Cruises to Lyon

57 Reviews
Lyon (Photo:prochasson frederic/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Lyon

The capital of the Rhone-Alpes region, Lyon is the second-largest metropolitan area in France. But this historic city beats Paris as a cruising destination in France, thanks to its prime location at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers.



The original medieval town, Vieux Lyon, was founded in 43 B.C. by a lieutenant of Julius Caesar on the hilltop district known today as Fourviere. Ruins of this Roman settlement are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with concerts and operas still held at the (partially intact) ancient amphitheater every summer.



In the Middle Ages, the city expanded to the east bank of the Saone, and it has belonged to multiple provinces over time. It wasn't until the Renaissance era that Lyon truly flourished, largely in the industries of silk-weaving and printing. Almost 500 years later, it still holds its status as a leading world center for textile design.



Modern Lyon is most famous for its excellent gastronomic scene, as well as many striking buildings, such as the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, which looms over the city; La Tour Metallique, sometimes called the Eiffel Tower's "little sister"; and almost 100 walls painted with huge murals.

  • More about Lyon

  • Why Cruise to Lyon?

  • Lyon Cruise Port Facilities?

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Emerald Liberte
Emerald Liberte (Photo: Emerald Waterways)

7 Night
Sensations Of Lyon & Provence

154 Reviews
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Emerald Liberte
Emerald Liberte (Photo: Emerald Waterways)

7 Night
Sensations Of Lyon & Provence

154 Reviews
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Viking Delling
Viking Delling

7 Night
Lyon & Provence

158 Reviews
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AmaCello
AmaCello

7 Night
Flavors Of Burgundy

43 Reviews
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20 Night
Nice To Lisbon & Discover The Rivers Of France & P...

154 Reviews
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14 Night
France's Finest

158 Reviews
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7 Night
Lyon & Provence

157 Reviews
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7 Night
Burgundy & Provence

60 Reviews
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16 Night
Rhine & Rhône Revealed With 2 Nights In Nice For W...

11 Reviews
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11 Night
Burgundy & Provence With 2 Nights In Paris & 2 Nig...

72 Reviews
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12 Night
Paris To Nice & Sensations Of Lyon And Provence

154 Reviews
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7 Night
Lyon & Provence

158 Reviews
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14 Night
Discover The Rivers Of France & Portugal

124 Reviews
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14 Night
Lyon,provence & The Rhineland

209 Reviews
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7 Night
Lyon & Provence

161 Reviews
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More about Lyon

Why Cruise to Lyon?

Pros:

Lyon's food scene has earned the city its nickname, the "world capital of gastronomy"

Cons:

Some people on the streets try to trick tourists into donating money to fake charities

Bottom Line:

From its cobblestone streets to its Paris-like shops, Lyon offers a taste of both old and new

Lyon Cruise Port Facilities?

There is no cruise terminal at Lyon; vessels simply dock against the riverbank. The Rhone's banks have been pedestrianized, with trees and flowers planted to brighten up the setting. It is possible to walk into town for shops, banks and Internet facilities. Many cafes, restaurants and bars are located on the opposite street, and some float on the water. A small boat-cafe called La Passagere (21 Quai Victor Augagneur; 33-4-72-73-36-98; 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily) serves alcohol, coffee and hot chocolate.

Good to Know?

Crime is not a major concern in Lyon, but pickpockets are known to operate in tourist areas, so it is sensible to take the usual precautions.



Also, be careful when crossing the street, as French drivers do not always slow down for disoriented tourists.

Getting Around?

The cruise line will provide complimentary transportation to and from shore excursions, but if you wish to strike out on your own, it's easy to walk to most of the sights (or catch the funicular from Vieux Lyon Metro station up the steep hill to Fourviere).



Public transport is very efficient and affordable. There are four metro (subway) lines, as well as four tram lines and more than 100 bus routes.



Some ships carry bicycles onboard, or you can use Velo'v, a cheap form of bike rental available from several spots around the city. From the dock, you can cycle on a flat path to an urban park, Parc de la Tete d'Or, about 1.5 miles north. The busy streets are best avoided on two wheels.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

As part of the European Union, France uses the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATM's are easily found throughout the city.

Language?

The official language is French. English is spoken, but not all shopkeepers or waiters are fluent. It is best to start with bonjour (hello) and ask parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?). Always say merci (thank you) when leaving a store or restaurant. People will smile politely at your poor pronunciation, but they appreciate the effort.

Where You're Docked?

Ships dock along the Quai Claude Bernard, on the east bank of the Rhone, near the University of Lyon.


Lyon Cruise Reviews
We wanted our first river cruise (Viking) to be on Southern France. The Rhône was a great experience. All ports were interesting, and especially liked Lyon, which impressed us much more than we expected.Read More
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AFTravel
Lyon is an amazing city. The tour includes some very interesting things including walking through the tiny passages which link streets. These were used by people of the Resistance in WW2 to evade being arrested by Read More
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YogaGodess
We did the food hall tour. Very good! We also did a cooking class. Read More
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MK25900
Which we were here one more day to see or experience the flower market and just to walk around more, a lovely port with lots to see and do. Read More
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philbop

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