"What to do in Lyon this summer? That's the question asked every year by thousands of Lyonnais who spend the summer months in the city. However, you don't have to go to the Mediterranean coast to enjoy a summer worthy of the name. The City of Lights, too, is brimming with sunny summer activities.
1. Take a dip in the Rhône pool
The Rhône pool, also known as the Tony Bertrand nautical center, is undoubtedly one of Lyon's finest pools, if not the finest. With two pools, one Olympic-size for laps, and the other even larger, stretching 70 m, it's also the city's largest pool, so this XXL version is a must for anyone wondering what to do in Lyon this summer. In this second pool dedicated exclusively to leisure activities, you can enjoy slides, whirlpools and other rivers of current! Best of all, this outdoor pool in the heart of Lyon boasts a breathtaking view of the Fourvière.
2. Sunbathing by the Eaux Bleues lake
The Grand Parc Miribel Jonage and its Eaux Bleues lake offer a real breath of fresh air for those looking for something to do in Lyon this summer. You'll find three public sandy beaches licked by divine water temperatures, as well as a private beach. The lake is only ten kilometers from the city, which means it's easily accessible. The water is regularly checked and is of excellent quality for a sunny weekend.
3. Take a cruise on the Saône
Numerous service providers offer cruises on the Saône. There are several options: a daytime cruise, a sunset cruise, or why not with dinner on board. You can also hire your own boat, and sometimes even order an aperitif on board. So many ways to cool off on the water's edge while enjoying the warm summer days. A must-see if you're spending a weekend in Lyon!
Book my guided cruise on the Saône
4. Going to the museum
Lyon is home to some of the best museums in France, and there are so many of them that even the most seasoned Lyonnais still have plenty to visit. Among the most interesting if you're looking for what to do in Lyon this summer, note for example:
- Musée des Confluences: this architectural gem boasts a comprehensive collection exploring anthropology and the natural sciences.
- Musée Lumière: this museum traces the history of cinema in the former home of the Lumière brothers.
- The Musée de la Miniature et du Cinéma: the perfect complement to the Musée Lumière, this museum takes a more artistic approach to the seventh art.
- Musée des Beaux-arts : a rich collection of works of art from all periods.
- Musée d'Art Contemporain: regularly renews its exhibitions.
- Center d'histoire de la résistance et de la déportation: perfect for history buffs, this museum looks at Lyon's history during the Second World War.
5. Watch an open-air film at l'Été en cinémascope
Lyon, the city of cinema par excellence, organizes the annual Été en cinémascope event. These are open-air screenings of major films at Place Ambroise Courtois, in Lyon's 8th arrondissement. It's the perfect activity if you're looking for something to do in Lyon this summer to enjoy the warm starry nights. This is one of the best cultural festivals in France, not only because of its rigorous selection, but also because it's completely free!
6. Picnicking at the Garden of Curiosities, one of the best things to do in Lyon this summer
The Jardin des Curiosités is undoubtedly one of France's most beautiful urban parks. Located in the5th arrondissement, it offers spectacular views of Old Lyon, the Part-Dieu business district and, on a clear day, the Alps! As such, it's the ideal spot for a picnic! In summer, make the most of the sunshine by packing yourself a snack of Lyon specialities or food from the market. If you don't fancy a picnic, you can also enjoy the view from the park as the sun sets. In addition to the Garden of Curiosities, there are many other places in Lyon that are perfectly suited to a picnic, so you'll be able to repeat the experience.
7. Admire the sunset from the slopes of the Croix Rousse, on Place Rouville
The Place Rouville in the1st arrondissement also offers a fantastic view of Lyon. Perched on the slopes of the Croix Rousse, it remains relatively unknown, yet offers a panorama as confidential as it is spectacular. What's more, the area is a veritable showcase of Lyon's heritage, and lends itself well to a stroll. Just a two-minute walk away, the Jardin des Chartreux makes for a pleasant stroll.
