Villa Maïa

  • Perched high on Fourvière Hill, Villa Maïa is the kind of hotel that feels both quietly cinematic and deeply rooted in place. Lyon is a city with layers, Roman ruins, Renaissance alleyways, a modern culinary pulse, and Villa Maïa manages to capture all of that complexity in a space that feels serene, refined, and unmistakably French.

    A Design Forward Retreat Above the City
    The hotel opened in 2017 on the historic Antiquaille site, and its design is the result of a distinguished trio: architect Jean Michel Wilmotte, interior designer Jacques Grange, and landscape artist Louis Benech. Together, they created a property that feels rooted in Lyon’s past yet shaped by contemporary elegance.

    Muted tones, sculptural lighting, and natural textures set the tone indoors, while outside, Benech’s manicured gardens add a meditative stillness that feels worlds away from the bustle of Vieux Lyon below.

    Every room offers a sense of calm, with soft lines, luxurious bedding, and marble clad bathrooms that feel like private spas. But the real magic comes when you draw back the curtains. Lyon unfolds beneath you, the Rhône and Saône tracing silver ribbons through the city, and on a clear day, the Alps rise in the distance like a mirage.

  • The Spa: Roman Inspiration, Modern Indulgence
    Villa Maïa’s underground spa nods to the site’s ancient heritage. Vaulted stone ceilings, a warm glowing pool, and a serene hammam evoke the soothing ritual of Roman baths. It is the kind of place where time bends, perfect after a day exploring the city or before a long dinner of Lyonnaise classics.

    A Culinary Partnership with One of Lyon’s Best
    While Villa Maïa does not operate its own standalone restaurant, it shares a partnership with one of Lyon’s most respected chefs: Christian Têtedoie, Meilleur Ouvrier de France. His Michelin starred restaurant, Têtedoie, sits just steps away, giving hotel guests direct access to one of the finest dining experiences in the city. The cuisine here is a thoughtful bridge between tradition and modernity.

    For something more casual, the Têtedoie group also offers a bistronomic space and a seasonal rooftop, where a glass of wine at sunset becomes one of the best seats in all of Lyon.

A Wine Connection That Adds Depth: Château de La Chaize
One of the most compelling aspects of Villa Maïa is its connection to Château de La Chaize, the historic Beaujolais estate under the same ownership. Founded in the 17th century and recently revitalized with an ambitious sustainability program, Château de La Chaize is a benchmark domaine for Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly wines.

Wines from the estate are featured throughout the hotel, allowing guests to sip a taste of Beaujolais terroir without leaving Lyon. And for those craving deeper immersion, the hotel can help facilitate visits to the château, just under an hour north through rolling vineyard landscapes.

Why Villa Maïa Belongs on Your Lyon Itinerary
Lyon is consistently recognized as the gastronomic capital of France, but the right base can transform a trip into a layered, memorable experience. Villa Maïa offers quiet luxury on a hill rich with history, modern design anchored in French tradition, and privileged access to one of Lyon’s most acclaimed chefs. Add its connection to Château de La Chaize, and it becomes a dream stay for travelers who plan their adventures around food, wine, and a meaningful sense of place.

Whether sipping estate Beaujolais in the lounge, wandering the gardens at dusk, or ending the night with a tasting menu at Têtedoie, Villa Maïa is a property that pulls you gently into the soul of Lyon and invites you to savor it slowly.