Lyon in summer, wedged between the Rhône and the Saône, knows how to crank up the temperature, and the Presqu'île in the middle of the afternoon is nobody's idea of a cool retreat. When the thermometer goes wild, you may as well know where to set down your laptop in the cool. Here are our favourite air-conditioned coworking spaces to get through a real working day, plus our anti-heatwave reflexes.

The heatwave reflex: an air-conditioned coworking space

Air con, solid wifi, plugs and proper chairs: coworking is the safest option when it gets muggy. In Lyon, we have three whose air conditioning is confirmed and that take you by the day:

  • Wojo Part-Dieu, air-conditioned, day pass around 25 euros, right in the business district.
  • Mama Works, also air-conditioned, day pass around 29 euros.
  • Hiptown Presqu'île Opéra, reversible air conditioning and a day pass from 20 euros, ideal if you work on the city-centre side.

For other addresses, dig into our guide to spots for working in Lyon.

On the café side: play the shade rather than the air con

Let's be honest, few Lyon cafés advertise real air conditioning, and some heat up fast in the afternoon. Bet instead on cool spaces, like ground-floor cafés with high ceilings and inner courtyards, or a well-shaded terrace. Our pick of the best terraces to work from in Lyon will help you target the ones that stay pleasant in summer.

Why coworking wins when it is hot

In the thick of a heatwave, coworking has a real edge over the café: the temperature is kept in check all day, not just for as long as a single drink. Nobody pushes you to free up the table, you have a plug within reach to charge your laptop and your charger, and a noise level designed for concentration. The day pass often works out to the price of two coffees on a terrace, except you get five hours of work in the cool out of it, without the guilt of camping out. It is the option to favour on days when just leaving the house already feels like an achievement.

Your anti-heat reflexes

Arrive early, between 8am and 11am, to make the most of the morning cool and wrap up the essentials before the peak. Pick a seat far from the windows, stay hydrated, and keep a light jumper handy, the air con can be fierce. Find all our tips in the guide on where to work during a heatwave.

In short

In Lyon, the trio of Wojo Part-Dieu, Mama Works and Hiptown covers the city on the air-conditioned coworking front. Come in the morning, stay hydrated, and for a café, favour the shade and cool spaces over uncertain air con.

Frequently asked questions

Which coworking spaces are air-conditioned in Lyon?

Wojo Part-Dieu, Mama Works and Hiptown Presqu'île Opéra have confirmed air conditioning and take you by the day, no subscription.

How much does a day in a coworking space cost in Lyon?

Between 20 and 29 euros depending on the space, wifi included, often with an hourly or half-day option.

And to work on a terrace despite the heat?

Aim for a shaded terrace and the morning. Our article on terraces to work from in Lyon details the best spots.