InterContinental Lyon—Grand Hôtel-Dieu
20 quai Jules Courmont • 69002 Lyon
lyon.intercontinental.com • +33 4 26 99 23 23
If you are looking for a fancy place to enjoy teatime, the five-star InterContinental Lyon–Grand Hôtel-Dieu is it. Its bar, Le Dôme, welcomes guests (hotel customers and locals alike) under the majestic dome, which is more than 100 feet high and was designed in 1761 by famed architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Everything here is luxury— black-and-white marble floors, delicate Lyon silks—but with a contemporary touch. The space combines so well the history of this unique building (originally a hospice, hospital, and maternity ward centuries ago) and the finest of modern-day living. It is intimate, but impressive.
You will enjoy delicious tea, of course, and may choose among different flavors from La Fabrikathé, a local premium tea brand whose offerings are available at a newly opened store at 15 rue de la Charité and online at fbkt-teas.com. Black teas on the hotel’s menu are Darjeeling, Assam Hattiali, and two Earl Grey options. The only oolong on the menu is Jin Xuan, which hails from Doi Mae Salong in Thailand. It is a lovely semi-balled, lightly oxidized example, rich with floral notes and a slightly milky character. There are also three green teas (sencha, jasmine, and mint), Anji white tea, as well as several tisanes. Many of these are organic, and all are certified that they were made without synthetic aromatics.
Pastry chef Vincent Thomassin creates irresistible, yummy cakes and tarts for teatime, which are displayed on a very elegant dessert cart made by Lyon glass designer Vincent Breed. This young pâtissier has a real gift for coming up with unusual combinations of flavors that work together incredibly well. A few examples of his creations are white nectarine and Timut pepper tart; caramel éclair with kaffir lime; and raspberry, coconut, chocolate, and yuzu squares. Ranging from 40€ to 62€ per person, teatime is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Reservations are neither required nor accepted.
