Lyon

Lyon

France

Ride the funicular up Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for breathtaking city views and explore Lyon's Renaissance old town with stunning traboule passageways.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language French
Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
Best Time to Visit May–Oct
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range $1,778-$9,690 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Rhône River cruises through France's wine country, offering access to historic medieval towns and renowned vineyards along one of Europe's most scenic waterways.

Cruises that visit Lyon

Build Your Day in Lyon

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Parc de la Tête d'Or ... is the biggest park in the heart of Lyon, with many many activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 61k
Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière Probably one of the best things to see in Lyon and potentially in France. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 41k Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Carmelo Good food, the staff is super nice and the atmosphere is gorgeous! Italian · ★ 4.8 · 40k
Place Bellecour The biggest place in Lyon with nearby park and a big statue of Louis Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 27k
Confluence Good selection of shops and especially (fast) food outlets Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 20k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
Westfield La Part-Dieu Good selection of stores and an entire floor dedicated to food is awsome. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 16k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Tue
Grand Parc Miribel Jonage Nice family beach area with a cafe and lifeguards on duty. Park · ★ 4.3 · 14k
Aushopping Porte des Alpes Enormous selection of *everything* and cheap too! Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 11k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Tue
Primark Cheap clothes and nice workers Clothing store · ★ 3.7 · 10k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Tue
Théâtre Gallo Romain The roman theatres of Lyon are FREE to visit (but close at sunset). Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 8k
Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon The shops and department store are so stunning, chic and tasteful. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 7k Open · Closes 1 AM
Tigermilk Lyon Delicious vegetarian and gluten free options, great drinks and a great vibe Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 7k
Mur des Canuts The gigantic mural at Mur des Canuts in Lyon is a sight to behold. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k
Fresque des Lyonnais Unique Fresque, great for a sitdown and exploration of Lyon history Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 7k
Restaurant Paul Bocuse it is an immersion into the history and soul of French haute cuisine. Haute French · ★ 4.9 · 6k Closed · Opens 12 PM Wed
DS Café Lyon Very cute place, great fresh drink and great service Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 6k
Printemps Lyon Great selection and staff is a stand out at being kind, helpful and smiley. Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 6k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Tue
Porte des Enfants du Rhône Beautiful entrance with access to boat rides and group bikes inside! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k
Galeries Lafayette Varied selection of brands, ample space. Clothing store · ★ 4.1 · 6k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Tue
Lyon Part Dieu The train station in Lyon, easy to access by public transportation Train station · ★ 3.4 · 5k
Place des Terreaux A must-visit for anyone exploring Lyon’s old town and cultural heart. Plaza · ★ 4.5 · 5k
Le Vieux Lyon The food is spectacular, and the service is unbeatable. French · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Opéra National de Lyon 5 stories down and 12 stories up, the visit is worth discovering. Opera house · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Chez Grand-Mère The food is delicious, the atmosphere warm, and the service impeccable. French · ★ 4.4 · 4k
Les Fils À Maman Lyon The meal that I ordered was delicious, and the staff was really kind. French · ★ 4.3 · 4k Closed · Opens 12 PM Wed
L'Auberge des Canuts - Bouchon Lyonnais Delicious food, rustic and friendly ambiance, and warm, friendly service. French · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Comptoir Chabert Fabulous menu, excellent service and great value even with a decent wine. French · ★ 4.6 · 3k Closes soon · 9:30 PM
Le Bouchon des Cordeliers Each dish was amazingly prepared and balanced without being pretentious. French · ★ 4.7 · 3k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
Garden Bistro - Restaurant Français Rue Mercière Fantastic food, fantastic service, & excellent atmosphere and location. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k
UNIQLO LYON CARNOT Generally very good shopping experience with free modification over 20euros. Clothing store · ★ 4 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
Palais de la Bourse de Lyon Beautiful building, probably part of the Lyon past heritage. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Centre Nautique Tony Bertrand The changing rooms and showers are clean and have plenty of space. Public swimming pool · ★ 3.7 · 3k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Tue
MAMA RESTAURANT LYON The food was light, healthy, and full of taste. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Slake Coffee House Beautiful coffee place in Lyon that serves good coffee and food. Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
Nuage café A great cafe, really nice vibe, the staff were lovely and not too expensive. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closes soon · 9 PM
Bouchon Tupin The food is high quality and excellent at a reasonable price. French · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
Jardin des Curiosités Off-the-beaten path park with a great view over Lyon. Garden · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Café Joyeux Kind staff, good prices and a beautiful place in Lyon! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Tue
M Restaurant Food was great, very French, very elegant and the portion size were perfect. French · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closes soon · 9:30 PM
