Lyon is a city of two rivers, and seeing it from the water is the easiest way to understand how it fits together. This one-hour sightseeing cruise is run by Les Bateaux Lyonnais, the city’s long-established boat company, and leaves from the Quai des Célestins on the left bank of the Saône, at the foot of the Palais de Justice footbridge, a few minutes from Place Bellecour. From the deck you look across to the Renaissance facades of Vieux Lyon and up to the basilica on Fourvière, pass under a string of bridges and footbridges, and see how the historic quarters, listed by UNESCO, sit alongside striking modern buildings further downstream. A live guide gives the commentary in English and French, and a printed navigation plan is available in many other languages. It is a relaxed, low-effort hour that suits first-timers, families and anyone with tired legs after a morning on the hills. This page links to the Tiqets ticket, with free cancellation up to a day ahead.
How to book: buy on Tiqets and show the ticket on your phone at the Les Bateaux Lyonnais office at 2 Quai des Célestins. Metro line A to Bellecour is the closest stop, buses 31 and 40 stop at the footbridge, and from Vieux Lyon you simply cross the Saône on the Palais de Justice footbridge. Food and drinks are not included. The boat is wheelchair accessible. Free cancellation and rescheduling are available until 24 hours before your sailing.
What to expect in winter: from 1 November to 31 March the Lyon City Card includes a leisure cruise with this company, collected at the ticket office on the day, so card holders should arrive 20 to 30 minutes early instead of booking. Sailings can be changed during the Fête des Lumières and when the rivers are in flood, so check before you go in December or after heavy rain. The covered deck keeps you dry, but bring a warm layer for time outside.
Making the most of it: sit on the side facing Vieux Lyon for the best views of the old town and the basilica above it. An afternoon sailing works well after Fourvière and the traboules, and the quay is a short walk from the restaurants of the Presqu’île for dinner afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour guided boat trip on the Saône with live commentary in English and French and a printed plan in other languages.
Best time
Mid-afternoon on a clear day, when the light falls on the facades of Vieux Lyon.
How long
One hour on the water, plus 15 minutes to board.
Tips
City Card holders get a cruise from November to March by collecting tickets at the office on the day, so arrive early.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seeing how Lyon’s hills, rivers and historic quarters fit together without walking another step.
- Families
- An easy, seated hour that children enjoy, with step-free boarding and a covered deck.
- Couples
- Pair an afternoon sailing with an aperitif on the Presqu’île afterwards.
- Pair with
- Vieux Lyon across the footbridge, and Place Bellecour a few minutes’ walk away.
- Time needed
- About one hour.
Good questions
Where does the Saône cruise leave from?+
It leaves from the Les Bateaux Lyonnais office at 2 Quai des Célestins, at the foot of the Palais de Justice footbridge. Bellecour metro station on line A is the nearest stop.
How long is the sightseeing cruise?+
The cruise lasts about one hour. Arrive around 15 minutes early to show your ticket and board.
Is the commentary in English?+
Yes, a live guide speaks in English and French. A printed navigation plan is available in several other languages.
Is the cruise included in the Lyon City Card?+
From 1 November to 31 March the card includes a leisure cruise with this company. Collect your ticket at the office on the day, as there is no advance booking.
Do cruises run during the Fête des Lumières?+
Sailings can be altered during the festival and in times of flooding. Check with the operator before you go in early December.
