Capital of gastronomy, cradle of silk weaving, and a UNESCO World Heritage city, Lyon offers an incredible variety of souvenirs to bring back. From legendary chocolates, sweet specialties, Beaujolais wines, to handcrafted items from Croix-Rousse, the choice is vast but the sure bets are easy to identify.
What to bring back from Lyon: 7 must-have ideas right now 🎁
Visitors usually leave with pink pralines, Bernachon chocolate, Coussins de Lyon, a miniature lyonnais bouchon, a silk scarf signed Maison des Canuts, a bottle of Côtes-du-Rhône or a craft item from the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
- 🍫 “Palette d’or” chocolates from Bernachon
- 🌰 Praluline from Chocolatier François Pralus
- 💚 Coussins de Lyon (A. Bouillet)
- 🍷 AOC wine from the Lyonnais hills or Beaujolais
- 🧣 Silk square from Maison des Canuts
- 🦁 Miniature wooden puppet of Guignol or lyonnais bouchon
- 🌳 Wooden creation from Tête d’Or (local craftsmanship)
| Souvenir | Recommended Shop | Neighborhood | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernachon Chocolates 😋 | 42 cours Franklin-Roosevelt | 6ᵉ | 25 € per box |
| Praluline 🥖 | 32 rue de Brest – Pralus | Presqu’île | 13 € |
| Coussins de Lyon 💚 | 14 rue des Archers – A. Bouillet | Presqu’île | 9 € for 12 |
| Côtes-du-Rhône 🍷 | Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse | Part-Dieu | 8-15 € |
| Silk 🧣 | Maison des Canuts, 10 rue d’Ivry | Croix-Rousse | 35 € |
| Guignol 🦁 | Boutique Gadagne, 1 place du Petit Collège | Vieux Lyon | 12 € |
| Wood Art 🌳 | Atelier Bois du Parc, entrance Porte des Enfants du Rhône | 6ᵉ | 18 € |
Lyonnais gastronomic specialties: where to find the best treats 🍽️
Lyon is first discovered through the taste buds. Iconic shops concentrated between Part-Dieu and Presqu’île allow you to taste everything in a few hours.
Chocolates and pralines not to miss
- 🍫 Bernachon, 42 cours Franklin-Roosevelt: “Président” bar made with homemade ganache.
- 🍫 Voisin, 28 rue de la République: “Cocons de Lyon” bites with praline.
- 🥐 François Pralus, 32 rue de Brest: famous Praluline, brioche filled with pink pralines.
- 🍫 Le Comptoir de Mathilde, 9 rue Ferrandière: “GuiGnolatine” spread in a 250g jar.
To compare flavors without running around, Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse (102 cours Lafayette) gather most of these houses in the same covered building.
| House | Specialty | Visit possible? | ⏰ Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernachon | Grand cru bars | Yes by appointment | 08:00-19:00 |
| Voisin | Praline bites | No | 09:00-19:00 |
| Pralus | Praluline | Yes (oven visible) | 07:00-19:00 |
| Comptoir de Mathilde | Spreads | No | 10:00-20:00 |
Cured meats, cheeses and regional wines
Those who prefer savory items will head for:
- 🍖 Rosette de Lyon or Jésus de Lyon, often sold at Bobosse, 102 cours Lafayette (Halles).
- 🧀 Cervelle de Canut (herb-flavored fresh cheese) available in jars at delicatessens.
- 🍷 Cuvée “Lyonnais” from Côtes-du-Rhône, selected by the Halles wine merchants.
These purchases perfectly complement the sweets and balance the gourmet suitcase.
Craftsmanship: silks, guignols and creations from Tête d’Or 🧶
In Croix-Rousse, the weavers’ workshops carry on a centuries-old know-how.
- 🧣 La Maison des Canuts, 10 rue d’Ivry: weaving loom demonstration and scarf sales starting from 25 €.
- 🦁 Guignol carved wooden puppet, 2 rue Saint-Jean (shop Le Petit Musée Fantastique): Lyon’s iconic puppet.
- 🌳 Wood art from the Parc de la Tête d’Or: animals or Lyon skyline laser-cut.
- 💡 Patterned silky papers at Inselpaper, 3 rue Romarin.
These lightweight objects travel well and tell the textile and theatrical history of the city.
Tips for choosing quality silk
Authentic Lyon silk squares bear the “Made in Lyon” label and feature dense colors. Checking the hand-rolled hem guarantees premium finishing. Store the piece in a pouch to avoid snags during transport.
- ✨ Verify the designer’s signature.
- 🔍 Examine the weave in the light: the sheen should remain uniform.
- 🧴 Avoid any prolonged contact with cosmetic products.
Shopping itinerary: 1 day to buy everything without stress 🗺️
Here is a chronological route tested by many travelers to optimize time and budget.
- 08:30 am: Praluline breakfast at François Pralus, 32 rue de Brest.
- 09:30 am: funicular ascent to Vieux Lyon, Guignol puppet shopping (useful link VieuxLyon.net).
- 11:00 am: visit and silk shopping at Maison des Canuts.
- 12:30 pm: lunch in a lyonnais bouchon on rue des Marronniers, then purchase embroidered aprons (ideas on WeekyLyon.com).
- 14:00 pm: sweet session at Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse; compare chocolates with the guide Relay.com.
- 16:30 pm: stroll in the Parc de la Tête d’Or to find wood art pieces.
- 18:00 pm: final stop at Le Comptoir de Mathilde to fill the suitcase with spreads.
Need more inspiration? The blog Not Parisienne or Shop-Blog list confidential addresses, while the Tourist Office lists sustainable options (VisiterLyon.com).
Frequently asked traveler questions
Which Lyon souvenir costs less than 10 €?
The praline cocoons from Voisin (100g bag) or a miniature Guignol puppet can be found starting at 8 €.
Can Bernachon chocolates be shipped abroad?
Yes, the shop offers an insulated packaging valid for 48 hours; expect +6 € for packaging.
Are Halles Paul Bocuse open on Sundays?
They operate from 7 am to 1 pm on Sundays, ideal for a last-minute purchase before the train.
Where to find a real miniature lyonnais bouchon?
The “Souvenirs de Lyon” shop (2 place Saint-Jean) offers ceramic reproductions starting at 12 €.
Is there a pass to avoid paying for plastic bags at chocolatiers?
Certain shops (Pralus, Bernachon) offer a 5% discount when bringing your tote bag; otherwise, a recyclable kraft bag costs 0.20 €.
For other ideas from other cities, also discover: souvenirs from Rome, Lisbon, Barcelona, Dijon, or Toulouse to continue filling your collection!
