Where to eat and drink by the water in Lyon and the surrounding area ?

When the warm weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a long lunch on a riverside terrace or a sunset aperitif beside the water. There’s no shortage of places to enjoy a good meal or sip a drink by a river, lake or even a canal in and around Lyon. From restaurants with panoramic views to laid-back bars on the quayside, or rustic guinguettes nestled in the countryside, this article takes you on a tour of the region’s top waterside hangouts to eat, drink, and unwind.

The barges along the Rhône quays

This is undoubtedly a firm favourite with the locals. Right in the heart of Lyon, the Rhône quays are a real city escape – a place to switch off and soak up the riverside vibe, with unbeatable views of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, the Fourvière Basilica and the pretty bridges of Lyon. Each year, as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, locals and tourists alike flock here for a picnic on the grass, a drink on one of the waterfront terraces or even on board one of the moored barges – or péniches, as they’re known locally. While most of these floating spots focus on drinks, some offer sharing platters and light bites, and a few go all out with full restaurant service on the water – like the Modulo, for example. Here, you can enjoy a generous, relaxed meal while gently rocking to the rhythm of the river.

Traditional cooking

Modulo

15, Quai du Général Sarrail Au pied du pont Lafayette - 69006 Lyon 6ème

restaurant-modulo.fr/fr

Voir la fiche

©

Modulo

On the shores of the Miribel-Jonage lake

Just a few kilometres from Lyon, the shores of the Lac des Eaux Bleues (Blue Waters Lake), set in the heart of the Grand Parc Miribel-Jonage, offer a refreshing and peaceful escape. Here, visitors can enjoy an ice cream or a meal by the water, thanks to a year-round restaurant, a seasonal guinguette, and a snack bar.

Not far from the Grand Parc Miribel-Jonage, in Décines-Charpieu, Maison Grand Large also offers a prime waterside location, overlooking a small lake near the Grand Large reservoir. This family-run restaurant serves generous, flavourful food, featuring a buffet with Syrian specialities… and frogs’ legs. Perfect for a delicious and relaxed outing!

Open-air café

Maison Grand Large

60 rue Francisco Ferrer - 69150 Décines-Charpieu

www.maisongrandlarge.fr/

Voir la fiche

©

Restaurant Maison Grand Large

Guinguettes in Rochetaillée-sur-Saône

Further north of Lyon, the guinguettes promenade runs for two leafy, peaceful kilometres along the Saône (about a 25-minute walk). As the name suggests, the riverside is lined with traditional guinguettes – many of which have been turned into full-service restaurants. With their large terraces and private beaches (note that swimming is prohibited), these guinguettes are the perfect spot to enjoy the cool summer breeze. Here you can enjoy delicious traditional frog legs with herbs, crispy whitebait, and plenty of finger-licking indulgence!

Right on the water

And finally… what better way to enjoy the water than by setting sail ? Why not pair your meal or drink with a river cruise? Hop on board for a romantic lunch or dinner cruise along the Rhône and the Saône – the perfect blend of gourmet and getaway! Prefer something a little more casual and unusual? Try an Aperitivo or a laid-back brunch with friends aboard the Vaporetto.

Discover all the dining options on the water, plus discounts offered with the Lyon City Card.