If you’re visiting Lyon, your taste buds will be tempted by a wide array of sweet and savory treats. One candy you need to be sure to try is the famous Coussin de Lyon!
You’ll certainly know it when you see it — how often do you run across dark chocolate enrobed in aqua-colored marzipan?
I’ve visited Lyon several times, and an in the middle of a two-week stay. I’ve wandered all across this beautiful city to find Lyon’s tastiest food.
And since I’ve got a massive sweet tooth, you can bet I was quick to try the Coussin de Lyon!
Ready to find out more about this tempting treat? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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What is the Coussin de Lyon?
The Coussin de Lyon is a unique and delicious confectionery that is a signature candy of Lyon, France.
The center is a dark chocolate ganache, flavored with curacao liqueur. (Don’t worry, it’s not a strong liquor flavor, just a hint.)
This dark chocolate center is encased in a sugary marzipan covering, with two edges left open so you can see the chocolate.
The marzipan is a distinctive color, somewhere in the aquamarine or teal range. It’s decorated with a dark green stripe, and the marzipan sparkles with crystallized sugar.
Here you can see an extreme close up of an intact Coussin de Lyon candy and one cut in half to show the chocolatey center:
The candy is in the shape of a cushion, stemming from its history (but more on that later).
This is my favorite Lyon candy, since the bitter notes of the dark chocolate and the super-sweetness of the marzipan balance each other out.
I find that some of the other Lyon candies are sweet-on-sweet, which is too much even for me (and that’s saying a lot!).
History of the Coussin de Lyon
By now you’re probably thinking that there’s a story behind this special Lyonnais candy.
And you’d be right!
Way back in 1643, Lyon was suffering terribly from the plague. To save the city, the aldermen led a procession to Fourvière Hill to beseech the Virgin Mary to protect the people of Lyon.
As offerings to Mary, they carried a seven-pound candle and a single gold coin. They carried these offerings on a silk cushion.
In 1960, Lyonnais chocolatier Voisin came up with an idea for a confectionery based upon this history and tradition. This unique candy is made with a patented recipe, and the process takes a whopping 4 days to make!
The name of the candy ‘Coussin de Lyon’ references its cushion-like shape. (‘Coussin’ is the French world for cushion.)
Although you can find these candies in sweet shops and souvenir stores all across the city (from Vieux Lyon to Les Halles de Lyon), Voisin is the only manufacturer of these delicious Lyonnais treats.
There are several Voisin stores in Lyon where you’ll be dazzled by the array of fine chocolates on display. You’re sure to run across at least one as you visit Lyon’s top attractions.
I think I even gained weight just breathing in the smell of the chocolate.
The Coussin de Lyon makes a great souvenir of your trip to Lyon, or as a gift for any chocolate-lover back home. For the most luxurious gift, Voisin offers the candies inside a velvet cushion-shaped box!
Final Thoughts:
As the capital of French gastronomy, you will certainly have plenty of delicious Lyonnais foods to sample during your stay. The food is certainly one of the best reasons to visit Lyon!
Whether you prefer to nibble your way through the gourmet market of Les Halles de Lyon, take a Lyon food tour, or dine at a traditional bouchon in Vieux Lyon, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Ready to explore more of Lyon? Check out these posts to help you make the most of your trip:
Are you ready to book your trip to Lyon?
Looking for the top picks for your trip to Lyon? Here are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to help you plan the perfect vacation!
Top Tours and Experiences in Lyon
- Old Town Walking Food Tour (Vieux Lyon sightseeing + tasty local favorites)
- E-Bike Tour of Lyon (A fun & easy way to see Lyon’s top sights!)
- French Pastry-Making Class (Perfect for those who love to cook!)
- Beaujolais Golden Stones Wine Tour (The best day trip for wine lovers)
- Lyon City Card (Amazing value! I buy this every time I visit Lyon)
Top Hotels in Lyon
- Villa Florentine (Fabulous 5-star hotel in Vieux Lyon)
- Cour des Loges (Amazing 5-star hotel in the heart of Vieux Lyon)
- Hôtel Bayard Bellecour (Highly rated budget-friendly hotel)
Planning a trip to Lyon? Save this for later so you don’t miss out on these tasty Lyonnais treats!
Lisa Garrett
Lisa Garrett is the founder of Travel to Lyon.
She has explored Lyon with her husband (Chris) as well as on solo trips to France. She has visited Lyon many times, including a 2-week stay last spring (unseasonally cold for a Phoenix girl!). Whether you’re interested in food, history, or culture, Lisa’s tips will help you plan the perfect trip to Lyon!
Learn more about Lisa!