8. Play pétanque on one of Lyon's many pétanque courts
The Jardin des Chartreux, mentioned in the previous section, is equipped with pétanque courts. So, if you're looking for something to do in Lyon in summer, the plan is obvious: a quick aperitif followed by a game of pétanque in the park, and then on to some superb sunshine. But in addition to the park, Lyon is also home to many other pétanque grounds, including :
- The banks of the Rhône, with 4 courts,
- Place Orange, also equipped with children's play equipment, perfect for a summer evening out with the family,
- Place Bellecour, considered one of the most beautiful squares in France and the fifth largest. Its sandy soil makes it a giant petanque court,
- The Parc des Hauteurs, with its panoramic views,
- Place du maréchal Lyautey, a particularly large square for plenty of space,
- Place Ambroise Courtois, a charming village square in the 8th arrondissement.
9. Try your hand at water sports
You don't have to go to the seaside to try your hand at water sports, as Lyon, with its two rivers, offers a wide range of aquatic activities. For example, you can try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, rowing or paddling down the Rhône, or even wakesurfing and waterskiing! For an even more exotic vibe, why not give surfing a try at City Surf Park, an indoor surfing center with artificial waves - a perfect activity, especially with friends, for example if you're traveling for an EVJF.
You can also discover Lyon from the river thanks to these easy-to-maneuver electric boat rentals , which don't require a license. A great activity to do with family or friends in Lyon this summer!
10. Bike along the banks of the Rhône
The banks of the Rhône are the perfect place to run in Lyon, but also an excellent playground for cycling enthusiasts. In fact, they are an ideal greenway for cycling, forming a large part of the ViaRhôna, an 815 km cycle route that passes directly through Lyon. You can follow the river north or south, to Vienne, Villeurbanne, Jons or even further afield, if you're looking for a weekend's worth of activities in Lyon in summer.
Discover Lyon by bike on a guided tour of the city, bookable here , which will take you through its history and past its most emblematic monuments.
Also check out our Top 11 family cycling itineraries in France.
11. Enjoy the long summer evenings from a rooftop
While Lyon has no shortage of summer music festivals, hot summer evenings can also be enjoyed atop the city's tallest buildings. Lyon is home to a number of rooftops, often offering the best views of the city you're likely to find. Some of them regularly invite DJs or singers for concerts.
Our favourite rooftops
- Les Muses: the panoramic terrace perched on the seventh floor of the opera house, no less! Situated on a level with the other buildings, it offers a beautiful view over the rooftops of Lyon,
- Le Sucre: a former sugar warehouse converted into a cultural center where some of the city's liveliest parties are held,
- Maison Nô: a restaurant perched on the roof of a 4-star hotel in central Lyon. It's the perfect place for a romantic dinner,
- Mama Shelter: a trendy rooftop with lively evenings.
12. A trip to the zoo
The Lyon Zoo is the ideal activity for those looking for something to do in Lyon in summer with the whole family. The zoo is home to several hundred animals from all over the world. It's located in the heart of the Parc de la Tête d'Or, so you can follow up with an outing in the park. The zoo is considered one of Lyon's must-see attractions, as it is laid out in a number of different areas. The African plain, created in 2006, is home to zebras and giraffes. In 2021, an area dedicated to the forests of Asia will be added, featuring species threatened by the deforestation raging in South-East Asia. Another big advantage of the Tête d'Or zoo: it's completely free!
13. Brunch
There's no better way to make the most of the fine weather than to enjoy brunch on a terrace. Lyon has no shortage of restaurants offering brunch, some more regressive, others downright gastro, others more exotic: the choice is yours. Some offer brunch only on Sunday mornings, while others serve it all week long. Among our favorites are Desjeuneur and its ultra gourmet breakfast, Gentle Cat, a café where customers rub shoulders with adorable cats, and Mowgli and its colorful, creative brunch options. You can also read our full article on the best brunches in Lyon.
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