Brasserie Georges

Brasserie Georges Lyon: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Brasserie Georges is a monumental symbol of Lyon’s culinary and cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience that blends nearly two centuries of history, authentic gastronomy, and architectural grandeur. Established in 1836 by Alsatian brewer Georges Hoffherr, the brasserie quickly became a favored destination for both travelers and locals due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers and its exceptional water quality—crucial for brewing (Wikipedia). Today, Brasserie Georges stands as one of Europe’s largest and oldest brasseries, celebrated for its stunning Art Deco interiors, vast dining hall, and vibrant ambiance that accommodates over 700 guests per service (twoinfrance.com, lyonsecret.com).

More than just a restaurant, Brasserie Georges is a living testament to Lyon’s evolution, having hosted luminaries such as Alphonse de Lamartine, the Lumière brothers, Edith Piaf, and Ernest Hemingway (Brasserie Georges Official). Its architectural features—including a vast, column-free ceiling supported by massive fir beams, intricate stained-glass windows, and grand chandeliers—offer a glimpse into early 20th-century elegance (This is Lyon, Wikipedia FR).

The diverse menu honors both Lyonnais and Alsatian culinary traditions, featuring signature dishes like choucroute garnie, steak tartare prepared tableside, and house-brewed beers that reflect the brasserie’s brewing heritage (twoinfrance.com, lyonsecret.com). Brasserie Georges is open daily from late morning to after midnight and offers accessibility features such as the OOrion app for visually impaired guests (Brasserie Georges Official).

Located near Lyon’s Perrache train station and within walking distance of historic sites like Vieux Lyon and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Brasserie Georges is an ideal starting point for exploring Lyon’s cultural treasures (This is Lyon, twoinfrance.com). Whether you are a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a curious traveler, Brasserie Georges promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Lyon’s gastronomic and social life.

Interior view of Brasserie Georges in Lyon from the entrance

Exterior view of Brasserie Georges in Lyon during exceptional sale amid Covid-19 closure

Glass of white draft beer from Georges brewery at Restaurant Toké on Avenue Berthelot in Lyon

History of Brasserie Georges
Visitor Information
Architectural Features & Preservation
Cultural and Social Significance
Cuisine & Traditions
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
References

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).

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

Stay connected via Brasserie Georges’ official Facebook and Instagram pages for news and special events.

References

Brasserie Georges is more than a dining venue—it is a vibrant testament to Lyon’s legacy, where history, architecture, and cuisine converge for an experience that is both grand and welcoming. Plan your visit to savor a slice of Lyon’s living history.