Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy , ranked in the Top 20 most beautiful cities in France in 2022 according to Time Out magazine, is full of unusual places and atypical venues for organizing events.
Seminar, management meetings, team-building, private reception or cocktail party with colleagues, choosing a unique venue can transform your event experience into a memorable moment.
In this article, the Chai Saint Olive team guides you through the advantages of choosing an unusual venue, the different types of venues available in Lyon and how to find the best space for your event.
Advantages of unusual locations
Choosing an unusual venue offers a unique and original experience for your guests.
These unique spaces allow you to engage and surprise your guests while creating a pleasant atmosphere . Furthermore, these venues are generally located in the heart of the city , providing a central and easily accessible setting for your event.
Types of unusual places in Lyon
Rooftops
Rooftop bars offer breathtaking views of the City of Lights and are an ideal choice for unforgettable evenings. Capacity varies depending on the rooftop, but they can generally accommodate groups of up to several hundred people. The website “Le bonbon.fr” offers a list of the best rooftop bars and rooftop terraces in Lyon, which you can find here .
Lofts
Lofts are former apartments or factories converted into event spaces.
They are spacious, bright, and offer a relaxed atmosphere for business meetings, conferences, or workshops. In Lyon, Loft 4-40 is a prime location for creativity, situated in the city's 5th arrondissement.
Barges
The city of Lyon is crossed by the Rhône and Saône rivers . Organizing an event on a barge allows you to enjoy the banks of the Rhône or the quays of the Saône and offers a unique experience, ideal for admiring the city. In Lyon, the Bateaux Lyonnais are an institution.
Extraordinary places
Lyon offers unique venues that blend unexpected spaces with memorable experiences. A prime example is Lyon's first urban winery – Chai Saint Olive – a wine production facility boasting an atypical space to host all types of events. From management meetings and conferences to corporate parties and showrooms, Chai Saint Olive also offers wine workshops , perfect for team-building.
Former factories
These historically significant venues offer an exceptional setting for professional or private events. Their capacity varies depending on the size of the space, but they can accommodate several hundred people. The former Fagor-Brandt appliance factories are a good example. 
Choosing the perfect unusual location
To choose the ideal venue, it is important to consider your specific needs such as the number of guests , the type of event , the desired atmosphere and your budget.
Don't hesitate to visit several places and check online reviews to ensure you make the right choice.
Services offered in unusual locations
Unusual venues can offer various services to facilitate the organization of your event:
- Catering : some establishments have an integrated catering service, while others allow you to choose your own provider.
- Entertainment : some venues offer on-site entertainment, such as DJs or shows.
- Decoration : some establishments offer a decoration service to personalize the space according to your tastes and theme.
- Equipment : check if the venue has the necessary equipment for your event ( sound system, lighting, furniture, etc. ).
Example of an event organized at Chai Saint Olive
During a company seminar , the client's need was to organize a one-day event: meeting in the morning + team - building in the afternoon.
Number of participants: 50 people
Thanks to its various high-quality spaces , including the vat room, the tasting room and the barrel cellar, the guests enjoyed all the spaces of the urban winery, which was entirely privatized for their event.
A productive morning : the participants held their meeting in the tasting room, which benefits from all the technological advantages for broadcasting presentations.
A delightful lunch : a standing cocktail reception was prepared by the client's caterer. Chai Saint Olive also works with caterers who use local produce .
Discovery afternoon : organized as a team-building activity, each participant toured the urban winery and learned about wine blending . This wine workshop allowed them to create their own blend and leave with a personalized bottle bearing the company's colors.
In summary, choosing an unusual venue for your event in Lyon can transform the experience into a memorable and unique moment. Consider your specific needs and explore the different types of venues available. If you're interested in Chai Saint Olive , you can contact the urban winery team at hello@chaisaintolive or visit us at 34 rue Malesherbes, 69006 Lyon .
Let's organise your private event within our venue in Lyon.
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