Cour des Loges, Lyon
More than a hotel, this is an experience. Staying at the Cour Des Loges is travelling, almost unwillingly, to the Italian Renaissance without leaving the heart of the old Lyon.
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It could be a museum or a time machine, but it’s actually a hotel and one of those rare experiences you’d like to repeat. The Cour des Loges occupies four Renaissance-style buildings (14th, 16th and 17th centuries) and was renovated in 2000 by the Sibuet family – masters of hospitality and creators of places where comfort and elegance are paramount, as well as owners of some of the best hotels in the region. The four houses, as well as the respective patios, terraces, traboules (passages) and galleries, which boast the common areas, are decorated in classic style with the odd contemporary touch and a handful of object d’art to match. The same goes for the 61 rooms and apartments, which include the original mezzanines with showers that resemble small greenhouses and the ceilings painted like clear blue skies, a rare occurrence during these winter months.
In the street where the hotel is located, which is one of the main thoroughfares of the old town, it’s cold, so returning “home” feels even better, especially if you can visit the spa where you can enjoy the hammam, swimming pool, sauna, and maybe try a Pure Altitude massage, which is one of the most popular alpine treatments, both inside and outside France. Before dinner, warm body and soul with a liqueur or a good French red at the Epicerie bar, before being carried away on a gastronomic journey. The guide is Anthony Bonnet, the chef distinguished with the title Talented Young Chef, at the Gault Millau awards d’Or 2007. The creations of Anthony and his team are famous for being both traditional and creative, whilst using the best seasonal ingredients.
Before going up to your room, linger a while in the library and choose a bedtime book. If you fancy it, you can (and should) go up to the top floor and see how beautiful the intricate urban mesh of Old Lyon looks. You will have plenty of time to discover all her charms after a good night’s sleep.
by Maria Ana Ventura
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