Cafe Gadagne in Vieux Lyon sits on the roof garden of Musee Gadagne, with a buffet brunch on Saturdays and Sundays overlooking the secret courtyard garden of the old town.
Must order: The weekend buffet with seasonal dishes and homemade pastries
Tip: Book the 11:30 slot on Saturday for the best light on the terrace.
Address: 1 Place du Petit College, 69005 Lyon
La Commune in Lyon's 7e runs weekend brunch across its eight kitchens in a 1500 sqm food hall on Rue Pre-Gaudry, with pizza, Asian plates, mezze and craft beer all in one room.
Order: Pizza from the wood-fired oven and a craft beer from the in-house tap
Tip: Saturday noon is the less-crowded slot; Sunday afternoon fills with families.
Suzette Pancakerie on Place Saint-Nizier in Lyon's 1er runs brunch every day except Thursday: savoury pancakes, sweet crepes, quality coffee and a terrace facing the church.
Order: Savoury pancake with cheese and ham, then a sweet crepe with salted-caramel
Tip: The 25 EUR formula includes hot drink, cold drink, savoury and sweet pancakes.
CALM in Lyon's 7e on Rue Chevreul is the organic canteen that runs a weekend brunch of homemade cakes, quiche, granola and cookies from local producers, with French-artist prints on the walls.
Order: Granola bowl with seasonal fruit, then the homemade quiche with salad
Tip: The 26 EUR formula is all-in; weekday lunches are calmer for the canteen format.
Milk and Pug in Vieux Lyon on Rue Saint-Jean is the dog-friendly American brunch counter with savoury pancakes, granola bowls, hot drinks and a cosy room in the heart of the old town.
Order: Savoury pancake with the granola bowl, and the house caramel dessert
Tip: Book via Instagram; the dog-friendly terrace opens from Easter.
Le Desjeuneur on Rue des Pierres Plantees in Lyon's 1er runs daily brunch with filter coffee from a local roaster, pancakes, homemade cakes and egg plates on weekends.
Order: The pancake stack with maple butter, and a single-origin filter
Tip: No reservations; weekday mornings are the work-friendly slot.
Sunday morning at Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse in Lyon's 3e is the city's best impromptu brunch: oyster counters open from 09:30, charcuterie sliced to order, and coffee at the stand-up bars.
Order: Oysters and Sancerre at the Mure counter, then a slice of praline tart
Tip: Go before 11:00; stalls begin closing at noon on Sundays.
