Lyon is famous for both its food and its lights, and this dinner cruise brings the two together. The Hermès I is one of the restaurant boats of Les Bateaux Lyonnais, and its evening sailing lasts about two and a half hours, long enough for a relaxed three-course meal while the boat follows the rivers through the heart of the city. The menu changes with the seasons and includes a vegetarian option, and drinks are ordered separately on board. As darkness falls, the illuminated bridges, quays and monuments of Lyon, a city that has made lighting design part of its identity, slip past the windows, from the facades of the old town to the basilica glowing on its hill. Live commentary in English and French points out the sights, and booklets are available in several other languages. It is the obvious choice for a birthday, an anniversary or simply a first night in town. This page links to the Tiqets ticket for the Hermès I dinner cruise, with free cancellation up to a day before.
How to book: buy on Tiqets and show your phone at boarding. The Hermès I boards opposite 16 Quai Claude Bernard, on the left bank of the Rhône at the foot of the Pont de l’Université, which is a different quay from the daytime Saône cruises, so check your ticket. Doors open at 20:00, the boat leaves at 20:30 and returns at about 23:00. The boat is wheelchair accessible. Free cancellation and rescheduling are possible until 24 hours ahead. A sister boat, the Hermès II, runs similar dinner cruises, and lunch cruises are also sold.
What to expect: this is a sit-down meal at shared-room tables rather than gourmet dining, and the pleasure is in the setting as much as the plate. Drinks are not included, so budget for wine. Window tables are the most sought after, so arrive when the doors open. Evenings can be cool on the outside deck from autumn to spring.
Making the most of it: book early for weekends and for the Fête des Lumières, when the city is at its most beautiful after dark but sailings may be changed, so confirm your departure that week. Ask about menu choices when you book if you have dietary needs.
What to expect
The experience
A seated three-course dinner on a restaurant boat, with live commentary as the illuminated city passes the windows.
Best time
A clear evening from autumn to spring, when darkness falls early and the lights are on for the whole sailing.
How long
About two and a half hours, from 20:30 to 23:00.
Tips
Board opposite 16 Quai Claude Bernard on the Rhône, not at the daytime Saône quay, and arrive at 20:00 for a window table.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A romantic or celebratory evening that combines a meal with the city’s famous lights.
- Families
- Works for older children who can sit through a long dinner; younger ones may prefer the one-hour daytime cruise.
- Couples
- Ask for a window table and order a bottle of local Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône.
- Pair with
- A daytime visit to Les Halles Paul Bocuse to taste the city’s food culture at the source.
- Time needed
- Two and a half hours in the evening.
Good questions
Where does the Hermès I dinner cruise board?+
It boards opposite 16 Quai Claude Bernard, on the left bank of the Rhône by the Pont de l’Université. Doors open at 20:00 and the boat leaves at 20:30.
Are drinks included in the dinner cruise?+
No, the ticket covers the three-course meal and commentary, and drinks are ordered on board. A vegetarian option is available.
How long does the dinner cruise last?+
About two and a half hours, returning at around 23:00. Allow time to get back to your hotel late in the evening.
Is there commentary on the dinner cruise?+
Yes, live commentary is given in English and French. Booklets are available in several other languages.
Can I cancel the dinner cruise?+
Yes, Tiqets offers free cancellation and rescheduling until 24 hours before the sailing. After that the ticket is non-refundable.
