Berges du Rhône

Overview

The Berges du Rhône is a 5-kilometer riverside promenade along the left bank of the Rhône, stretching from the Parc de la Tête d'Or in the north to the Confluence district in the south. Redesigned in 2007, it transformed a former highway into one of Europe's finest urban waterfronts.

Highlights

• The Promenade: Wide paths for walking, jogging, and cycling alongside terraced lawns, floating gardens, and sculptural seating.
• Péniche Bars: Several moored barges have been converted into restaurants, bars, and nightclubs — a quintessential Lyon evening experience.
• Sports Facilities: Free outdoor climbing walls, basketball courts, and pétanque grounds line the riverbank.

History

Until 2003, the left bank of the Rhône was a six-lane highway and car park. Between 2003 and 2007, the city removed 2,000 parking spaces and reclaimed the riverbank as public space, creating one of the most ambitious car-free urban transformations in France.

Visitor Tips

• Evening Walk: The promenade is at its best on warm evenings when locals gather for picnics, pétanque, and drinks on the péniches.
• Cycling: Rent a Vélo'v (Lyon's bike-share) and cycle the full length — it's flat and scenic.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes for a walk; 30 minutes by bike.