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 computer 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, here are three that take day visitors; check about the air con before you go:
- Wojo Part-Dieu, right in the business district.
- Mama Works, on cours Lafayette.
- Hiptown Part-Dieu, in the Le Britannia building on boulevard Eugène Deruelle.
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. With a day pass, 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 Part-Dieu area on the 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 Part-Dieu take day visitors; check with them about the air con before you go.
How much does a day in a coworking space cost in Lyon?
Prices change often: check each coworking's price list before you go.
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.
