The Saône, the heart of Lyon Guided tours

Take in the beauty of landscapes that have been shaped by the river...

With some sections lying deep between the slopes of Lyon’s two hills, and others that widen into a basin suitable for conducting fluvial trade, the River Saône was for a long time the city’s main artery. It is also both a dividing line and an essential link between two distinct parts of the city: the Presqu’île (peninsula) and Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon).

From one bank to the other, follow your tour guide, who will paint in words the many boats that once navigated the river, the little ports tucked in between riverside houses and the various jobs of the ‘gens de rivière’ (river people). You will also discover the eventful history of its bridges, the gradual construction of the riverbanks and the arrival of steam-powered vessels.
The banks of the Saône also served as a venue for extravagant ceremonies, such as those held to celebrate the arrival of royalty, and the ‘Fête des Merveilles’ (a local celebration related to the day of Saint Pothinus, the first bishop of Lyon).
However, the ‘opulente nourrice’ (literally the “ample wet nurse”), as the Saône was called by Guillaume Paradin in the sixteenth century, has at times been a destructive force, a fact that is attested to by the visible traces left by past floods.

In the twentieth century, the people of Lyon’s relationship with the Saône became gradually more distant. Since 2013, the city has been rediscovering the river, as redevelopment of the lower banks has allowed locals to take strolls along the water’s edge and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Tour provided by ONLYLYON Tourisme et Congrès's tour guides

Worth knowing

Please ensure you arrive 10 minutes before the tour commences
Booking is necessary
Cancellation free of charge 72 hours before schedule activity
Children and minors remain under the responsibility of their parents during this visit. The participation of an adult is mandatory for each reservation