Explore Lyon: Cycling, Kayaking, Hiking & More Outdoor Activities

Explore Lyon: Located in the heart of France, Lyon is not only famous for its historic architecture, delicious gastronomy and UNESCO heritage, but it is also one of Europe’s leading sports and adventure tourism destinations. With its rivers, mountains, parks and modern indoor arenas, Lyon offers countless sporting opportunities for tourists.

Popular sports and outdoor activities

Run in Lyon (from 5km to marathon)
Lyon Urban Trail – a unique running experience through mountain trails, parks and the city’s heritage
Cycling and bike tours
Vélo’V bike-sharing – affordable travel around the city
Beaujolais & Monts du Lyonnais cycling route – cycling amidst natural beauty
Water sports
Kayaking, SUP, canoeing on the Rhône and Saône rivers
Pedalo rides at Parc de la Tête d’Or
Wakeboarding and swimming at Grand Parc Miribel-Jonage

Paragliding – Rhône-Alpes skydiving
France Aventures Park – zip-line and tree-top courses
Hiking Trails – Monts d’Or and Croix-Rousse
Unique indoor sports
City Surf Park – Europe’s largest indoor wave pool
iFLY Lyon – indoor Skydiving Tunnel
Koezio Adventure Park – Indoor adventure games and climbing
Ice sports and winter sports
Patinoire Charlemagne – Ice skating, hockey and curling
Rhône-Alpes Ski Resort – Winter skiing

Stadiums and major events

Groupama Stadium – Olympique Lyonnais football matches
Stade de Gerland – LOU Rugby
ASVEL Basket – Europe’s top basketball club

Popular tourist areas in and around Lyon
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

Features: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its Renaissance architecture, narrow streets, “traboules” (secret passages) and historic houses.

Sights: Cathédrale Saint-Jean, Musée Gadagne, traboules walk.

Experiences: Ideal for walking, especially when illuminated at night.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Features: One of the city’s most iconic churches, located on a hilltop.

Sights: Interior mosaics, panoramic views of the entire city of Lyon from the tower.

Experiences: Can be reached by funicular (funicular railway) or walking path.

Presqu’île (City Centre Peninsula)

Features: Located between the Rhône and Saône rivers, it is called the heart of the city.

Sights: Place Bellecour (Europe’s largest square), Hôtel de Ville, Opera House.

Experiences: Shopping, restaurants, cultural events.

Parc de la Tête d’Or

Speciality: 117 hectares of green park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

Attractions: Lake, zoo (free), botanical garden, rose garden.

Experiences: Ideal for families and children.

Musée des Confluences

Speciality: Futuristic architecture, where science, history and culture are displayed together.

Experiences: Collections ranging from dinosaur skeletons to modern technology.

Location: At the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Traboules of Lyon

Speciality: Secret passages and corridors in the old city, used by silk traders.

Experiences: Found in the Old Lyon and Croix-Rousse areas. Best if you take a guided tour.

Croix-Rousse District

Features: Hilly area, once the center of the silk industry.

Sights: Mur des Canuts (huge wall mural), traboules.

Experiences: Bohemian atmosphere, art galleries and small cafes.

Grand Parc Miribel-Jonage (outside the city)

Features: Natural area near the city, famous for its lakes and outdoor activities.

Experiences: Swimming, cycling, running, wakeboarding.

Beaujolais Wine Region (about 45 minutes away)

Features: Famous wine region, vineyards and rural scenery.

Experiences: Wine tasting, vineyard tours, local cuisine.

Monts d’Or & Monts du Lyonnais

Features: Hilly area, great for hiking and outdoor adventures.

Experiences: Nature walks, view of Lyon from a viewpoint.

CONCLUSION

Lyon is a city where historical travel and sports can be enjoyed together. Whether it’s kayaking along the river in the city or hiking in the mountains, there’s something for every tourist. That’s why Lyon is now not only a gastronomic capital, but also a special destination for sports tourism.