies to families and kids. Permanent exhibitions are dedicated to diet and health, a Gastro’Lab and research space for professionals, interactive spaces for children and the chance to learn about the great giants of Lyonnaise cuisine as well as a gastronomic space where visitors can taste dishes prepared by guest chefs amongst many more plus temporary exhibitions.
Where: Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon, 4 Grand Cloître du Grand Hôtel-Dieu, 69002 Lyon
Take a look inside: