Lyon, January 7, 2026 – The renowned ’33 Cité’ restaurant, a culinary landmark in Lyon’s Cité Internationale for the past 18 years, has officially ceased operations. The closure, which took effect on December 24, 2025, marks the end of an era for the establishment, which was a joint venture of celebrated Lyonnaise chefs Frédéric Berthod, Christophe Marguin, and Mathieu Viannay.
A Sudden Change of Ownership for a Long-Planned Sale
The news of the closure, initially reported by [Lyon People](https://www.lyonpeople.com/actualites-lyon/actualites-gastronomiques/lyon-brutal-clap-de-fin-pour-la-brasserie-33-cite-2026-01-03.html), surprised many, despite the restaurant being on the market for several years. The sale was reportedly expedited in recent weeks, leaving chef Frédéric Berthod, who directly oversaw the kitchen, with little time for a proper farewell event. Berthod expressed his emotions regarding the closure on social media, stating, “It will take us time to turn this page and close this beautiful story. 18 years is not nothing.”
The restaurant, which opened in November 2007, quickly became a popular spot in the 6th arrondissement, situated in a building designed by renowned architects Renzo Piano and Pier Luigi Copat within the Cité Internationale complex. [cite-internationale-lyon.fr](https://www.cite-internationale-lyon.fr/)
Chef Berthod’s Future Plans and the New Brasserie
Frédéric Berthod, known for his millions of Milanese escalopes and pâtés en croûte that traveled far beyond the kitchen, announced that he is taking a short break before embarking on a “new adventure in the autumn.” While details of his next culinary endeavor remain undisclosed, the future of the former ’33 Cité’ space is clear.
The restaurant has been acquired by Ludovic Hernandez, owner of the neighboring Italian restaurant ‘Giuseppe’. The establishment is set to reopen in a few days under the new name “La Grande Brasserie Tête d’Or.” Importantly, the existing team from ’33 Cité’ will be retained and integrated into the new brasserie, ensuring continuity for staff. [lyoncapitale.fr](https://www.lyoncapitale.fr/actualite/lyon-la-brasserie-33-cite-ferme-precipitamment-ses-portes)
The Cité Internationale: A Vibrant Hub
The Cité Internationale, where the restaurant is located, is a dynamic area in Lyon, offering a mix of cultural, business, and residential spaces. It features the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Palais des Congrès, a cinema, and various restaurants and hotels. Residents often describe it as a “paradise” and a “cocoon” due to its peaceful environment and proximity to the Parc de la Tête d’Or. [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-ces-habitants-vivent-a-la-cite-internationale-un-paradis-le-meilleur-quartier_62368851.html)
The 30th anniversary of the Cité Internationale was celebrated in August 2025, highlighting its significance as a major hub for exchanges and encounters. The event, which emphasized Lyon’s ties with Italy, included concerts and a giant trattoria, showcasing the vibrant life of the Cité. [lyonpeople.com](https://www.lyonpeople.com/les-fetes/les-30-ans-de-la-cite-internationale-de-lyon-et-viva-italia-2025-09-03.html)
The closure of ’33 Cité’ marks a notable change in the Cité Internationale’s culinary landscape, but the swift transition to ‘La Grande Brasserie Tête d’Or’ suggests a continued vibrant dining scene in this bustling part of Lyon.
