TL;DR

Secluded escape – a tiny collection of luxury suites in a former Abbey on a tiny private island.
Just three suites – an exceptionally intimate stay with the option to book the entire property for a group.
Romantic setting – sun-drenched gardens & the Saône create an atmosphere far removed from central Lyon.
Best for – couples and repeat visitors looking for a private luxury retreat rather than a base for sightseeing.
Check dates and prices here

Les Suites de l’Ile Barbe are a tiny collection of gorgeous suites in a former Abbey on an island on the Saone.

The island is privately owned, making this this arguably the most secluded boutique hotel in Lyon, and, with only 3 rooms it feels very intimate.

The setting is just delightful; sun kissed gardens sprinkled with the Abbey’s old stone walls, chirping birds and peacocks.

Les Suites de l’Ile Barbe aren’t for anyone hoping to be in the thick of it. There is a bridge from the island, but you’re out in the 9th arrondissement, and it’s a very long walk to Vieux Lyon.

It’s designed to be a luxury romantic escape from the city, after all, and it won’t suit first time visitors or those who plan on Lyon sightseeing.

We’d rate Les Suites de l’Ile Barbe’s pricing as reasonable too. Sure, it’s far from the centre but it’s also a wonderfully unique hotel experience.

What are the rooms like?

Three suites – with only three rooms, the hotel feels exceptionally private and can be booked fully for groups.
Loft Suite – a spacious 150 square metre family-friendly suite with kitchenette, sunken lounge and elegant interiors.
Family Suite – a 90 square metre two-bedroom suite with full kitchen, balconies and plenty of space.
Garden View – the simplest, value option, with direct garden access.
See each room in detail here

Like we said, Les Suites de l’Ile Barbe are exclusive.

With only 3 suites in the space, it would be easy to book the entire property with a large enough group.

Even shared, the space is intimate and exclusive, you’re guaranteed the attention you need.

It’s a unique space for rooms, absolutely. Starting from the top, you have the Loft Suite, a 150 square foot space perfect for a family or group.

Decked out in elegant, soft greens, the Loft features a kitchenette and plenty of coffee and tea capabilities.

The sprawling living room/lounge is sunken into the floor, with a large dining table and a TV that emerges from the sideboard.

The Family Suite follows, a 90 square metre 2-bedroom situation with a full kitchen and a few small balconies.

The cityscape murals above the beds are a bit surprising for a space with such austere history.

But they’ve also got a kind of vaguely 14th-century feel to them too, strangely enough, so, we don’t really know how to feel about them tbh.

Finally, we’re looking at the Garden View Suite, the smallest and cheapest. It’s simple and comfortable, done up in white and greys with a kitchenette and TV.

It has direct access to the gardens, with a table and chairs for your morning coffee outside.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Flexible dining – choose between room service, garden picnics and private-chef experiences tailored to each suite.
Beautiful grounds – the gardens provide a natural extension of the suites and plenty of space to relax outdoors.
Bespoke experiences – the concierge can arrange everything from yoga and river trips to bike rentals and other private activities.

Les Suites de l’Ile Barbe offers three types of food experience: room service, picnic spreads, and private chef.

They’re all fantastic, and we like that each suite seems to fit one option perfectly.

Picnics in the garden are perfect for the Garden View Suite, and a private chef in the Loft Suite is pure luxury.

Room service apps and drinks would fill the shared table in the Family Room perfectly.

Away from the city doesn’t seem like the place to easily find other options, but here are actually a few lovely restaurants nearby, some within walking distance, across the bridge.

And then there are the grounds. Here, and beyond, you’ll find endless other entertainment, from yoga and pilates to river boat trips to bike rentals to endless bespoke experiences organized by the hotel concierge.

How is the neighbourhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Private island – peaceful and secluded, but connected to the mainland by a bridge..
Riverside setting – the banks of the Saône offer restaurants, scenic walks and the occasional museum.
Parc de Montpellas – around 15 minutes away on foot, with woodland trails and excellent river views.
Vieux Lyon – and the city centre are a 20-minute drive away.

The neighbourhood, as we hinted at earlier, isn’t as remote as it may feel from the island itself.

Along the banks on either side you’ll find restaurants, walks along the riverside, and the odd museum.

We’re more partial to the eastern side, with its small cluster of restaurants and secret garden.

Parc de Montpellas, just a 15-minute walk from the suites, offers windy woodland trails and more superb views of the river.

The city centre and the visitor’s hub of Vieux Lyon is a 20-minute drive.

From there you can wander through the old streets, catch the funicular up to Fourvière, visit the Théâtre Gallo Romain, whatever catches your fancy.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

“Absolutely gorgeous gardens with multiple seating areas. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The rooms look like something from Architectural Digest. Comfortable robes, great toiletries and breakfast was wonderful. The host offered to make dinner reservations and was so helpful with getting hs settled upon arrival. Beautiful property with a lovely staff!….”

See all guest reviews on Booking.com