Explore Lyon in total tranquillity with a river cruise!
Les Bateaux Lyonnais offers three 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.
Le Vaporetto des Yachts de Lyon
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 on the Vaporetto
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 or Go Captain (from Rochetaillée-sur-Saône) 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?
Lyon Kayak on the Rhône
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, from May to the end of October, 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 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
- The 'Entre Rhône et Saône' Water festival in July
- The Open Swim Stars Lyon in August
- Lyon Kayak in August or September