A former convent turned five-star Relais & Chateaux property, Villa Florentine is perched on Fourvière hill and offers sweeping views of Lyon below. The hotel is built in grand Renaissance style, its ochre and terracotta façades reminiscent of Tuscany. Inside the lobby you’ll find 18th-century frescoes and period furnishings are artworks.
The 32 spacious rooms are divided between the original building and an annex. Many have large French windows and all are decorated is soft tones of yellow, grey and beige, some in a traditional style and others more contemporary.
Villa Florentine’s inviting Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Terrasses de Lyon, offers a welcoming yet refined setting for guests to enjoy gastronomic delicacies local to Lyon. In warmer months, diners are welcome to enjoy their food on the covered terrace which offers some of the best views in Lyon.
Along with a small spa and gym, the hotel has a large terrace with an outdoor pool. From the hotel it’s a five-minute drive down the steep hill to the old town, an alternative to the many steps, and an even steeper ten-minute drive up to the imposing Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
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Rooms
The hotel’s 32 airy rooms are divided between the original convent and a connected annex. All four room categories are decorated in rich tones reminiscent of Tuscany with elegant furniture and large windows. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the city below while others have views of an internal courtyard or the pool terrace. All rooms feature marble bathrooms with large bathtubs, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Location
A five-minute drive or steep ten-minute walk down Fourvière hill brings you to Lyon’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a warren of medieval streets and a vast array of restaurants. Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse, the city’s renowned indoor food market, is a 15-minute drive away.
Food and Drink
Villa Florentine’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Terrasses de Lyon, has won awards for its innovative take on classic Lyonnais dishes using the freshest local products. Enjoy feasting at the restaurant from the elegant dining room or on the covered open-air terrace with panoramic views of the city and allow in-house sommelier Gaëtan Bouvier, named France’s best sommelier in 2016, to help you select the perfect wine to pair with your meal.
Facilities and Activities
Surrounded by cypress trees and sun loungers, the outdoor heated swimming pool offers sweeping views of Lyon, as does the adjacent outdoor bar and seating area. The hotel also has a small gym and a spa with an on-site massage therapist, along with a sauna and hammam.
Accessibility
There are unfortunately no rooms available with handicap accessibility.
Our opinion
One of our preferred hotels in Lyon, Villa Florentine sits atop the Fouvière Hill giving all who visit unparalleled aerial views of the city and beyond. Come for the five-star amenities, but stay for the views.
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Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Collège Hotel
Conveniently located in historic Vieux Lyon within walking distance of many of the city sights, Collège Hotel is a novel property with a light-hearted school theme. Contemporary design, unconventional detailing and good value for money make it a rewarding base.
Cour des Loges
Centrally located in Vieux Lyon is Cour des Loges, a distinctive five-star property whose historic premises, individual design and Michelin-starred restaurant make it a memorable place to stay. In addition you’ll get a spa, hanging gardens and an indoor pool.
Hotel Silky
Located in the heart of the Presqu’île, Hotel Silky is a convenient spot for visitors looking to explore Lyon on foot. The hotel combines simple, contemporary design with local heritage and warm and friendly service.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions
This full-day tour gives you the chance to explore the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. With your private driver-guide, visit the Côte Dorée and sample gamay wines before enjoying an indulgent lunch. In the afternoon, sample white Burgundies in Mâconnais.
Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits
Explore the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy on this private, full-day tour. Your driver-guide will take you through the storied vineyards and prestigious appellations of the region, with pauses for tastings, lunch and a chance to explore an 11th-century wine cellar.
Gourmet walking tour of Lyon and Les Halles covered market
Discover why Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France on this private tour of its bakeries, markets, restaurants and delis. Learn about its renowned chefs past and present and sample some local delicacies such as praline brioche and coussin de Lyon.