Rue Mercière

Here you are in Lyon’s emblematic rue Mercière! This, now, pedestrian street is lined with restaurants on both sides. Here you are sure to find something to delight your taste buds. Indeed, Lyon bears the title of capital of gastronomy. This street is the home to several of Lyon’s typical restaurants named “bouchon”. The concept of bouchon lyonnais is deeply ingrained in the culinary culture of the city.These establishments play a significant role in preserving and promoting the rich gastronomic heritage of the region and French gastronomy in general. So be warned, this is not a gastronomic restaurant but rather an authentic and homely experience. The dishes served here are “Soupe à l’oignon” (onion soup), “Quenelle” (a type of fish paste), “Andouillette” (a sausage made from pork intestines) and “Tablier de sapeur” (a type of paste made from veal intestines). The name “bouchon” originates from an 18th-century practice in which a vine shoot, called a “Bousche”, was used to mark the places where wine was served. Don’t hesitate to try one or more of them, to sample local wines and 100% Lyonnais dishes. But enough with food, let’s get back to rue Mercière. It is one of the oldest streets in Lyon, and it is even possible that it follows the route of one of the paths that existed during Roman times! In the Middle Ages, it became one of the city’s main thoroughfares and was home to some of Lyon’s most prominent families. There were many cloth, fur and book merchants. During Renaissance printers set up shop here as well. Thanks to renovations carried out during the 20th century, it is now home to restaurants, brasseries and bars, making it one of Lyon’s most popular tourist streets and a Mecca for local cuisine. One thing is sure throughout the years the street has always maintained its vibrancy.