A growing number of French stores are now embracing Bitcoin as a form of payment. From large shopping malls to traditional restaurants, businesses across the country are recognizing the value of digital currencies. One such establishment is Bouchon-comptoir Brunet, a renowned bouchon located in Lyon.
Bouchon-comptoir Brunet: The Pioneer of BTC Adoption in Lyon
In 2021, Bouchon-comptoir Brunet made history as the first restaurant in Lyon to accept BTC as a mode of payment. The bouchon now features a dedicated Bitcoin section on its website, explaining the benefits of using BTC as a form of transaction.
On October 21, Le Figaro, the nation’s largest newspaper, reported that certain menu items at the bouchon could only be purchased with Bitcoin. An example of this exclusive offering is the rare bottle of Chartreuse herbal liqueur named la Reine des liqueurs, priced at BTC 0.001 (equivalent to just under $29 at the time of writing).
According to the media outlet, Bouchon-comptoir Brunet has quickly become a popular spot for Bitcoin enthusiasts since introducing the cryptocurrency as a payment option. Owner Benjamin Baldassini was quoted as saying:
“The restaurant has sought to boost interest in BTC as a form of payment by creating a ‘Bitcoin aperitif’ event held on the first Wednesday of every month whereby only BTC payments are authorized.”
This event is co-organized by one of Lyon’s crypto advocacy groups, further highlighting the city’s growing support for digital currencies. Baldassini also emphasized that Bitcoin was a “natural” choice of payment for Lyon retailers, particularly bouchons.
“BTC’s values align with Guignol, the main character in a Lyon-originated puppet show that emerged during the French Revolution, which incorporates elements of social criticism,”
added Baldassini.
Bitcoin-Friendly Venues and the Rise of Digital Payments in France
Bouchon-comptoir Brunet is not the only BTC-friendly venue in Lyon. The city also boasts two Bitcoin ATMs, as reported by CoinATMRadar. Lyon is part of a growing movement of BTC and altcoin-friendly merchants emerging throughout France.
In June, several prominent shopping malls, including L’Heure Tranquille in Tours, Les Rives de l’Orne in Caen, Muse in Metz, and Steel in Saint-Étienne, announced their decision to accept cryptoassets as a payment method. Furthermore, even a large Parisian pharmacy joined the trend and began accepting cryptocurrency payments this year.
Additionally, Burger King’s Paris branches installed new mobile phone charging stations in March, which enabled customers to make payments using cryptocurrencies.
Recognizing the importance of digital currencies in today’s financial landscape, the French government made amendments to the national crypto regulatory framework in August. The new regulations align with the EU-created MiCA licensing system and are expected to be implemented on January 1 next year.
