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- Take to the water: watersports in and around Lyon
Take to the water: watersports in and around Lyon
Our top picks for active or leisurely water activities
For sports fans
Last updated date : 21/07/2025
Looking to cool off, get your adrenaline pumping, or simply enjoy a fun day out with the family? Lyon might be landlocked, but it’s bursting with great spots to enjoy a wide range of watersports. Between the Rhône and the Saône, nearby lakes and leisure centres, the Lyon region offers a surprising playground for seasoned water lovers and first timers alike. Here’s our pick of the best on-the-water activities to dive into.
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On the Saône and the Rhône
Whether you’re just visiting or are a local looking for something a bit different, why not explore Lyon from the water? If you’re more into relaxing than breaking a sweat, you can let the current carry you along in a no-licence boat rented from Cap Confluent, a laid-back way to cruise the Saône or the Rhône. But for those keen to get active, there’s plenty to dive into: try exploring Lyon by canoe or kayak ,give stand-up paddleboarding a go, or even paddleboard yoga on the Saône perfect to test your balance!
Sporting activities
Discover Lyon with Lyon Canoë
4 rue Jonas Salk au niveau quai du Rhône - 69007 Lyon 7ème
On the lake at Parc de la Tête d’Or
Tucked away in one of Lyon’s most picturesque and romantic spots, the lake at Parc de la Tête d’Or offers a peaceful setting for gentle watersports. Take your time exploring the lake either by pedal boat, powered by your legs, or by rowing boat, if you prefer to work your arms. The perfect way to spend a few tranquil hours, far from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by greenery.
On the Lac des Eaux Bleues
No need to travel very far for a dose of thrills and splashes! Just 15 kilometres from Lyon city centre, the Grand Parc Miribel-Jonage and its stunning Lac des Eaux Bleues are the perfect spot to cool off while trying your hand at a range of watersports! You can take to the water in a canoe or kayak, try rowing with a local club or on a discovery course, or set sail on a catamaran, funboard or optimist dinghy and ride the wind across the waves. And for those who aren’t afraid to get seriously soaked, giant inflatable structures are waiting for you out on the lake.
Leisure complex
L'atol' - base de loisirs au Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
Chemin de la Bletta - 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin
And even indoors…
Missing the Atlantic coast and your regular surf fix? Head to the Pôle de Loisirs OL Vallée leisure complex and try something out of the ordinary: indoor surfing! No matter your level, you can experience the thrill of riding a wave on Europe’s largest indoor surf pool, open all year round.
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Lyon by the water
Even more ideas for activities to discover the Rhône and Saône rivers...
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Where to go for physical recreation in Lyon?
Does all this make you want to take up sport? Lyon offers a wide range of facilities for experienced sportsmen and women, amateurs and beginners alike.