lyon series – Alyssa in France

AWAY Hostel: The best place I never stayed at

Away hostel is one of the best places to stay ever in Lyon.

One day in Lyon, I was feeling like a total grump because my boyfriend was placed in a higher level french class than I was, so I went on a little exploration with out him. I found this amazing hostel and I cannot stop recommending it. I was going through major coffee withdrawals so my instant reaction to see an espresso machine through a window was to run inside. Oh. My gosh.

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The cafe area was super calming, I felt welcome even though I wasn’t a guest. Once I realized it was a hostel not just a spacious AF cafe, I asked for a tour. They have really adorably designed rooms. Um, hi I just was looking at an airbnb in lyon that I thought was a steal. UH NAH. I love the fact that you can have a private room in the coolest part of the city or share a room with other travelers, neither options putting you wildly out of money.

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Now, I am an Airbnb girl. I love the system, I have a ton of experience with staying in peoples homes. Which seems kind of weird, but the idea of a ‘hostel’ just totally scared me. I don’t know why, it’s probably something that was instilled in me by being told I looked like the girl in Taken. You know, the one where the girl travels and gets TAKEN. So I steered clear of hostels until I saw how incredible they could be.

This place has planned activities every week, live music events and even gives you the option of adding on a delicious looking breakfast. Even though I currently live in America, I still follow them on Instagram (you should too) just to see the drool worthy brunch that they serve up. Currently on their up coming events (besides making us actually excited to get out of bed): live concerts and an aeropress championship. How random, but also great that they can host events that draw in not just the average traveler.

You guys know how much I love Lyon, so when I head back there I will definitely stay in this hostel. Maybe I’ll see one of you there! You can check out their website with all the deets here.

Lyon: Snacks

Best Bagels, Mercière: Bagel stores. They always seem to be better in Europe, but very American themed. The bagel shop I went to in Lyon is not an exception. It even offers American sodas and Arizona Tea to go with its pictures of NYC on the walls. If you’re feeling homesick for some good old Jif peanut butter or Big Red Soda, you can find that here. There are other locations of this bagel shop around town too, if you find yourself craving a bagel, but you’re far from this place.

Crock and Roll: A very cool shop that features a twist on the classic croque monsieur. It’s settled in Croix Rousse, my favorite area of Lyon, and it even stays pretty popular. This could be because they have a Nintendo available for play, and a bathroom with some pretty weird ceiling art? I don’t know, but if you’re heading there soon, I just looked at the new spring menu. It looks delish.

Frite Alors: As an American, I guess if I was looking for easy French access, I could just go to Canada, but instead I went all the way to France. And there, at Frite Alors, I tried the Canadian classic, poutine. This spot seems like a really fun place for friends, and for just a nice hang out. The food is super delicious, Johnny and I both got fry dishes (because duh) and I scarfed mine down.

Celest: Okay, maybe this shouldn’t be in a snacks post… but seriously, I have to mention it somewhere! The bar does have snacks, as well as great cocktails that change seasonally. Charcuterie is one of my favorite things to order because I’m such a snacker, and with this plate you get so many bits and pieces to munch. If you have saved a night to treat yourself, I would do it here.

Do we dare talk about bouchons? Just walk anywhere in Lyon, and it is jam packed with bouchons. I could tell you which ones are the best, but I think part of going to a bouchon is walking through the streets and picking the one that feels right for you. Look at the menu, discuss the options, and then choose. I will tell you that Daniel and Denise is one of the most popular, for good reason too. So mark that down in your notebook.

Honestly, if you guys see or hear about a restaurant, TELL ME! I always say this. I love getting to make notes of places to visit for when I return. Also, you can always browse Le Petit Paume — they have reviews of the restaurants in Lyon.

Lyon: Coffee Guide

Okay, I’m in love with Lyon. I’m in love with France in general, most everything about France is amazing. The only thing I could say that is hard to find in France is… good coffee. All those adorable cafes you see with side walk seating? Yeah I don’t go there for quality espresso. Thats just people watching territory. So before I go to a city I research the best coffee shops. It is hard work to have to look at all the adorable coffee shops and drink all the coffee, but someone has to do it.

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Lyon: deux

Okay, I’m writing this from a cafe in Lyon. I know, I’m supposed to tell you everything every step of the way, but things were really stressful so I just kept all my thoughts in a little folder for you guys.

Alright, here we go. I flew from Cincinnati to Paris, which was nice. I don’t like the connecting flight life. Though, for all my money saving friends, sometimes it is a lot cheaper (moins cher) to have connecting flights. My boyfriend used STA travel; he had a fright from Cincinnati to New York, then to Paris. Once there we had a train to Lyon. This is where the first travel hiccup starts.

Continue reading Lyon: deux