‘Bouchon Lyonnais’ is the name given to a sort of traditional restaurant in the city of Lyon. Focused on serving local food, it is a cultural experience just as much as it is a culinary one, as the scenery is almost always intentionally rustic. The official bouchon lyonnais website describes them as “above all… an atmosphere! One word to describe a bouchon? Friendliness!”, so much so in fact, that entering a bouchon often feels like intruding inside someone’s own house. It is, without a doubt, one of the many cultural heritages of the city of Lyon.
Bouchons originated as small bars and taverns at which silk workers, as there used to be many of in Lyon, stopped at the end of their service to share a hearty and comforting meal in a pleasant atmosphere before going home. Quickly, they became a symbol for the city, and a strong cult was built around them. In 1997, L’Association de défense des bouchons lyonnais (The Association for the Preservation of Bouchons Lyonnais) was created and now bestows the official title of Bouchon to restaurants on a yearly basis. Yet despite many restaurants claiming the title as their own, there currently doesn’t exist more than 20 official bouchons in all of Lyon. It is a very codified process, and a title that cannot be given to just any restaurant. Thanks to this reason, it is very difficult to be disappointed by one, as more often than not, what you get is exactly what you set out for!
But what exactly do you get at a bouchon?
The menus vary greatly, however as dictated by traditions, the ingredients must be local, and the dishes part of the culinary heritage of Lyon itself.
Translation: this is not a place for vegetarians. Of course, you can still go there to enjoy a good paillasson de Lyon (what you could compare to a hashbrown without egg) with a cup of red wine, but that might just be as far as you would be allowed to go… The most common items on the menu include meat dishes like Coq au vin, soupe aux tripes, boudin noir (blood sausage) and charcuterie of all kinds, with quenelles (sort of fish dumplings) always guaranteed to be present. With that comes local wine (such as Beaujolais), cheese (Saint-Marcellin, Saint-Félicien…) and desserts (tarte à la praline, bugnes…).
RECOMMENDATIONS
If reading about it sparked inside of you a grain of curiosity, here are a few recommendations to experience it for yourself:
Notre Maison : 2 rue de Gandagne, 69005, LYON
Located in the heart of the Vieux Lyon, this bouchon offers a friendly atmosphere with its stone walls and traditional decor.
~20-40€ for a full meal
Here you can enjoy typical Lyon dishes such quenelle or tablier de sapeur in a family-friendly atmosphere (careful though, don’t you dare ask for a salad; they will most likely respond that they already fed it to the pigs).
Bouchon de l’Opéra : 11 rue des Capucins, 69001, LYON
One of the best rated bouchons on Google Maps, its scenery plays in its charm almost as much as the richness of its food. Located near the opera, it is a very popular place among locals. Same speech as always: the ambience is simple and pleasant, and the experience unforgettable.
~20-30€ for a full meal
Same speech as always : the ambience is simple and pleasant, and the experience unforgettable.
Le Condé : 26 rue du Condé, 69002, LYON
While not a traditional bouchon per se, the reason for its presence here is due to its proximity to UCLy, as well as due to its much more “student-friendly” nature, perhaps making it attractive to a younger audience.
~10-30€ for a full meal
The menu includes items such as duck magret, filet mignon, and even a specialty France is quite renowned for: frogs!
SOURCES
- Les Bouchons Lyonnais – Trouvez votre bouchon labellisé
- Qu’est-ce Qu’un CANUT à Lyon ? – Histoire
- ASSOCIATION DE DEFENSE DES BOUCHONS LYONNAIS (W691091318) – Assoce.fr
