History of Brasserie Georges
Founding and Early Years (1836–1857)
Brasserie Georges was founded in 1836 by Georges Hoffherr, an Alsatian brewer drawn to Lyon’s pure water and bustling trade routes (Wikipedia). The brasserie’s original building was engineered with a vast 700-square-meter dining hall supported by just four 25-meter fir beams from the Chartreuse and Vercors regions, resulting in Lyon’s most expansive column-free interior (This is Lyon).
Growth and Innovation (1857–1890)
The opening of Perrache railway station in 1857 increased the brasserie’s popularity, making it a central meeting point in Lyon (Wikipedia). Brasserie Georges was also among the first in Lyon to install electric lighting in 1879, thanks to Antoine Lumière (Wikipedia).
Belle Époque and Art Deco Transformation (1890–1940)
By 1890, the brasserie underwent updates including new banquettes and tables. The entrance was adorned with a pediment featuring Gambrinus and stained-glass windows by Lucien Bégule (Wikipedia FR). In 1924, painter Bruno Guillermin redecorated the main dining room in Art Deco style, introducing pastoral ceiling scenes and massive chandeliers (The Good Life France).
War, Resilience, and Postwar Era (1940–1985)
During WWII, the brasserie was requisitioned by German forces (Wikipedia FR). Postwar, it added iconic neon signage and preserved its Art Deco charm.
Modernization and Continued Legacy (1985–Present)
Didier Rinck’s leadership in the 1980s reinvigorated Brasserie Georges, culminating in a major 150th-anniversary celebration in 1986 (Brasserie Georges Official). Today, under the Héléa Financière group since 2002, the brasserie continues to brew its own beer, host large crowds, and participate in Lyon’s famous Fête des Lumières, holding records for the largest choucroute and Baked Alaska served (This is Lyon).
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours
Brasserie Georges is open daily:
- Monday–Thursday, Sunday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday, Saturday, and eves of bank holidays 11:30 am – 12:15 am
(visiterlyon.com)
Tickets and Reservations
- Entry Free; no tickets required.
- Reservations Strongly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and during events. Book via phone (+33 4 72 56 54 54) or the official website.
- Groups
- Up to 6: Walk-ins only.
- 7 or more: Reservation by phone.
- 20+: Reservation by email: [email protected].
Accessibility
The brasserie is wheelchair accessible and supports visually impaired guests with the OOrion app, available in 32 languages (Brasserie Georges Official). Staff provide assistance as needed.
Guided Tours
Regular guided tours are not offered, but special group visits or historical briefings can be arranged upon request.
Nearby Attractions
Brasserie Georges’ central location allows easy exploration of:
- Vieux Lyon (Old Town) UNESCO-listed Renaissance district
- Place Bellecour Lyon’s main square
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Iconic hilltop church
- Musée des Confluences Contemporary science and anthropology museum
Architectural Features & Preservation
The dining room features marble finishes, geometric Art Deco floor mosaics, and a ceiling adorned with pastoral scenes and grand chandeliers (Wikipedia FR). Stained-glass windows, private salons, and original 1930s bay windows evoke the brasserie’s golden age. The vast attic’s timber frame, attributed to a disciple of engineer Rondelet, supports the open interior (Wikipedia FR).
Cultural and Social Significance
Brasserie Georges has long been a gathering place for artists, writers, and celebrities such as Emile Zola, Alphonse de Lamartine, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and Edith Piaf (Brasserie Georges Official). Commemorative plaques honor these figures, solidifying the brasserie’s status as a living museum of French dining and social history.
Cuisine & Traditions
Brasserie Georges is celebrated for its:
- Choucroute garnie World-record-holding Alsatian sauerkraut with assorted meats
- Steak tartare Prepared tableside
- Marrow bone (os à moelle) Classic entrée
- Lyonnaise specialties Sausage with pistachios, quenelles de brochet, andouillette
- Seafood platters Oysters, crab, lobster
- Signature desserts Baked Alaska, îles flottantes
House-brewed beers—blonde, golden, and brown—continue the brasserie’s brewing legacy (twoinfrance.com, toolyon.com).
Practical Visitor Tips
- Arrive early or late to avoid peak wait times, especially on weekends.
- Request seating near stained-glass windows or the orchestra (weekends) for enhanced ambiance.
- Try the house beers—available on tap and bottled for souvenirs.
- Inform staff of special celebrations for birthday cakes or sparklers.
- Visit the boutique for branded merchandise and take-home beers.
- Explore nearby attractions Combine your meal with a stroll to Place Bellecour or Vieux Lyon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Daily from 11:30 am; closes at 11:00 pm (Mon–Thurs, Sun) and 12:15 am (Fri, Sat, eves of bank holidays).
Q: Are reservations required?
A: Strongly recommended for groups and during peak periods.
Q: Is the brasserie accessible?
A: Yes, for both wheelchair users and visually impaired guests (OOrion app supported).
Q: Are tickets needed?
A: No; entry is free.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: Yes, several public car parks, including Parc Relais Perrache and Parking des Archives.
Q: Are vegetarian options offered?
A: While the menu is meat-focused, some vegetarian options are available upon request.
Q: Are menus available in English?
A: Yes; staff accommodate international visitors.
Plan Your Visit
Experience Lyon’s culinary and cultural heritage at Brasserie Georges.
- Address 30 Cours de Verdun Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France
- Phone +33 (0)4 72 56 54 54
- Website Brasserie Georges Official Site
- Reservations Online or by phone
- Accessibility Wheelchair and OOrion app supported
Enhance your Lyon trip by combining a meal at Brasserie Georges with visits to nearby historical sites, and explore our related guides for Lyon's Historical Sites and Best Dining Experiences in Lyon.
Stay connected via Brasserie Georges’ official Facebook and Instagram pages for news and special events.
