Once a 16th century convent, the Villa Florentine has been superbly restored and is the most elegant hotel in the city. It is a member of Relais & Châteaux and sits on the hillside of Fourviere and has wonderful views of the old town.

The original chapel with its beautiful frescoes is now the reception and bar and leads to the sensational Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Les Terrasses de Lyon’ (closed Sundays and Mondays). The 28 bedrooms are furnished in an intimate Italian Renaissance style and all have a terrace or balcony. There is a summer swimming pool with a tranquil terrace where drinks and light meals are served and a fitness centre with sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. The old town is a five minute walk away down some steep steps.