Interview conducted in February 2018 for the Collector Guide, before the Top 14 Final

Hello Frédéric. You’ve played at LOU Rugby since the beginning of the 2016-2017 season, what’s your relationship with Lyon like? 

Lyon is a city that I like very much. I don’t feel like I know it very well yet, as I’ve only lived here for two years, but I’ve found a good balance here, on a professional and personal level. I have two young children and it’s a very nice city to live in as a family! In Lyon, especially with children, life is pretty much ideal: it’s a big city, but with good public transport connections, and there’s loads to see and do, so you don’t get bored here.

You’re a very active person. Where would you recommend for a weekend outing, as a family, for example?

I live in Lyon’s sixth district and I really like Tête d’Or Park. It’s maybe not the most original choice but it’s great for kids! It’s not often you find a park like that right in the city centre. It’s one of our favourite outings as a family. We’ve also taken the children to Musée des Confluences, which they really liked too. 

Besides the park and Gerland Stadium, of course, which other places would you recommend for sport?  

? I love cycling; it’s my main sport outside of training. I go to Tête d’Or Park, go round it, and then head for the Monts d’Or before coming back. It’s a nice little 40 km round trip!

In terms of restaurants, do you have any “Collector” addresses that you’d like to recommend? 

I like restaurants that specialise in meat, as well as brasseries, for their laid-back atmosphere. Among my favourites are the Brasserie de l’Est in Les Brotteaux and L’Argenson, , right next to Gerland stadium. In terms of restaurants for meat, I like the atmosphere at Carneggie Hall, which is also near Gerland Stadium, and Les Garçons Bouchers in the Halles Paul Bocuse, which is a classic!  
For brunch, the Selcius serves very good food, in generous portions. Lastly, one of my favourite places in Lyon is Konditori, a really attractive café that also serves great food. My wife is Australian and a coffee-lover, and she loves this place. I also really like Casa Nobile, a very good Italian restaurant, and Institut Bocuse on Place Bellecour, where the food is of course excellent!

Where do you like going out in Lyon?

Well, as a sportsman, my life is focused on matches, so my favourite place to go out remains Gerland Stadium! It’s been fully renovated and the pre- and (especially) postmatch leisure areas are perfect for a good time! I also like to have a drink at La Maison, which is also close to the stadium. 

Your family lives in Toulouse, what kind of gifts do you like to bring back home? 

Food and drink! I really like the regional wines: a bottle of Côtes du Rhône or Côte-Rôtie always makes a nice gift. Or anything in terms of food. I love the atmosphere at Halles Paul Bocuse on Sunday mornings, and there’s no shortage of gifts  that you can take back from there!!

Further information on LOU Rugby (in French)