Lyon, the gastronomic capital, is full of sweet treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a student seeking comfort, a young entrepreneur on a gourmet break, or simply a dessert lover, our guide reveals the best pastry shops in the city. Get ready to explore:
- Iconic and historic spots
- Innovative and creative bakeries
- Must-try lyonnais specialties
- Original and trendy concepts
- Pastries catering to all tastes and dietary preferences
Let yourself be guided through this selection that will delight your taste buds and introduce you to the richness of Lyon’s pastry scene.
Must-try pastry shops in Lyon
Bernachon: The chocolate institution
Discover the history of Bernachon, its chocolate specialties, and why it’s a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Lyon.
If you’re a chocolate fan, Bernachon is a must in Lyon! This family-run business, founded by Maurice Bernachon in 1953, will make you forget Belgian chocolate. A true temple of artisanal chocolate, everything is made in-house, from bean to bar. You can’t miss their signature cake, the “Président,” a praline chocolate sponge cake with candied cherries. This cake, which put the Maison on the map, was specially created for the legion of honor ceremony for Paul Bocuse, awarded by President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. It’s an unforgettable treat! Their chocolate bars, whether with hazelnuts, caramel, praline, or feuillantine, will melt your heart. The shop also offers excellent tarts and more traditional pastries.
To taste these delights, head to 42 Cours Franklin Roosevelt, in Lyon’s 6th arrondissement, from Tuesday to Saturday between 8:30 AM and 7 PM.
Sève: The excellence of french pastry
Looking for pastries that impress? Head to Sève! This master chocolatier and pastry chef crafts his own chocolate, from bean to bar, using the finest cacao beans. This is the perfect spot for sweet indulgences. From chocolate bars to exquisite desserts featuring fig, pear, or nougat, their creations are true works of art. Sève doesn’t forget local specialties either. With praline in many forms—including the famous tart—and the incredible savory pâté en croûte, every bite is a burst of flavor!
If you’re eager to try these delights, visit one of their 9 shops in Lyon (including one in Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse) and surrounding areas.
The New Rising Stars of Lyon's Pastry Scene
Les Éclaireurs: A fresh take on the éclair
Eclairs lover? Get ready to rediscover this classic pastry made from choux dough and filled with rich pastry cream. Since its launch in 2018, les Éclaireurs has offered a mono-product concept centered around éclairs, featuring completely reimagined versions! Even traditional éclairs like vanilla, dark chocolate, and coffee are given a fresh twist. With over 50 different recipes, there’s an éclair for every palate. From vanilla pecan to the zesty Three Lemon éclair, the fragrant Rose – Lychee, or the Strawberry – Hojicha, a Japanese green tea flavor, sweet tooths will be in heaven. Prefer savory flavors? Les Éclaireurs also offers creative savory éclairs, like Asparagus-Camembert, Crayfish-Saffron, and even Cervelle de Canut (a local cheese specialty), all with a dash of whimsy.
For a unique culinary adventure and Instagram-worthy bites, visit their locations in Lyon’s 1st, 3rd, and 8th arrondissements. They’ve even opened a tea room at the heart of the Museum of Fine Arts.
Alma: The bakery making waves
Alma is the new gem in Lyon! Opened in October 2022 by Marvin Brandao and his wife, this modern bakery is offering creations that are hard to resist. With an impressive background working alongside France’s best pastry chefs, and experience at Sève, Anne-Sophie Pic, and prestigious hotels like the Shangri-La and George V, this pastry chef brings a personal touch to his creations. Whether it’s indulgent classics like XL brownies, flans, and financiers, or more daring desserts like the Galapagos—a delightful blend of lemon, coconut, and wakame seaweed—the results are outstanding. Don’t miss their reimagined pavlova, a true cloud of sweetness.
It’s the perfect place to treat yourself any time of day, so head to 17 Rue Bugeaud in Lyon for a taste!
