Berges du Rhône - a large mountain with trees on the side of it
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Berges du Rhône

4.5
·54 reviews·Lyon, France

Scenic riverside promenade perfect for walks, sports, and picnics with stunning city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Pleasant for walks and sports

CrowdMedium
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Berges du Rhône - a large mountain with trees on the side of it

Berges du Rhône

Best Time

Daytime

Pleasant for walks and sports

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Scenic riverside promenade perfect for walks, sports, and picnics with stunning city views.

4.5
(54 reviews)

"A must when in Lyon, weather permitting, is strolling along the Rhône!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Strolls

Walk from Place Bellecour to the confluence near Musée des Confluences and back.

☀️ Daytime Fun

Ideal for running, cycling, walking, and picnics.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Promenade

Riverside Promenade

Along the Rhône River

Enjoy picturesque views of Lyon's architecture and vibrant city life while walking or cycling.

Reddit
Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Various points along the river

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Rhône, a truly magical experience.

Reddit
Active Pursuits

Active Pursuits

Designated sports areas

Perfect for running, cycling, or even outdoor workouts with dedicated spots for muscle strengthening.

Reddit
Picnic Paradise

Picnic Paradise

Grassy areas along the banks

Pack a picnic and relax by the water, soaking in the pleasant atmosphere.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Rhône Banks

Stroll, cycle, or picnic along the scenic Berges du Rhône. It's a fantastic way to experience Lyon's riverside charm and get some exercise before indulging in the city's famous cuisine. Reddit

Evening Caution Advised

While beautiful at sunset, avoid evenings, especially weekends. Reports suggest increased crowds and pickpocketing risks, making daytime visits more enjoyable and secure. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Pleasant for walks and sports
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Magical light and views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Beachy area along either river?

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Strolls

Walk from Place Bellecour to the confluence near Musée des Confluences and back. Reddit

☀️ Daytime Fun

Ideal for running, cycling, walking, and picnics. Reddit

reddit.com

Walking to the point of the presqu’île

🌙 Evening Caution

Avoid evenings, especially weekends, due to crowds and pickpockets. Reddit

💪 Fitness Spots

Utilize the dedicated areas for muscle strengthening during your visit. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Strolls

Walk from Place Bellecour to the confluence near Musée des Confluences and back. Reddit

☀️ Daytime Fun

Ideal for running, cycling, walking, and picnics. Reddit

🌙 Evening Caution

Avoid evenings, especially weekends, due to crowds and pickpockets. Reddit

💪 Fitness Spots

Utilize the dedicated areas for muscle strengthening during your visit. Reddit

🍽️ Gastronomic Prep

Great exercise before enjoying Lyon's culinary delights. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(54 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Berges du Rhône as a beautiful and friendly place for strolling, sports, and picnics, offering great views and a pleasant atmosphere, especially during the day and at sunset. However, some caution against visiting in the evenings, particularly on weekends, due to concerns about crowds and pickpocketing.

"A must when in Lyon, weather permitting, is strolling along the Rhône! You have the best views of the 2nd and can take in all the sites and get some exercise in to enjoy the gastronomic wonders of the city!"

Sydney Martinie

"The banks of the Rhône are beautiful and friendly. You can take a nice walk there to the Hôtel Dieu. A very pretty night with the lights 🥰"

Julien

"Very, very nice for strolling, walking, doing sports, cycling, scootering, really great! Why not even a little picnic!"

Hilary H

What People Like

Beautiful riverside views
Great for sports
Pleasant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Evening crowds
Pickpocketing concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily walk from Place Bellecour along the Rhône riverbanks. The area is well-connected and offers a pleasant stroll towards the confluence point, which is near the Musée des Confluences. Reddit

During the day, it is considered safe and pleasant for walking, running, and cycling. However, it's advised to avoid evenings, especially on weekends, due to potential crowds and pickpocketing. Reddit

Absolutely! The Berges du Rhône are very popular for cycling, offering dedicated paths and a scenic route. Reddit

Several bus lines and tram routes serve the areas along the Rhône. You can check local transport apps for the most convenient routes depending on your starting point in Lyon.