L'Alsacien Lyon Super cool staff, atmosphere and delicious food!!! Alsace restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k
L'Atelier des Augustins The food was delicious, creative, and locally sourced, which we loved. Haute French · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 12:15 PM Tue
La Mère Jean Delicious food, reasonably priced and warm service. French · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Slake Terreaux - Coffee & Brunch (Lyon 1er) Great food and service x Relaxing atmosphere and chill in Lyon Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 8 AM Tue
La Mère Brazier Each plate was perfectly prepared and exquisitely plated. French · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed
Parc des Hauteurs The best view of Lyon France Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 7:45 AM Tue
ART Restaurant Lyon Great service, high-quality food, and a very enjoyable atmosphere. French · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed
L'Artchimiste Great service, loved the drinks, and the prices were very reasonable. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Le Dôme Drinks are delicious and beautiful, service is excellent! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
MOMENTO Nice relaxing coffee shop, staff very friendly and coffee exceptional. Coffee shop · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Maison Moly A very reasonable price for dinner and good prompt personable wait staff. French · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
La Tête De Lard High quality food at reasonable prices! French · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Wed
Regain restaurant LYON Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closes soon · 9:15 PM
Hôtel de Ville de Lyon The Hôtel de Ville and Place des Terreaux in Lyon are absolutely stunning! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:45 AM Tue
Louis Vuitton Lyon It has lots of stock and different item pieces. Leather goods store · ★ 3.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Tue
Les Fines Gueules Bouchon Lyonnais The fishe souffle in clam sauce was amazing as well as beef tounge macaroni. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:45 AM Tue
Culina Hortus Having a meal here means entering a culinary (and visual) experience. French · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
The Monkey Club The drinks are so good and the staff is welcoming, nice and friendly! Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue
WAM PARK - Lyon - Condrieu Amusement center · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
Le Florian Perfect cocktails in a cozy bar with a stellar playlist. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
L'Osteria Lyon St. Nizier Food was great, waiter was very nice and the prices were awesome! Italian · ★ 4.8 · 1k
LA GÂCHE Good atmosphere, nice friendly service, wine excellent, food average. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Plage de L'atol Onsite services Beach pavillion · ★ 4 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Le Bœuf d'Argent The elegant and creative food, the service and the atmosphere were amazing. French · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 PM Wed
Agastache Restaurant Creative dishes, very well prepared in a comfortable, casual setting. French · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
L' Antiquaire A perfectly made gin martini in a comfortable setting. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Jardin Archéologique Must see before you leave Lyon. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Le Neuvième Art The presentation was excellent, the service highly attentive and thoughtful. French · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Tue
Jardin Rosa Mir Such a beautiful and underrated attraction hidden in a corner of the city! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
The Phantom of the Opera Friendly staff, great cocktails, cosy atmosphere, had a great time. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM Tue
Burgundy by Matthieu Beautiful food, wonderful wine carefully paired, service impeccable. Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
La Boîte à Café We got lemon scones and coffee, and they were amazing! Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Tue
Nosch Very simple: AAA (amazing food, amazing wine cellar, amazing service)! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 24 Rue Palais Grillet
Wanderlust Lyon Spectacular cocktails, service, and vibes. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue
RESTAURANT Takao Takano The dishes were original, tasty, and beautifully presented. Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Prairial | Restaurant étoilé Michelin à Lyon Confluence You never forget your first Michelin starred experience and this was ours. Haute French · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 PM Tue
Ombellule The 10 course meal was refined yet inventive and surprising with each plate. Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Tue
La Table de la Villa Florentine Exceptional food, brilliant service and lovely atmosphere. French · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 PM Tue
Black Forest Society Pleasant service and top notch cocktails. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM Tue
Le Dandelion - Café - Restaurant Lyon 2 Amazing food, good coffee, and the owner is very welcoming and sweet. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Tue
Traboules du Vieux Lyon It was fun to check out the traboules a must to check out when in Lyon Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Plage De Grand Parc De Miribel Awesome place very close to Lyon giving a feel of nice Beach. Beach pavillion · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 1 PM Tue
you cocktail bar Excellent service, great advices, incredibles cocktails! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Sauvage Great food and drinks, super Service and cozy atmosphere Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Spa Lyon Plage Spa and health club · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Plage du Fontanil 🌟🌳🏞️ Fantastic Park with a Serene Lake for Swimming! Beach · ★ 4.1 · 0k
The Silver Arcade of Lyon Interesting shops and great atmosphere. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Plage de la Baraka Beach pavillion · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 1 PM Tue
Montée du Gourguillon Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Lyon is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Lyon

