Lyon’s riverside setting makes boat tours an efficient and enjoyable way to experience this historic French city. The UNESCO-listed architecture looks most impressive from the water, especially along the Saône River. From personal experience, the 1-hour sightseeing cruise offers the best value – you’ll float past all the major landmarks while avoiding tourist crowds.
For food lovers (and who isn’t one in France’s culinary capital?), the evening dinner cruises are worth the splurge. The combination of local wines, regional specialties, and floodlit Renaissance buildings creates an unforgettable experience. My favorite option is the casual wine-and-charcuterie cruise – it’s more relaxed and authentically local than the formal dinner boats.
Small electric boat rentals work great for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace. During summer festivals and especially Bastille Day, booking a boat tour guarantees prime viewing spots for fireworks and celebrations.
Check out these recommended boat tours in Lyon:
Key Points
- Lyon offers a variety of guided sightseeing cruises along the Saône River, with options to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and Renaissance buildings.
- Dining cruises in Lyon provide 2.5-hour scenic journeys with gourmet 3-course meals or local seasonal products, offering informative commentary on landmarks.
- Unique boat experiences in Lyon include affordable cruise options, eco-friendly electric boat tours, and charcuterie, cheese, and wine-themed cruises.
- The Bastille Day Cruise in Lyon offers a 3-hour cruise with appetizers and front-row views of the iconic fireworks display over the Saône River.
- Lyon’s Hop-On Hop-Off City Cruise provides flexible sightseeing with 4 stations, allowing travelers to explore key locations at their own pace.
Lyon: Guided Sightseeing Cruise
Visitors exploring the charming city of Lyon can embark on a guided sightseeing cruise along the Saône River.
The 1-hour Lyon Guided Sightseeing Cruise is likely to sell out, so it’s best to reserve now and pay later. Priced at $15.85 per person, the cruise offers the chance to discover the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site attractions and admire the Renaissance buildings of Vieux Lyon.
With a live tour guide available in English and French, passengers can learn about Lyon’s rich history and architecture.
The cruise enjoys an overall rating of 4.5/5 from over 2,499 reviews, with positive feedback on the informative guides and unique views from the water.
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Lyon 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise
Travelers embarking on the Lyon 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise can expect a scenic journey along the Saône River, accompanied by a gourmet 3-course meal and informative commentary about the city’s landmarks.
The cruise lasts 2.5 hours and departs from Quai Rambaud or Quai Claude Bernard, with commentary available in English and French. Guests will enjoy assigned seating for a comfortable experience and can take advantage of the optional audio guide.
The menu features starters like thin burgundy poultry tart, main courses such as duck from the Dombes area, and desserts including praline tart.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from over 400 reviews, this lunch cruise is a popular way to explore Lyon from the water.
Read our full review: Lyon 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise Review
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Lyon: Boat Trip From Rochetaille to Vieux-Lyon
Embarking on the Lyon: Boat Trip From Rochetaille to Vieux-Lyon provides a scenic journey through the heart of the city.
The 1-hour cruise traverses the Saône River, offering passengers a unique perspective of Lyon’s iconic landmarks, including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Place Bellecour.
With a rating of 4.5 from 2,499 reviews, this affordable tour at Kč 379 per person is a popular choice for visitors.
The cruise’s relaxed pace allows travelers to soak in the city’s architectural beauty and historic charm.
Whether seeking a leisurely sightseeing experience or a break from exploring on foot, the Lyon: Boat Trip From Rochetaille to Vieux-Lyon is an excellent option for discovering the city from the water.
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Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise
For those seeking a more indulgent way to experience Lyon’s iconic landmarks, the Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise offers an evening of fine dining and sightseeing.
This 2.5-hour cruise features a 3-course gourmet meal showcasing fresh, local, and seasonal products. The menu, subject to change, is accompanied by beverages, including coffee and tea.
Complementing the dining experience, the cruise provides informative commentary on Lyon’s notable sights and monuments.
Priced from €75 per person, the cruise is wheelchair accessible and likely to sell out, so booking early is recommended.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from over 530 reviews, this dinner cruise promises a memorable experience.