Limited street parking may be available, but it's often easier and more sustainable to use public transport or walk/cycle to the Berges du Rhône, especially during peak times.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Berges du Rhône are a public space and are free to access for everyone. Reddit

As an outdoor public space, the Berges du Rhône are generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

While there aren't specific guided tours for the Berges du Rhône themselves, many city tours of Lyon include this area as part of their itinerary.

Dogs are generally allowed on the Berges du Rhône, but it's always a good idea to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

No, the entire stretch of the Berges du Rhône is a public park and there are no entrance fees for any part of it. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy strolling, running, cycling, scootering, picnicking, and relaxing by the river. There are also spots for muscle strengthening exercises. Reddit

While there aren't many formal restaurants directly on the banks, you can find cafes and kiosks, or pack your own picnic to enjoy. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for photography, especially during sunset, offering lovely views of the city and river. Reddit

Public restrooms are available at various points along the Berges du Rhône, particularly near popular access areas and parks.

Many enjoy the stretch leading towards the Musée des Confluences for its views and proximity to the river merge. The entire length offers a pleasant experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset offers the most dramatic light for photography, casting a warm glow over the river and city. Daytime provides clear views of the architecture. Reddit

You can capture wide-angle shots of the river and bridges, portraits with the city skyline, and dynamic action shots of cyclists or runners. Reddit

The confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers near the Musée des Confluences is a key landmark. The various bridges also offer great photographic opportunities. Reddit

Daytime can be moderately busy with locals and tourists. Evenings, especially weekends, can be very crowded, making it harder to get unobstructed shots. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for various shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive river views, and a tripod can be helpful for low-light sunset shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Berges du Rhône offer a fantastic, open space for families. Kids can run around freely, cycle, or scooter on the wide paths. It's a safe environment for them to burn off energy, and the riverside setting provides a gentle introduction to nature within the city. Reddit

Consider packing a picnic to make the outing even more enjoyable and budget-friendly. While there aren't specific playgrounds directly on the banks, the sheer open space and the opportunity to watch boats on the river are often entertainment enough for younger children. Remember to supervise them closely, especially near the water's edge. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For those who love to stay active, the Berges du Rhône are a dream. The extensive, flat pathways are perfect for long-distance running and cycling. You'll find dedicated fitness stations scattered along the banks, equipped for various strength training exercises, making it a complete outdoor gym. Reddit

The airy environment and scenic views enhance the workout experience. It’s a popular spot for locals to train, so you'll find a motivating atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a cardio session or a strength workout, the Berges du Rhône provide an excellent, free-to-use facility. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Confluence

A highlight for many visitors is the walk towards the point of the presqu'île, where the Rhône and Saône rivers merge. This area is easily accessible from Place Bellecour and offers a unique perspective on Lyon's geography. The Musée des Confluences stands prominently at this junction, serving as a visual landmark. Redditors confirm that walking along either riverbank to this point and returning via the other is entirely feasible and safe during the day. Reddit

This stretch of the Berges du Rhône is not just about the views; it's a vibrant public space. You'll find people jogging, cycling, picnicking, and simply enjoying the open air. The banks are well-maintained, providing a pleasant environment for all activities. It’s a perfect spot to get a feel for the local lifestyle and enjoy some light exercise before diving into Lyon's renowned culinary scene. Reddit

Active Pursuits and Relaxation

The Berges du Rhône are a haven for active individuals. The wide, flat paths are ideal for running, cycling, and scootering. Many visitors appreciate the presence of muscle-strengthening stations, allowing for a full-body workout amidst a beautiful setting. The airy and pleasant atmosphere makes it a preferred spot for locals to stay fit. Reddit

Beyond organized sports, the area is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The grassy banks offer ample space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal with a view. It’s a versatile destination catering to both those seeking vigorous activity and those looking for a peaceful place to unwind by the water. Reddit

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