The Banks of the Saône

A Peaceful Journey to the Heart of Lyon

The banks of the Saône offer a serene and picturesque experience in the heart of Lyon. Bordered by landscaped quays, this river, which majestically crosses the city, offers an ideal setting to relax, stroll and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the capital of Gaul.

History and Characteristics

The Saône, one of Lyon's two rivers along with the Rhône, has played a crucial role in the city's history. Its banks have been places of life, commerce and transport since Antiquity. Today, the quays of the Saône are spaces where history, nature and modernity mingle.

Panorama of the Saône at Saint-Jean (pen and gray wash by L. Lingelbach 1644 - Albertina)
Panorama of the Saône at Saint-Jean (pen and gray wash by L. Lingelbach 1644 – Albertina) – Johannes Lingelbach, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Walks and Green Spaces

The banks of the Saône are designed to offer residents and visitors spaces for relaxation. Shaded walks, cycle paths, picnic areas and green spaces punctuate the banks, inviting moments of relaxation and outdoor leisure.

Panoramic Views and Iconic Bridges

Along the Saône, walkers can admire panoramic views of Lyon's iconic quays and bridges. The Pont Bonaparte, the Pont Maréchal Juin and the Pont Kitchener-Marchand add a picturesque atmosphere to this river landscape.

Left bank of the Saône in Lyon
Left bank of the Saône in Lyon

Cultural Activities and Events

The banks of the Saône are also the scene of cultural activities and events throughout the year. Open-air concerts, craft markets, festivals and sporting events regularly punctuate these quays, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.

Restaurants and Terraces

The many restaurants, cafés and terraces along the Saône offer a variety of cuisines and places to eat while enjoying the peaceful view of the river. These establishments are perfect for tasting local or international specialties while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the quays.

Lyon Quai Saint-Vincent 1
Lyon Quai Saint-Vincent

Place of Life and Meeting

The banks of the Saône are gathering places for Lyonnais of all ages. Locals come here to walk, play sports, play with their children or simply relax, creating a friendly atmosphere and a sense of belonging to this beautiful city.

In short, the banks of the Saône in Lyon are much more than just a stretch of water; they represent a place of life, relaxation and conviviality, where history blends harmoniously with modernity, inviting everyone to enjoy a peaceful interlude in the heart of this dynamic metropolis.

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Map of the must-sees

Rosa Mir Garden

The Court of the Voracious

Bellevue Square

The Gardens of the Grande-Côte

Place des Jacobins

Chapel of the Trinity

Saint-Georges district

The Basilica of Ainay

Saint-Nizier Church

International City

Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Saint Bonaventure Church

Statue of Saint Exupéry

Saint-Antoine Food Market

St. John's Cathedral

Hotel-Dieu of Lyon

The traboules of Old Lyon

Printing Museum

The Museum of Confluences

St. Peter's Palace

The Bartholdi Fountain

The Fresco of the Lyonnais

The painted walls

Merciere Street

Lyon Opera

Light Institute

The Confluence

Old Lyon

Golden Head Park

Place des Terreaux

Bellecour Square

The Gadagne Museum

The Canuts' house

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Banks of the Rhone

Museum of Fine Arts

The Paul Bocuse Halls

Our Lady of Fourviere

The Banks of the Saône

Climbs of the Croix-Rousse

Brotteaux district

Lyon Aquarium

Barbe Island

CHRD - resistance museum

Brochier Silk Museum

Guignol Theatre of the Park

Little Guignol Museum

The House of Guignol

Mini World Lyon

The Cinema Museum

Fourvière Museum

Subsistences

Other places

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Pierre Bossan

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