Lyon by the water

Explore Lyon in total tranquillity with a river cruise

Les Bateaux Lyonnais offers two discovery cruises to see the city, leaving from the centre, on their electric-powered boats: one goes down to the Confluence, while the other goes up the Saône to Île Barbe.

If you have an urge to shop, you can go to the Confluence on a vaporetto with Les Yachts de Lyon, and arrive in style! It links Vaise to the Confluence in four stages. 
If you are partial to early evening drinks, then you will be sure to enjoy a summer evening drink on the vaporetto! Find out more about the Vaporetto.

Alternatively, you can take a cruise on Les Yachts de Lyon’s boat Volupté. Find out more about the Thursday evening aperitif cruises on the Volupté.

Those who like to contemplate nature will love discovering the Grand-Large reservoir on L’Evasion, operated by Les Yachts de Lyon, which also offers an aperitif cruise option.

Treat yourself to a unique experience on the Rhône and Saône

Environmentally friendly and comfortable boats provide a special, laid-back and elegant setting for your transfers, river explorations of Lyon (with 14 stops available to visit places of interest), private functions and corporate events (for up to 11 people).

Board the WaterTaxiLyon for an exceptional, personalised way to get around the city.

Enjoy a romantic meal with your sweetheart on a lunch or dinner cruise.

Step aboard the Hermès restaurant boat for a timeless break that combines fine food and a stunning view of the city, during the day or evening.

Looking for romance and activity? Row, row, row (or pedal!) your boat  

Take a rowing boat, electric boat or pedalo out on the lake at l'Embarcadère of Tête d’Or Park! This is an excellent way to spend a pleasant moment on the lake, with your sweetheart or friends, in a green setting surrounded by ducks and swans. You would never believe you’re in the heart of Lyon!

On the Saône, you can hire an electric boat with Cap Confluent and set off to explore Lyon as a family or with friends (up to 7 passengers), for one or several hours, or even the whole day…

A taste for sport or even adventure?

Take a canoe trip on the river Rhône and Saône, or try stand-up paddling at the Confluence. Enjoy a unique experience as you skim along the water past the river banks and barges. Life jackets are supplied. Find out more about Lyon Canoë.

Those who fancy themselves as sailors can show off their skills on the lake at Grand Parc de Miribel Jonage. Learn various ways to navigate the river, including sailing, canoeing, rowing and windsurfing. Find out more about water activities at Grand Parc Miribel Jonage.

Do you prefer to take part in water sports as a spectator?

If so, the joutes lyonnaises (Lyonnais water jousts) are for you!

And that’s not all, because Lyon hosts several sports events that take place on or in the water over the course of the year:

• The Open Swim Stars Lyon in August
• Lyon Kayak in September
• The Traversée de Lyon à la nage avec palmes (Swim through Lyon with flippers) in January
• Le Pardon des Mariniers (an event held in honour of Lyon’s bargemen) in May