Unlike a lot of large French cities, Lyon isn’t grey – it’s pink. Many of the buildings lining the two rivers are shades of rosé, peach and blush, plus every boulangerie window is stacked with brioche smothered in pink praline.

Don’t miss La Croix-Rousse, the bohemian area that’s a legacy of the silk weavers who used to live there, with pedestrianised streets filled with bars and boutiques intersecting the steep hills – visit the Village des Créateurs in Passage Thiaffait for an ever-changing carousel of independent shops.

And if you can’t face the delicious yet somewhat stodgy menu of a bouchon? Cross the Rhône and settle in at Les Apothicaires for a modern take on Lyonnais cuisine featuring innovative, uncomplicated yet highly ’grammable dishes that start at £22 for two courses at lunch. Just don’t forget to include L’Illustre on your itinerary – I’m still thinking about that vacqueyras…

Double rooms at Mob Hotel from £89; mobhotel.com/lyonbasis

Discover the off-menu delights of Lyon: France’s fashionable foodie destination