About Lyon

Lyon stands as a premier river cruise hub in France's Rhone region, welcoming travelers through four major cruise lines including Viking River Cruises, Emerald Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Amadeus River Cruises. Whether you're embarking on your river adventure or joining a cruise already underway, Lyon offers exceptional access to over 1,100 upcoming sailings. Most voyages span seven nights, taking you through some of France's most enchanting riverside destinations including Avignon, Arles, Viviers, and Tournon-sur-Rhône, with peak sailing seasons running from May through October.

As both a departure point and port of call, Lyon gives cruise passengers the perfect balance of exploration and convenience. Those with time ashore will discover a city renowned for its culinary traditions and Renaissance architecture, while the strategic location ensures seamless connections to the broader Rhone Valley. Whether you're a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Lyon's well-established cruise infrastructure and diverse itinerary options make it an ideal choice for your next river adventure.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Ascend to Lyon's most iconic landmark, perched majestically on the Fourvière Basilica overlooking the city. This stunning white Romano-Byzantine church offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhône and Saône rivers converging below. The ornate interior features intricate mosaics and gilded decorations that showcase centuries of devotion and architectural brilliance.

2

Silk Weaving Heritage & Shopping

Explore the Vieux Lyon neighborhood where Renaissance buildings house boutiques selling exquisite Lyonnaise silk products. Browse traditional silk scarves, ties, and textiles crafted using centuries-old techniques in this UNESCO-recognized district. The narrow cobblestone streets reveal hidden traboules—secret passageways connecting buildings—adding charm to your shopping adventure.

3

Culinary Capital's Local Markets

Experience Quai Saint-Antoine's vibrant market stalls bursting with fresh produce, local cheeses, and Lyonnaise specialties. Sample traditional bouchon cuisine at a family-run restaurant, where hearty dishes like quenelles and saucisson reflect the region's gastronomic excellence. Lyon's reputation as France's food capital comes alive through authentic flavors and warm hospitality.

4

Confluence Museum's Modern Design

Visit this architectural marvel featuring a striking glass and metal structure housing world-class exhibits on natural history and human civilization. The museum's innovative design and engaging collections provide cultural enrichment in just a few hours. Located near the port, it's an ideal stop for curious travelers seeking contemporary art and science.

5

Parc de la Tête d'Or Riverside Stroll

Wander through this magnificent urban park featuring a pristine lake, botanical gardens, and zoo, all nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers. The peaceful tree-lined paths offer perfect photo opportunities and a serene escape from city bustle. Watch swans glide across the water while enjoying views of Lyon's skyline and the surrounding landscape.

Cruise Lines at Lyon

Cruises Departing From Lyon

Cruises Visiting Lyon

Ship Schedule at Lyon

Lyon Location

Other Cruise Ports in France

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyon known for?

Lyon is renowned for its historic architecture, traboules, and gastronomy.

Where is Lyon located?

Lyon lies in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

What are must-see areas in Lyon?

Vieux Lyon, Presqu'île, Fourvière, and the Confluence district are top highlights.

What does FRLIO stand for?

FRLIO is the UN/LOCODE for Lyon (France), identifying it as an official port.