The best souvenirs to bring back from Vieux Lyon
Here, we say no to tourist traps!
Forget those “I ❤️ Lyon” magnets made on the other side of the world. In Vieux Lyon, there are still real stores where you can find typically Lyonnais souvenirs, whether gourmet, artistic or completely regressive. Pink pralines, Guignol, silks, local illustrations… here are the addresses we love for bringing back a little piece of Lyon in your suitcase.
In the image of Lyon’s characters…
There’s nowhere better to start than the Boutique du Petit Prince et de Guignol on rue Saint-Jean. It’s probably the most emblematic place in the district to find Lyonnais puppets, traditional toys and a whole universe around Guignol, the character born in Lyon in the early 19th century. With its figurines, miniature theaters and Little Prince memorabilia, the shop has a delightfully retro feel that appeals to children and nostalgic adults alike.
Pink pralines
When it comes to delicacies, head for Saint Jean Délices to stock up on pink pralines. Here, the shop windows are overflowing with Lyon sweets, and it’s hard to leave without a bag of the famous pink caramelized almonds for which the city is famous. Give them as gifts (or eat them on the train home).
Those from this confectioner are quite different in terms of taste and texture…
The famous praluline
And while we’re on the subject of pralines, it’s impossible to miss the legendary Pralus praline brioche. Moist, generous and almost indecent with the amount of pralines it contains… it’s THE gourmet souvenir that visitors always regret not having taken in duplicate.
www.emilieettori-illustration.com
A drawing of the city?
For a more arty souvenir,Émilie Ettori ‘s illustrations are a little gem. Okay, the store is in the Presqu’île and not in the vVieux-Lyon, but we couldn’t miss it… Her drawings of Lyon perfectly capture the atmosphere of the city: traboules, traffic jams, pastel facades and scenes of Lyonnais life. The kind of poster you’d hang up at home with a twinge of nostalgia after a weekend in Lyon.
Silk from Lyon…
Last but not least, if you’d like to take home an elegant souvenir with a deep connection to Lyon’s history, head for Âmes Sœurs and its magnificent silk creations. Lyon and silk have a long-standing love affair, and this boutique brings local know-how up to date with delicate, ultra-refined pieces. The chic souvenir par excellence.
