Lyon is undoubtedly a city for foodies! France’s capital of gastronomy boasts a wide range of culinary delicacies, renowned for their indulgent character. But that’s not all, since Lyon is also known for its artisanal confectionary, some dating back centuries! Looking for a gift idea or simply want to try some local sugary specialties? Be sure to stop by one of our recommended boutiques to treat yourself or a special someone.
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Artisanal confectionary: Lyon’s specialties
Colourful, sour, crunchy or soft, artisanal sweets and candy are an essential part to Lyon’s delicious heritage. Several of the city’s best confectioners continue the time-honoured tradition following ancestral recipes.
- Praline
The superstar of Lyon confectionary, this sweet is almonds covered in crunchy, caramelised red-coloured sugar. It can be eaten as it is or used as the base for the traditional tarte aux pralines (praline tart) or some types or brioche, which are found in almost every boulangerie (bakery) or pâtissier (pastry shop) in Lyon!
- Coussin
Another symbolic sweet: the coussin de Lyon. Its name, meaning ‘Lyon cushion’, derives from its shape, which represents the cushion of the Virgin Mary, upon which the aldermen placed a “seven-pound candle and gold crown” in 1643. Since then, the sweet, comprising a chocolate ganache covered in marzipan and flavoured with Curaçao, has been classed as part of France’s national heritage.
- Quenelle
Not to be confused with its savoury sister, the sweet Lyon quenelle is an invention by the chocolatier Voisin. It is made from delicious marzipan and hazelnuts covered in white chocolate. Voisin clearly drew its inspiration from the pike quenelle, reprising the dumpling’s colour and shape.
- Cocon
The cocon de Lyon is a small sweet combining marzipane, hazelnut praline, Curaçao and candied orange. This delicious bonbon is inspired by the cocoon of the silk worm used by the city’s famous silk weavers. A gourmet homage to Lyon’s rich industrial industry!
3 fantastic Lyon confectioners near to MiHotel’s Suites
Want to get yourself one of these local delicacies? Here is our selection of the best city-centre confectioners, a stone’s throw away from our Suites in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement.
- Voisin
Master chocolatier since 1897 and inventor of the coussin, Voisin offers a gourmet collection of confectionary: chocolate, local specialties, sugared almonds and macarons, as well as tea and coffee (yes, it is a roaster too). The brand has several boutiques across Lyon, with two around the MiHotel Suites in the 2nd arrondissement:
Boutique Voisin. 11 place Bellecour 69002 Lyon. Phone: +33 (0) 4 78 37 79 41. Open Monday from 2pm to 7pm, and Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm.
Boutique Voisin. 38 rue Victor Hugo 69002 Lyon. Phone: +33 (0) 4 78 37 42 40. Open Monday from 2pm to 7pm, and Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7.30pm.
- Violette & Berlingot
This traditional confectioner sells a large range of artisanal sweets. Chocolates, biscuits, caramel, sugared almonds, candy of all sorts and, obviously, Lyon’s delicacies: you can find one of everything at Violette & Berlingot!
Boutique Violette & Berlingot. 52, Passage de l’Argue 69002 Lyon. Phone: +33 (0) 4 72 40 97 49. Open Monday from 2pm to 7pm, and Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
- Mr Simms
This small and classic confectioner is a temple for every type of confectionary under the sun. Traditional sweets, chocolates and caramels are found alongside gluten-free, lactose-free and gelatine-free alternatives, perfect for those with intolerances. Fun little fact: they even sell Harry Potter and Willy Wonka sweets…Potterheads, this place is for you!
Boutique Mr Simms. 5 rue de la Barre 69002 Lyon. Phone: +33 (0) 9 86 09 46 03. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7.30pm.
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