Confluence District

Overview

The Confluence district is Lyon's boldest urban renewal project — a former industrial wasteland at the southern tip of the Presqu'île, where the Rhône and Saône rivers merge. Entirely redeveloped since 2003, it is now a showcase of contemporary architecture, sustainable design, and waterfront living.

Highlights

• Musée des Confluences: The district's architectural icon — a spectacular deconstructivist museum by Coop Himmelb(l)au perched at the river junction.
• The Docks: A converted 1920s warehouse complex housing shops, restaurants, and a multiplex cinema along the quays.
• Orange Cube: Jakob + MacFarlane's perforated orange building, one of several avant-garde structures lining the new waterfront.

History

For decades, this area was a gritty industrial zone of rail yards, a prison, and a wholesale market. In 2003, the Grand Lyon authority launched one of Europe's largest urban regeneration projects, transforming 150 hectares into a mixed-use district with 25,000 residents. The area earned the WWF's label as France's first sustainable neighborhood.

Visitor Tips

• River Walk: Stroll the full length of the Quai Perrache promenade for a curated tour of contemporary architecture.
• Sunset: The confluence tip offers beautiful sunset views as the two rivers merge.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.