Cour des Loges

But it is not so much the nobility of the place, where each stone, each step seems impregnated with history, that gives life to the unique nature of Cour des Loges, but it is rather due to the combination of centuries and the marriage of styles: a subtle harmony between the Renaissance spirit and contemporary creativity. An alchemy that delighted Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet, owners of Cour des Loges since mid 2000. Thus, they have taken very special care with the interior decoration and in improving the comfort of the guests: subtle mix of materials, Renaissance furniture, refined ambiance... The “Chambre du Photographe” (photographer’s room) recalls the photographic history of the Lumière brothers while the “Chambre du Peintre” pays tribute to the work of interior decoration done by Hervé Thibault, especially in rooms inspired by opera lodges with here a dramatic representation of a Venetian dwelling for a headboard, or a desk decorated with a trompe l’oeil scene of the Grand Canal in Venice, or on the ceiling a framed painted sky...Under the arches of a gallery overlooking the courtyard, the Michelin-starred restaurant Les Loges (1 star at Michelin Guide since 2012) invites guests on a journey to taste a thousand flavours, a discovery of a cuisine without borders. With creativity and talent, Anthony Bonnet, Gault & Millau Gold in 2006, renders locally sourced ingredients transcendent, using an elegant cuisine inspired by the abundance of the region. No better back drop for enjoying the culinary specialties of the city than in a Florentine courtyard covered in marble and topped by a spectacular contemporary glass roof: such as the oxtail ravioli and braised leek, braised veal sweetbreads in pithiviers, lobster with mushrooms, traditionally breeded pigeon, or the Mons’ selection of cheeses. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the Grand Cru chocolate variation or pears from Beaujolais cooked in the oven with spicy caramel. The Café-Epicerie, an upscale traditional Lyon bistro, owes its name to the history of Vieux-Lyon and the fact that it found itself on the very crossroads of the 16th century spice industry. In a refined and contemporary setting with stone walls, the chef highlights the presence of spices, aromatic oils and aromas and propose: homemade meat pie from Lyon, cooked sausage made with chitterlings, pike mousse with Nantua sauce, etc… without forgetting the sweet “verrines” such as pistachio cream with a dark chocolate cover or tiramisu with a raspberry jam. As soon as the weather allows, specialty dishes can be enjoyed on the shaded terrace. To continue the journey along the Spice Route, products selected by the chef are sold at the delicatessen: fragrant oils, vinegars, condiments, unusual salts and peppers, wines...The two sitting rooms, with a retro look at the Cour des Loges bar seduces with the cosy and intimate ambiance underneath the arched alcoves and painted murals, almost like an old boys club during the day. Once night falls, barmen offer a refined list of Champagne, Cognac, Rum, single malt whisky, Armagnac and even innovative cocktails. It is also a place where cigar lovers can gather to enjoy the selection of bands kept at the perfect level of humidity in the fully equipped smoking room. Nestled close to the hanging gardens, the elegant and cosy Pure Altitude Spa, works its magic. In a light, luminous ambience, in the style of Roman Baths, and a decor of white stone and marble, calm reigns supreme... Away from the bustle of the city, just relax in the saunas, steam room, or the Jacuzzi tucked in the heart of a veranda looking out over the greenery and take a dip in the lap pool swimming against the current. The more energetic can work off extra energy in the new fitness room while others enjoy a spa ritual in one of the two treatment cabins, before unwinding in the relaxation room whose monumental mural was inspired by the Italian Renaissance. As it was already several centuries ago, with the enlightened and humanist spirits of the Renaissance, Cour des Loges seduces a modern cosmopolitan clientele always looking for a new, subtle and distinguished atmosphere.