Specialty pastries for every taste
Miss Madeleine: The madeleine temple
Love madeleines? Then you must visit Miss Madeleine! This fine pastry shop specializes in the childhood favorite, offering endless variations of the classic treat. Using high-quality, sourced ingredients, Miss Madeleine creates sweet flavors like apricot-tonka bean and yuzu-pineapple, depending on the season. Soft and delicious, you’ll also find savory options, from a Saint-Honoré made with madeleines to even a wedding cake version! There’s something for every occasion.
Stop by their shops at 11 Rue des 4 Chapeaux or 2 Avenue Maréchal de Saxe, and grab a few to-go for your afternoon snack!
Chez Grégoire: Gluten-free pastries that delight every palate
Who says gluten-free has to be bland and tasteless? Certainly not Chez Grégoire. This bakery proves that gluten-free (and dairy-free) can be utterly delicious. You don’t even have to be gluten-intolerant to enjoy what they offer. Their vanilla and peanut butter cakes are incredibly indulgent. Their choux buns are generous and feature a new recipe every month. Their cakes and cookies are so good that even skeptics of gluten-free will be converted. As with the other pâtisseries we’ve mentioned, their creations are made with top-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
To experience Chez Grégoire, head to Rue Constantine in the 1st arrondissement or Place Commandant Arnaud in the 4th arrondissement. Their Croix-Rousse location even offers brunch with sweet potato waffles—an address not to be missed!
Neighborhood bakeries not to miss
Maison Dias: The charm of tradition
For delicious crispy bread or golden pastries, head to Maison Dias. This family-run, artisanal bakery is located in Villeurbanne, just steps away from our apartments. As soon as you walk through the door, the scent of freshly baked brioches and bread fills the air. This neighborhood bakery has been a local favorite for over 20 years, thanks in part to its impressive range of éclairs that light up the display with vibrant colors. Lemon, tiramisu, blueberry, passion fruit, pistachio, or even Saint-Honoré—these are just a few of the many flavors you’ll find here.
To visit, head to 55 Cours Emile Zola in Villeurbanne. The bakery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 6 AM to 8 PM, and on Sunday from 6 AM to 7:30 PM.
La Boulangerie de Marius: A hidden gem
Our final stop takes us to the 8th arrondissement of Lyon, to the west of the city, where this institution has been established for nearly 15 years. The aroma of freshly baked pastries made daily by 12 dedicated artisans fills the entire street. It’s impossible to miss when a crowd gathers in front to grab their breakfast or lunchtime snack. With a large selection of savory items, this bakery is always buzzing. Their standout product? A trompe-l’œil pastry shaped like a mango—absolutely exquisite.
To discover and indulge in these treats, visit 96 Rue Marius Berliet. The bakery is open from Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM.
Tips for an optimal pastry experience in Lyon
The best times to indulge
While there’s never a wrong time to enjoy pastries, we’ve got a little insider tip to help you make the most of your visit. Stop by in the late morning or early afternoon! This is when you’ll find the widest selection of freshly baked goods. Around 11 AM, the display cases are usually stocked with warm pastries fresh from the oven. If you’re more into cakes, aim for 2-3 PM—that’s when new creations are often put on display. Bonus tip: visit during the week to avoid weekend lines. Smart, right?
Perfect pairings: What to drink with your pastry
Now that you’ve chosen your pastry, it’s time to find the perfect drink to go with it! Pair a chocolate éclair with a bold coffee to balance the richness. Craving a fruit tart? Go for a green tea or freshly pressed juice to brighten your palate. If madeleines are your thing, a hot chocolate will evoke the sweet memories of childhood snacks. And for those enjoying macarons, a glass of rosé champagne (in moderation, of course) is an unbeatable match.
As you can see, Lyon is truly a paradise for food lovers! No matter what you’re in the city for, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to local gastronomy. From classic recipes to innovative creations and regional specialties, there’s something for everyone. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Lyon from a different perspective—the one that made it famous: its culinary excellence and artisanal craftsmanship.
