Vieux-Lyon · Rue des Trois-Maries
A bouchon terrace in the heart of Vieux-Lyon
In fine weather, Aux Trois Maries sets its tables on the cobbles of rue des Trois-Maries, steps from place de la Baleine. Vieux-Lyon sunshine, white linen and Lyonnaise cooking, far from the roar of the tourist artery.
Eating outdoors
Lunch on a terrace in the Renaissance quarter
As soon as the fine days arrive, Vieux-Lyon lives outdoors. Terraces spread over the cobbles of the Renaissance quarter, between the ochre façades and the traboules, and it's easy to see why: lunching in the sun in one of Europe's finest old towns is quite irreplaceable.
You still have to pick the right one. Not all terraces are equal: some spill onto the endless flow of rue Saint-Jean, others tuck into a quieter lane, away from the touts. Aux Trois Maries sets its own on rue des Trois-Maries, a discreet parallel where you sit at the pace of the neighbourhood rather than the tour coaches.
The right spot
Place de la Baleine and its lime tree
A few metres from our tables opens place de la Baleine, one of those precious little squares where Vieux-Lyon regains its calm. A lime tree spreads its shade over the cobbles, and you can lunch there at sunset without the roar of the main street.
It was there, so the story goes, that Éluard and Aragon used to meet last century. The address has kept that neighbourhood spirit: you settle in to take your time, glass in hand, burgundy napkin on your lap, watching the slow life of Vieux-Lyon go by.
Settling in
Choosing your terrace in Vieux-Lyon
The right instinct: favour a terrace facing a pedestrian lane, away from traffic, and check it stays shaded from the midday sun. A terrace in light shade, facing the Renaissance façades, beats a large platform in full passing trade.
A telling detail: a fine terrace never excuses the cooking. Serious houses look after the plate as much outside as in. Here, the white linen and burgundy napkin aren't just there for the photo — they show the care of a service that truly hosts, indoors and out on the cobbles alike.
On the terrace
On the plate
The real bouchon, right down to the cobbles
Sitting outside doesn't mean settling for a cut-price menu. Aux Trois Maries serves the same Lyonnaise cooking outdoors as in the dining room: soufflé pike quenelle, brioche sausage with grenaille potatoes, Lyonnaise salad with poached egg, onion gratinée when the season calls for it. The bouchon repertoire, in the open air.
Summer calls for its cooler dishes too: Lyonnaise salad, butternut velouté, salmon tartare with Granny Smith apple, not forgetting the pink-praline tart or the caramel-butter pain perdu to finish in the sun. A short, seasonal, house-made menu, as it should be.
For particular diets, the house moves with its time: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options sit alongside the traditional specialities. Flag it when booking and the kitchen adapts its sides — on the terrace as in the dining room.
Explore the house
To book and to discover
Frequently asked
The terrace in Vieux-Lyon: your questions
Does Aux Trois Maries have a terrace?
Yes. In fine weather, the house sets its tables outside on the cobbles of rue des Trois-Maries, in Vieux-Lyon, steps from place de la Baleine and its lime tree.
Where can you find a quiet terrace in Vieux-Lyon?
Step away from the busy rue Saint-Jean axis, towards parallel lanes such as rue des Trois-Maries or small squares off to the side, like place de la Baleine: custom there is more local and the atmosphere calmer.
Do you need to book to eat on the terrace?
It's strongly advised, especially at weekends and in high season. Terrace seats are limited and go fast as soon as the sun is out. A call the day before, or the morning for lunch, is usually enough.
Is the terrace shaded?
Rue des Trois-Maries and the nearby place de la Baleine, with its lime tree, offer welcome shade in the hot hours. Let us know when booking if you'd rather a table in the shade or in the sun.
Is the same menu served on the terrace as in the dining room?
Yes. Outdoors you'll find the same Lyonnaise specialities and seasonal menu served inside: pike quenelle, brioche sausage, Lyonnaise salad, house-made desserts, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Where is the Aux Trois Maries terrace?
At 1 rue des Trois-Maries, in Vieux-Lyon (Lyon 5th), a few steps from Saint-Jean cathedral and the Vieux-Lyon metro station.
Book your table in the sun
A terrace on rue des Trois-Maries, away from the crowds. Book online, or call us directly.