In Lyon, the rivers change rhythm: the Bocuse houses board the Bateaux Lyonnais. The caterer C-Gastronomie, associated with the Bocuse group, has just taken over this fleet of restaurant cruises. Between Rhône and Saône, a new player arrives with a promise mixing river tourism and Lyon cuisine.
Established for more than forty years, the Bateaux Lyonnais take on board nearly 190,000 passengers each year for walks and meals along the water. The company has six boats and around fifty employees. The new shareholders promise to maintain jobs and are already talking about a new stage.
Bocuse takes the helm of Bateaux Lyonnais
The buyout was made without an announced amount: C-Gastronomie bought the Bateaux Lyonnais, until then owned by Lavorel Hotels for nine years, and their cruise-restaurant activity on the Rhône and Saône. The whole represents 8 million euros in turnover and 49 employees. Lavorel Hotels explains that, a quote taken up by France 3 Rhône-Alpes.
For Jean-Claude Lavorel, the handover is intended to be calm, he said, he told LyonMag. Paul-Maurice Morel, associate general director of Bocuse restaurants and brasseries, summarizes: .
C-Gastronomie and the Bocuse group, a duo between Rhône and Saône
C-Gastronomie, co-founded by Paul-Maurice Morel, already provided catering services for on-board events. The acquisition formalizes this link and places it in the Bocuse group’s strategy.
For Paul-Maurice Morel, the challenge is to connect; he also specifies that. Jean-Marie Girault, general director of C-Gastronomie, announces: .
What this new captain changes for Lyon cruises
With more than forty years of existence and around 190,000 passengers per year, the Bateaux Lyonnais remain a tourist institution between Rhône and Saône. The new owners say they want to maintain jobs and attract an event clientele while maintaining cruises for the general public. Jean-Marie Girault adds: .
For passengers, the arrival of Bocuse is first seen on the plate, with seasonal menus and local products carried by C-Gastronomie. It is also part of the diversification of a Bocuse group which brings together brasseries, caterers, boutiques, grocery stores and a magazine, and continues its development around a Lyon art of living.
Who bought the Bateaux Lyonnais?
The C-Gastronomie caterer, associated with the Bocuse group.
How many jobs do Bateaux Lyonnais represent?
The company has 49 employees, or around fifty employees.
What will the arrival of Bocuse on board change?
A more complete local experience, between gastronomy, heritage and events.
