20 Rue de l'Abbaye d'Ainay, 69002 Lyon

Hôtel de l'Abbaye Lyon

Name: Hôtel de l'Abbaye
Address: 20 Rue de l'Abbaye d'Ainay, Lyon, 69002, fr
Price range: 159 EUR - 401 EUR

Luxury
With parking
Pets allowed
4 stars
Family
Accessible for disabled

Presentation

Behind a discreet facade in the Ainay district, the Hôtel de l’Abbaye opens the doors to a place steeped in history, reinterpreted with a contemporary perspective. This 19th-century building, once a rectory and later a school, has retained the essence of its soul while undergoing a sober and elegant reinvention. Crossing the threshold, you enter a hotel that has chosen authenticity without sacrificing comfort or style.

From the very first moments, the building's proportions reveal themselves gently. The stone staircase, the large openings overlooking the square, and the carefully preserved original lines tell an ancient story enriched by meticulous design work. The atmosphere evokes that of a peaceful family home, where each space has been designed to welcome you warmly.

The establishment houses twenty-one rooms spread across three levels, each with its own identity. On the first floor, a 1970s-inspired ambiance plays with contrasts and materials. The second floor adopts a more contemporary signature, with clean lines, natural harmony, and designer furniture. The top floor, in contrast, adopts a more eclectic style, where vintage finds and design objects converse in a carefully curated aesthetic.

The rooms at the Hôtel de l’Abbaye carefully combine modern comfort with old-world charm. The bedding is generous, and the materials are chosen for their softness and authenticity. The Junior Suites, more spacious, feature seating areas bathed in light thanks to high mullioned windows. Some offer remarkable views of the neighboring Romanesque abbey facade, illuminated at dusk.

The interior design is the result of work by the Lyon-based firm Maison Hand, which has infused the spaces with coherence without rigidity. Natural tones—ochre, brick, khaki—adorn the walls and fabrics. The furniture oscillates between custom creations, iconic pieces such as Pierre Paulin chairs, and vintage elements that add a personal touch. The result is a soothing, understated setting.

In both the rooms and common areas, every detail seems designed to contribute to a seamless and pleasant experience. The bathrooms reflect particular attention to finishes, including terrazzo floors and discreetly elegant shower partitions. The care products come from recognized brands, and thermal and acoustic comfort has received special attention.

While the hotel does not offer a spa or gym, it has partnered with trusted providers. Guests can arrange for an in-room massage session or call on a personal trainer for a tailored workout. The reception staff is also available to book tours, shows, or additional services according to your wishes.

On the ground floor, the restaurant L’Artichaut invites you to a gourmet interlude in a setting that is both simple and refined. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday lunch, it offers a bistronomic menu crafted from seasonal ingredients. The chef creates inspired dishes highlighting products like artichokes, lobster, or Bresse chicken.

In the morning, breakfast is served in the same space, either as a buffet or à la carte. It features fresh products, homemade pastries, generous granola, made-to-order eggs, and fresh fruit. Special diets are given particular attention, with gluten-free options available upon request.

The Basilic Café, open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., complements the dining options. Open to all, it offers a pleasant meeting point for a break at any time of day: a hot chocolate, a chai latte, or a drink at aperitif hour. The service is relaxed and attentive, in keeping with the establishment's spirit.

Thanks to its location, you can easily access the city's main attractions. Within a few minutes' walk, you can reach Place Bellecour, the Saône River quays, or Perrache train station. The Ainay district maintains a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere, which contrasts pleasantly with the bustle of the nearby shopping streets.

Public transportation is also immediately accessible, and the Lyon City Card is available at the hotel. This pass grants access to over twenty museums and allows unlimited travel on the TCL network during the chosen duration.

During your stay, don't miss a visit to the Musée des Confluences at the tip of the Presqu’île. This boldly designed building hosts fascinating exhibitions blending science, society, and arts. It will appeal to both the curious and contemporary architecture enthusiasts.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a former abbey, boasts one of the finest collections in France, spanning from antiquity to modern art. Its calm and elegant garden is a pleasant spot for a break during your visits.

If you enjoy wandering, the Vieux-Lyon district awaits with its traboules, inner courtyards, and cobblestone streets. This journey through time is best experienced on foot, just a stone's throw from the hotel, as you explore the city’s history and Renaissance heritage.

For an evening of culture, check the programs at the Lyon Opera or the Théâtre des Célestins, both within walking distance. The artistic scene is varied, inventive, and often recognized nationally and internationally.

Staying at the Hôtel de l’Abbaye means choosing a place where every detail matters, where history meets comfort, and where hospitality aims to be as discreet as it is attentive. This is an address designed for those seeking more than just accommodation: an atmosphere, an experience, a balance between heritage and modernity.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

Discover the Romanesque basilica of Saint-Martin-d’Ainay, just steps away, to admire the sculpted capitals and the tranquil cloister

Stroll leisurely along the Saône River quays to the colorful facades of Vieux-Lyon, then venture into the traboules for a journey through the Renaissance

Take the Saint-Just funicular to reach the Fourvière hill and enjoy an exceptional panorama of the entire city

Visit the Musée des Confluences, an iconic site where exhibitions blend science, history, and civilizations in bold architecture

Wander through Place Bellecour and then head up Rue Victor-Hugo for an afternoon of shopping, punctuated by gourmet breaks in the many artisanal shops