Two Lunch Chronicles in Lyon

Quick take: Both meals were pretty underwhelming, to be honest. Copain Comme Canard Lyon Part-Dieu 📍 22 Rue de la Part-Dieu, 69003 Lyon, France😣 I came here specifically for duck—their specialty—and left with mixed feelings. Starters: Duck hearts and smoked duck breast. The hearts had a noticeable gamey tang that didn’t sit well with me, and the smoked duck? Shockingly salty, like someone overdid it with the curing salt. Not my cup of tea. Mains: A ½ duck breast with roasted mushrooms, paired with confit duck leg. The duck breast was cooked nicely—pink in the center, sliced into small, tender pieces that avoided tough sinew. 👌 Perched atop Fourvière Hill, its origins trace back to the 1st century CE, when Roman legions camped here. A small chapel built on the site of an ancient Roman forum in 1168 laid the groundwork for today’s basilica. Now, it reigns as Lyon’s crown jewel: its mosaic murals and gilded interiors are a stunning fusion of religious art and craftsmanship, radiating devotion in every detail.😘 The confit leg, though, grew heavy after a few bites; the accompanying mashed potatoes only amplified the richness, and the seasoning felt blandly generic. For better duck, I’d still pick my go-to spots in Paris—they leave a far stronger impression.😘 Drinks: Started drinking at noon? Guilty as charged. The cocktail I wanted was sold out, so I went for a ginger beer-based special instead. Surprisingly good—zesty, refreshing, and a nice pick-me-up.😁 Nacre | Huîtres & fruits de mer 📍 14 Rue Lainerie, 69005 Lyon, France This one was for the oyster lovers (definitely not me). Oysters: (medium-sized) and not particularly plump. For someone sensitive to brininess, they were a miss—the oceanic tang hit a little too hard. To their credit, they were fresh—no upset tummies afterward (though the “tummy” in question isn’t mine).🙌 Pâté: Standard fare, nothing to write home about. Creamy enough, but lacking that extra depth of flavor to make it memorable.😊 #Lyonfood #LyonFood #FranceTravel #FrenchCuisine #RestaurantRecommendations