The quais de Saône at 9 am in May, the light bouncing off the water, and that sudden urge to get your laptop out at a terrace rather than going back to working from home. Lyon has an outdoor season that starts early and runs until October, and the city has built up some genuinely good addresses for working outside without compromise.

We've crossed the Presqu'île, climbed up la Croix-Rousse, and wandered along the Saône and the Rhône to find the terraces that go further than two chairs on a pavement: the ones with real shade, Wi-Fi that works, power outlets not too far away, and a welcome that doesn't make you feel guilty about opening your laptop. Here are seven addresses we've tested and kept in our favourites.

Mama Works Lyon

Cours Lafayette in the 3rd. Mama Works bets on a sunny terrace and a bright interior for long working days. It's a modern coworking space that includes unlimited coffee in the package, UX/UI workshops to build your skills, and a genuinely welcoming setting.

Everything is in place: fast Wi-Fi, power outlets everywhere, solid food, professional atmosphere. A Google rating of 4.8 from 157 reviews. Open Tuesday to Friday, so forget it for weekend sessions. The terrace gets good afternoon light.

The go-to spot for intense working weeks when you want something serious without the sterile feel of a big chain.

Le R

Place Vaclav Havel in the 7th. Le R is a hybrid café-coworking space with free open access for working. You can sit on the terrace or inside, and the menu focuses on organic and local produce. It's the kind of address that proves you can do things well without charging for comfort.

Wi-Fi in place, power outlets and large tables, a quiet atmosphere, honest food and coffee. A Google rating of 5 from 93 reviews. Neighbourhood freelances have made it their second office, and the atmosphere is always studious without being tense.

Our favourite on the left bank of the Rhône for full working days where you want coworking comfort without a subscription.

Belle Lurette

Rue de la Claire in the 9th. Belle Lurette is a café-canteen with an outdoor courtyard and a bright interior room. It's the spot we keep for afternoons when you want a warm setting without going into the city centre.

Wi-Fi, power outlets, home-cooked food made from fresh, local produce. A Google rating of 4.8 from 429 reviews. The courtyard is a real plus for working in the shade on days when the 9th is baking. The menu changes regularly, so you never have to eat the same thing twice.

The spot for a day in Vaise where you want to genuinely switch off during your lunch break without compromising on quality.

Now Coworking

Rue de Marseille in the 7th. Now Coworking is a large 3,000 m² space with a terrace, various services, and relaxation zones. It's the XL version of Lyon coworking, designed for those who like to have options depending on their mood that day.

Professional Wi-Fi, power outlets everywhere, guaranteed quiet, large tables. A Google rating of 4.5 from 202 reviews. The terrace is one of the most generous in the neighbourhood, ideal on days when you want to mix indoor and outdoor working over the same day.

The smart choice for freelances who like to change their working zone during the day without changing address.

Perko Café

Place du Griffon in the 1st. Perko Café is a spacious, bright café with a welcoming team, fast Wi-Fi, power outlets and a large summer terrace. It's the solid base when you want to work on the Presqu'île without overcomplicating things.

Everything is there: a studious atmosphere, decent food, laptop completely welcome. A Google rating of 4.4 from nearly 1,400 reviews. The terrace gets good afternoon sun, and the place du Griffon is quieter than you might expect given its proximity to the Hôtel de Ville.

Perfect for Presqu'île sessions when you want good coffee and some fresh air.

BOTANI Café

Quai Claude Bernard in the 7th. BOTANI Café is a lush venue with a large terrace overlooking the Rhône swimming pool. It's probably the most aspirational terrace in this selection, and the experience delivers on the promise outside of service hours.

Wi-Fi in place, power outlets available, solid food and coffee, relaxed atmosphere. A Google rating of 4.3 from nearly 700 reviews. For working, aim outside of the midday service: you'll have the terrace to yourself with the view as a bonus.

The spot for a morning of writing where you want your working session to feel like a break by the water.

Le Comptoir Phénix

Quai de Bondy in the 5th. Le Comptoir Phénix is a modern café-restaurant on the banks of the Saône with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a perfect refuge atmosphere for morning working sessions. The pastries are homemade, and the quiet holds even when the quai gets busy.

A Google rating of 4.8 from 101 reviews, making it one of the best-rated addresses in the Vieux-Lyon area. The terrace benefits from the cool breeze off the quai in summer, and the interior stays a refuge when the weather turns.

The spot for starting a working day on the right foot, with a view over the Saône and coffee that keeps its promises.

How to work well on a terrace in Lyon

Three tips that make the difference in Lyon:

  • The July heatwave is serious. Above 32 degrees, forget terraces without real shade. Target indoor courtyards, dense canopies, or ventilated lobbies.
  • The quais de Saône bake in the afternoon. Beautiful in the morning, harder to bear after 2 pm in high summer. For long sessions, the la Croix-Rousse side is cooler.
  • The mistral doesn't really reach here, but the wind off the Rhône does. If you're working on the quais, bring something to weigh down your papers.

For more

If you want our full selection of spots in Lyon, we also have a guide covering all the best spots in the city (cafés, coworking spaces, community spaces), not just terraces. For detailed listings of places in Lyon, head to our city page.

Looking for terraces in another city this summer? We also have selections for Saint-Étienne, Grenoble, Avignon.

In summary

Lyon has everything it takes to become a real reference for outdoor nomadic working: density of great spots, a mild climate for six months of the year, and a genuine coworking scene that understands the value of outdoor space. Our selection covers all vibes: Presqu'île, right bank of the Rhône, quais de Saône, Vaise.

Looking for other types of spots in Lyon? Find all our Lyon selections and city guides on Deskover.