Lyon is a diverse city. And among the multitude of things to do, some stand out because they are unique to the capital of Gaul. In other words, nowhere else in the world can you experience the pleasure of mâchonner, bouchonner, or trabouler.
As part of Secret Media Network’s 2026 global ranking of the best micro-experiences, our local editors have selected these three Lyon gems that rank among the very best.
Experience the famous Lyon mâchon
How about trying a Lyon-style breakfast? But we’d better warn you right away: forget about a little toast or a berry smoothie… The Mâchon (from the verb “to chew”) serves up a hearty spread, namely all the Lyon specialties—nothing less! Cervelle de canut, tablier de sapeur, andouillettes, grattons, tripe, not to mention Beaujolais… everything’s on the menu!
As befits the capital of gastronomy, here we (really) sit down to eat in the early hours of the morning. In fact, the mâchon dates back to the era of the Canuts, when these workers—mainly based in the Croix-Rousse district—would gather to have a bite to eat before their hard day’s work.
A truly convivial experience to be had in the few bouchons in Lyon that continue to keep this incredible tradition alive. Be sure to book in advance and prepare your appetite!
📍Le Café du Jura (Lyon 2nd arrondissement), Les 4G (Lyon 9th arrondissement), Au Petit Bouchon (Lyon 1st arrondissement), and La Meunière (Lyon 1st arrondissement)
Visit Lyon’s legendary traboules
This is another Lyon specialty found nowhere else in the world! They literally shape the city’s architecture. Secret passages, detours, vaulted ceilings, facades, galleries, corridors, staircases, hidden doors, walkways, tunnels… there are no fewer than 500 in Lyon ( though only 80 are currently open to the public), mainly scattered between Vieux-Lyon, Croix-Rousse, and the Presqu’île.
Originally, they were built to facilitate the passage of goods, protecting fabrics from the elements (and bandits!). They played a fundamental role during the Occupation by allowing members of the Resistance to operate in secret…
📍The traboules of Maison Brunet, Tour Rose, Chamarier, or even the Cour des Voraces.
Dine at the best bouchon of 2025
No sooner have you finished your mâchon than you’re ready to dig in again, but be careful… not just anywhere! Café Comptoir Lobut was voted best bouchon of 2025 by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Bouchons ( in other words, the experts in the field). Here, you’ll be pleasantly surprised both visually and in terms of taste. Red banquettes and stemmed glasses are de rigueur, and the food is simply divine. We recommend, among other things, the warm Lyonnais sausage in wine and the cervelle de canut.
📍50 Cours Tolstoï, 69100 Villeurbanne
As you can see, whether it’s “good food” or “historic architecture,” your fondness for the city of Lyon is bound to be legendary!
