Lyon, France – As of September 1, 2026, Lyon is just 30 days away from its highly anticipated 6th ‘Les Authentiques’ Gala. This year’s event, scheduled for October 5, 2026, at the prestigious Abbaye de Paul Bocuse, will shine a spotlight on 20 emblematic hotels that represent the pinnacle of Lyonnaise hospitality.
Emblematic Hotels to be Honored
Among the celebrated establishments are renowned names such as the historic Cour des Loges, the discreet Reine Astrid, the elegant Villa Maïa, the surprising Bayard, and the iconic Sofitel. These hotels, whether star-rated or not, are recognized for their significant contributions to the city’s identity and their role as vital centers of life and cultural influence.
According to Marco Polisson, editor-in-chief of Lyon People, these hotels are not just places of accommodation but are “the spearheads for Lyon’s reopening to international tourists after six years of negative signals.” This emphasis on hospitality is crucial as Lyon seeks to reinforce its position as a premier tourist destination.
A Tradition of Excellence
The ‘Les Authentiques’ Gala, presided over by the tireless Marc Jean, has a history of recognizing key pillars of Lyonnaise culture. Previous editions have celebrated women restaurateurs and chefs, traditional ‘bouchons’ (Lyonnaise eateries), brasseries, and ‘bistronomique’ bistros. This year, the focus shifts to hotels, acknowledging their essential role as places where “hospitality rhymes with amiability, conviviality, availability, and generosity.”
A Grand Celebration at Abbaye de Paul Bocuse
The event at the Abbaye de Paul Bocuse, managed by Vincent Le Roux, is expected to be a sold-out affair, with 500 guests gathering to honor and encourage these establishments to continue their pursuit of excellence. The gala serves as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of Lyon’s hospitality industry.
Key partners and supporters of ‘Les Authentiques’ include the Region and its Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Tourisme agency, led by Geoffrey Mercier, and the Métropole de Lyon. Traditional and loyal partners such as the Club Hôtelier Lyonnais, presided over by Xavière Celante (Carlton), UMIH, presided over by Thierry Fontaine, Pernod Ricard, Maisons et Domaines, and Lyon People magazine are also integral to the event’s success. Lyon People will dedicate a special collector’s issue to the gala, to be unveiled on the night of the event.
Art and Philanthropy
Adding a unique touch to the evening, the event will feature an original painting signed by Bur, dedicated to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. This cause is passionately championed by Christelle Bardet, a close friend and advocate.
For those interested in appearing in this special edition, Flavie Laforêt can be contacted at [email protected].
Upcoming Events and Local Insights
This gala is part of a broader cultural landscape in Lyon. Recent news has highlighted other significant local events, including ‘Courir pour Elles,’ a charity run expecting over 15,000 participants in its 17th edition, focusing on sharing, prevention, and solidarity. The city also saw the opening of ‘Les Perles Lyon,’ a unique concept store dedicated to pearls, and the launch of ‘On Fleek,’ a Lyonnaise webmagazine focused on makeup. Additionally, ‘Find Your Dresses,’ a high-fashion show initiated by Lyonnaise entrepreneurs, continues to gain traction.
Philippe Lecoq, an economic and political journalist with extensive experience and deep knowledge of Lyon, contributes to the rich narrative of the city, sharing its best stories across economic and political spheres.
The 6th ‘Les Authentiques’ Gala promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating the enduring spirit and excellence of Lyon’s hotel industry, a cornerstone of its appeal to both residents and international visitors.