Read our full review: Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise Review
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Lyon Old Town Tour With Vaporetto River Cruise Tickets
Those seeking to enjoy the rich history and stunning sights of Lyon can embark on the Lyon Old Town Tour with Vaporetto River Cruise.
Priced from $200.79 per person, this 3-hour experience includes a 2-hour walking tour of Vieux Lyon and a 1-hour boat cruise on the Saône River.
Highlights include visits to the Cathedral of St. John and Hôtel de Ville, as well as panoramic views during the cruise.
The tour is led by a 5-star private guide fluent in multiple languages, and participants can tailor the pace and focus to their interests.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option make this an accessible and flexible sightseeing opportunity.
Read our full review: Lyon Old Town Tour With Vaporetto River Cruise Tickets Review
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Lyon: Hop-On Hop-Off City Cruise
Visitors can discover Lyon’s iconic landmarks and picturesque riverside with the Lyon: Hop-On Hop-Off City Cruise. This flexible boat tour allows guests to hop on and off at key locations, including the historic Old Lyon and the modern Confluence district.
Tickets start at just $5.28 per person, and an optional 1h20 cruise is available for €10 (adults) and €6 (children). The tour features 4 stations and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
With a 4.2/5 overall rating, the cruise is praised for its stunning night views and friendly crew. Bookings can be made in advance, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior.
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Lyon: City Cruise With Charcuterie, Cheese, and Wine
The Lyon: City Cruise With Charcuterie, Cheese, and Wine offers a delightful river journey through the heart of the city, treating passengers to a gourmet experience complemented by stunning views.
This 1-hour cruise departs from the Port of the Confluence dock, showcasing Lyon’s iconic landmarks like the Fourvière Basilica and Confluence district. Guests can savor a charcuterie and cheese board, accompanied by a glass of wine or soft drink, while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and live music.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and wheelchair accessibility, this cruise is an excellent choice for couples, groups, and solo travelers alike.
Priced at $30.65 per person, it provides great value for money, as confirmed by the cruise’s 4.7/5 overall rating.
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Lyon: From Confluence to Barbe Island in Electric Boat
One of the most unique water experiences in Lyon is the electric boat tour that takes passengers from the Confluence district to Barbe Island.
The 1-hour tour showcases the city’s riverside scenery and architectural landmarks. Travelers will glide silently along the Rhône and Saône rivers in a small electric boat, enjoying a relaxing journey.
With a rating of 4.5 from 2,499 reviews, this sightseeing cruise is a popular option, costing $15.85 per person.
The tour provides a peaceful and eco-friendly way to explore Lyon’s waterways and witness the city’s transformation from a different vantage point.
Read our full review: Lyon: From Confluence to Barbe Island in Electric Boat Review
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Lyon: Bastille Day Cruise With Appetizers and Fireworks
For those visiting Lyon during the Bastille Day celebrations, a must-do activity is the Bastille Day Cruise With Appetizers and Fireworks.
This 3-hour cruise provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy the city’s iconic fireworks display over the Saône River. Theres some good a selection of French appetizers and drinks while taking in the stunning views of Lyon’s historic landmarks.
The cruise runs on the Bastille Day holiday, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere. With a rating of 5 stars and a price of €89.00 per person, this tour offers an unforgettable way to celebrate France’s national holiday in Lyon.
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Lyon: Electric Boat Rental Without a License
Visitors to Lyon seeking a unique and relaxing way to explore the city’s waterways can consider renting an electric boat without a license.
This 1-2 hour activity allows guests to navigate the Rhône and Saône rivers at their own pace, taking in the city’s picturesque landmarks from a different perspective.
With no prior boating experience required, the electric boats are easy to operate and provide a hassle-free way to sightsee.
Priced at $31.70 per person, this experience earns a high rating of 4.9 from 220 reviews, making it an attractive option for those looking to add a unique twist to their Lyon visit.
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Recap
Lyon offers a variety of enjoyable cruise and boat tour options. From guided sightseeing and lunch/dinner cruises to specialized experiences like electric boat rentals and fireworks-viewing, there’s something for all. These tours allow visitors to explore the city’s historic sites and scenic waterways while relaxing and taking in the beautiful views. Whether you’re interested in a quick cruise or a more immersive experience, Lyon has a boat tour to suit your needs.