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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 19 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

To appreciate Lyon’s glorious riverbanks and architecture at a wonderfully relaxed pace, embark on a river cruise. The city is bisected by two rivers that join in the city itself – the Saone and the Rhone.

There are two tour options. The shorter one (on simpler boats) focuses on the romantic Saone, travelling up to the historic Barbe Island. The longer one (on more luxurious craft) takes you along a central stretch of the Rhone, providing lunch or dinner. With the longer tour, you take in a greater number of Lyon’s great monuments and quarters and get a fuller commentary.

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Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around
Duration: 1-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

For shorter trips, arrive at the Quai des Celestins (nearest metro Vieux Lyon or Bellecour) 15 minutes before departure. For the longer restaurant boat tour head to Quai Claude Bernard (accessible via the tram stop of the same name).

Tickets can be bought without prior reservation at the quay itself, though booking in advance is recommended for the dining tours.

Lunch and dinner are prepared onboard by a Toque Blanche chef from Lyon. On the normal tour boats, light refreshments are available.

When to do it

Riverboats tours run in the afternoon all year, with morning/night tours too in summer. Restaurant boat tours run March to January for lunch and dinner. Check website for exact departure times.

Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

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Lyon City Boat

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

This well-established company has been providing Lyon river cruises for many years. Its boat, Hermes, for dining cruises, is large and comfortable. The Saone cruise boats are much simpler.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Globe et Cecil

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.3 miles]

Chic family-run hotel smack bang in shop-filled Presqu’Ile, offering a cool restaurant serving excellent breakfast and innovative takes on classic Lyonnais dishes.

Official star rating:

Cour des Loges

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.4 miles]

Uniquely stylish hotel-with-restaurant stretching across several historic houses in the centre of Vieux Lyon. Perfectly located for sightseeing.

Official star rating:

Hotel Le Royal Lyon

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.5 miles]

Classically smart, refined hotel right in the centre of Lyon’s main shopping quarter, close to both rivers and to the central art museums.

Official star rating:

Villa Florentine

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.5 miles]

Gorgeous convent converted into a calm luxurious retreat, aloof on the Fourviere hillside overlooking Lyon.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Lyon

Auberge-Rhone-Alpes, France

The gastronomic capital of France, if not the world, is not just a foodie hotspot. With UNESCO-protected architecture and awe-inspiring Roman ruins, its one for history lovers too..

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Vieux (Old) Lyon

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.3 miles]

Lyon’s historic and most beautiful quarter, notably filled with fine 16th-century French Renaissance mansions. An insight into how the city thrived in the Renaissance.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Fourviere Hill

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.8 miles]

The Fourviere hillside offers panoramic city views, a huge 19th-century basilica, two exceptional Roman theatres, and illuminating insights into Lyon’s Roman past.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Lugdunum Museum

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.8 miles]

Nestled into the Fourviere hillside, Lyon’s fascinating Roman attraction is home to two ancient theatres and a museum filled with artefacts depicting all aspects life in the Roman town of Lugdunum.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

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