When Lyon glows with a thousand candles around 8 December, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse become the gourmet heart of a city in celebration.
Every year, around 8 December, Lyon revives one of France's most beautiful rituals. The tradition dates back to 1852: that evening, the people of Lyon spontaneously placed small candles in their windows to honour the Virgin of Fourviere. Officially launched as the Fete des Lumieres in 1999, the event now draws more than two million visitors who come to admire the facades, squares and riverbanks transformed into works of light by artists from around the world.
At the heart of this excitement, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse shine with a light all their own. While the city sparkles outside, the great glass roof of Part-Dieu comes alive with the ballet of the stalls: oyster shuckers opening shells one after another, cheesemongers tending their finest wheels, caterers orchestrating year-end orders. Here, the Fete des Lumieres opens the most beautiful season of Lyon's gastronomic temple.
This is the moment when the great houses give their very best. Foie gras, langoustines, Bresse poultry, quenelles in lobster sauce, pates en croute and praline brioches: every counter prepares the festive tables of Lyon as one would compose a painting. The spirit of Paul Bocuse, who loved to choose his own produce beneath this glass roof, hovers over the aisles more than ever.
Visiting Les Halles during the Fete des Lumieres means extending the magic of the streets to the magic of the table. After gazing up at the illuminated facades, you come here to fill your festive basket, share a platter of oysters and a glass of white wine, and savour that warmth so typical of Lyon. In December, the belly of Lyon shines with all its lights.