Tucked away discreetly on a bustling residential street in Lyon, Villa 216 is a charming 19th-century mansion hidden behind secure electronic gates, boasting a crescent pebbled driveway and a gentle waterfall.
The well-maintained enclosed garden of Villa 216 showcases a beautiful variety of plants, including herbs and flowers like verbena, sage, lilies, roses, lavender, ivy climbing the walls, tall chestnut and lime blossom trees, and even wild strawberries. This lush setting creates a peaceful countryside vibe within the suburban surroundings. Convenient and secure parking is available off-road on the private driveway behind the gates.
Despite the serene ambiance that makes you feel far from the city, everyday life in Lyon – France’s third-largest city – carries on with shops and restaurants lining the nearby streets.
Entering Villa 216, constructed in 1890, guests will find three ensuite rooms and an outdoor hot tub exclusively for their use. Guests can arrange for personal massages with a simple phone call.
The entrance hallway, reached via several stone steps beneath a vintage glass and metal canopy, welcomes visitors with its bright and cheery atmosphere, adorned with floral-patterned wallpaper, colorful tiled floors, an armchair, woven baskets with yellow cushions, an honesty-based drinks and snacks cabinet, and shelves filled with books and tourist information.
Our ground-floor room provided a splendid view of the garden through tall French windows, featuring a spacious bedroom and an adjoining bathroom with a walk-in shower and a separate toilet.
The bedroom boasted a parquet wood floor, intricate wall and ceiling moldings, a brown-speckled marble fireplace, and elegant cast-iron heaters. Equipped with essential amenities such as a top-notch Jura coffee maker, a toaster, an oven, and a wall-mounted television, the room also offered a selection of Pages teas, including Earl Grey, mint, apricot, blackberry, and myrtle-berries.
A round marble-topped table in the room was ideal for dining, although the beautiful weather encouraged us to opt for the outdoor seating area facing the garden.
Breakfast at Villa 216 was served via a delivery service called ‘Baguette a bicyclette,’ which brought chocolat noir and hazelnut granola, fresh orange juice, yogurt, baguette with Brittany butter and jam, and a chocolate croissant to our door each morning.
Within the multicultural neighborhood surrounding Villa 216, guests can choose from a wide range of ethnic and traditional French eateries, such as Nepalese spinach curry, chickpea noodles, dumplings, or Lebanese tabouli, hummus, and eggplant.
For those not keen on driving during their stay, a chauffeur service like Chauffeur Lyon offers convenient and professional transportation services.
For a peaceful retreat away from city noise, yet just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Lyon, Villa 216 presents an alluring option for visitors.
Image Source: Lyon France
