Heat wave: Ways to beat the heat in Lyon

Bathing spots in Lyon

A refreshing dip is a great way to cool down your body. You’ll find many swimming pools and water parks open throughout the summer in the metropolitan area. There are more than thirty of them in total, including five in Lyon proper (4^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th districts).

In 2024, as part of its scheme 'Objectif fraîcheur' (Stay cool), Lyon will be extending the summer season and expanding opening hours at its municipal swimming pools. In July and August, there will always be at least two pools open between 7 am and 8 pm.

Shelter in a shaded park

Lyon is full of green spaces of various kinds, including parks, squares, walkways and gardens, to find a shaded spot for a break.

In 2024, as part of its scheme ‘Objectif fraîcheur’ (Stay cool), Lyon is introducing night-time openings of the city’s main parks  in the event of orange or red heat wave alerts. Gerland park and Blandan park will remain open until midnight and Tête d'Or park until 11:30 pm.
In addition, the city is experimenting with the opening of Blandan park all night during red heat wave alerts. You can bring your sleeping bag and sleep beneath the stars in a secure area of the park. Tents will not be allowed.

Cool down with a treat

Lyon’s ice-cream parlours are worth going out of your way for, especially when the mercury is rising. Here are a few suggestions to find the tastiest ice creams this summer.

Stay hydrated, wherever you are

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‘GourdeFriendly’ (#Refillyourbottle) is a scheme that helps you locate places where you can fill your water bottle or flask with no obligation to purchase. They can be identified by a sticker in their window. Find a list of drinking water outlets and shops participating in the scheme here:

Fight plastic waste with #Refill your bottle!

In 2024, as part of its scheme ‘Objectif fraîcheur’ (Stay cool), Lyon is strengthening access to water in public spaces. 320 drinking water fountains are now accessible from May to September throughout the city.

Enjoy a refreshing museum visit

To soak up some culture in a cool environment, make your way to the Lyon metropolitan area’s major museums. Each museum offers a varied programme of exhibitions and workshops throughout the year.

In 2024, as part of its scheme ‘Objectif fraîcheur’ (Stay cool), Lyon is offering free access to three air-conditioned municipal museums: the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts), Gadagne museums and the Musée d’Art Contemporain (Museum of Contemporary Art).
This measure will be activated after ten days of an orange alert (from the eleventh day) and on the first day of a red alert. The museums’ opening hours will remain the same during this period.

Find out more about the 14 actions included in the City of Lyon’s scheme 'Objectif fraicheur' (Stay cool).

Interactive map of cool spots in Lyon

A cool spot is an oasis in the city during a heat spike. The City of Lyon has identified 750 places, both indoor and outdoor, that are freely accessible. They offer a chance to rest while enjoying the resources offered by the city: planted and built heritage, cooled public facilities, drinking water fountain stations, and more. You can also find nine recommended “cool routes”.

Consult the interactive map of cool sports and routes in Lyon.