The 10 best bike rides in Lyon

Activities

Lyon,,France, ,January,30,,2022:,Winter,Scene,With,Buildings

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Published on 24/09/2025

Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a top cycling destination. With 540 kilometres of cycle paths and France’s pioneering Vélo’v system, the city of two hills offers a multitude of routes for discovering its treasures by bike. From the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers to lush green parks and iconic hills, visiting Lyon by bike is a great way to explore this dynamic metropolis from a new, environmentally-friendly angle.

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1. The banks of the Rhône: a must-see urban route

Let’s start with the classic cycle route in Lyon: the banks of the Rhône. This 20-kilometre route winds along the river, linking the Parc de la Tête d’Or (Address: Place du Général Leclerc, 69006 Lyon, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 32,000 reviews) to the Confluence district. This completely safe cycle path offers a flat route ideal for all levels, with magnificent views over the city and its emblematic monuments. Along the way, you’ll come across numerous terraces and green spaces perfect for a refreshing break. The Navaway itinerary guides you through these emblematic districts so you don’t miss out on any of Lyon’s treasures.

2. The banks of the Saône: between history and heritage

More intimate than its Rhône counterpart, the route along the Saône reveals historic Lyon in all its glory. This 13-kilometre ride starts near Place Bellecour (Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews) and runs alongside UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon. From your bike, admire the Fourvière hill and its majestic basilica, the Renaissance facades of the Saint-Jean district and the secret traboules. This looping route allows you to discover Île Barbe, a veritable haven of peace at the gateway to the city. Let theNavaway itinerary be your guide, and add some fascinating historical commentary to your discovery.

3. Tour of the Parc de la Tête d’Or

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The green lung of Lyon, the Parc de la Tête d’Or offers an 8-kilometre cycle route that is completely safe. This family-friendly loop takes in the park’s different worlds: the lake with its pedalos, the free zoo housing over 400 animals, the botanical garden with its 15,000 plant species and the international rose garden. The moderate gradient of 139 metres makes this ride accessible to cyclists of all abilities. It’s the perfect opportunity for a family outing, with plenty of picnic areas and children’s play areas. This leafy walk offers a complete change of scenery just a few pedal strokes from the bustling city centre.

4. The Fourvière ascent: for seasoned cyclists

Challenge seekers will love the climb up Fourvière hill, a real test of endurance in the heart of Lyon. This challenging 9-kilometre climb with 262 metres of ascent takes you to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière (8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 18,000 reviews). The reward is well worth the effort: an exceptional panorama of Lyon and its surroundings stretching as far as the Alps on a clear day. The route also passes through the archaeological site of the Gallo-Roman theatres, evidence of ancient Lugdunum. This demanding walk reveals the city’s rich history, which you can explore in greater depth with the Navaway audio guides.

5. The ViaRhôna to the Jonage Canal

This 11-kilometre escapade on the famous ViaRhôna takes in the unspoilt natural areas just outside Lyon. The route starts at the Parc de la Tête d’Or and continues northwards, crossing the Parc de la Feyssine (Avenue de Bohlen, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 2,500 reviews), a 50-hectare ecological corridor. The route then runs alongside the Canal de Jonage, a 19th-century hydraulic structure that has become a haven for biodiversity. This fully landscaped greenway offers a guaranteed change of scenery, with reed beds and wetlands that are home to many species of bird. The return journey takes the same route, giving you a whole new appreciation of the landscapes you pass through.

6. Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage

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Just 20 minutes from the city centre, the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage (Boulevard André Boulloche, 69680 Chassieu, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 8,000 reviews) offers 18 kilometres of cycle paths in 2,200 hectares of unspoilt countryside. This former Rhône island has been transformed into a leisure area offering a variety of routes around its artificial lakes. The Lac des Eaux Bleues, the site’s main jewel, is ideal for swimming and water sports in summer. The trails run through alluvial forests, wet meadows and areas of remarkable biodiversity. There are a number of signposted routes to suit all tastes and abilities, from the 8-kilometre family walk to the more demanding sporting circuits.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lyon on foot and on your own

Complete your discovery of Lyon by exploring the city on foot with theNavaway audio tour. This 7.9-kilometre tour guides you for 3? hours through Lyon’s must-sees, with 26 fascinating audio commentaries. From Place Bellecour to the traboules of Vieux Lyon, via the Presqu’île and the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, this interactive itinerary reveals all the secrets of France’s gastronomic capital.

7. The Monts d’Or: a nature break north of Lyon

This demanding 29-kilometre loop with 984 metres of ascent takes you through the Monts d’Or massif, a natural setting on the outskirts of Lyon. It starts from Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or (Avenue de la Gare, 69450 Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 180 reviews), 30 minutes from the centre of Lyon. The route winds through the rolling countryside typical of the Lyonnais region, alternating between country roads and forest paths. The highest point, Mont Verdun (626 metres), offers exceptional views over the Rhône valley and, on a clear day, the Alps. This half-day outing will delight experienced cyclists looking for a natural escape.

8. The Saône from Fontaines to Neuville

This peaceful 13-kilometre walk takes you up the course of the Saône to more rural landscapes. Departure from Fontaines-sur-Saône (Place de la Mairie, 69270 Fontaines-sur-Saône, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 95 reviews) is easy by public transport or car. The route follows the shady banks of the river, passing through unspoilt areas where nature has reclaimed its rights. Traditional guinguettes and water sports activities are a pleasant feature of the route. At Neuville-sur-Saône (Place de la République, 69250 Neuville-sur-Saône, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 120 reviews), the bridge allows you to cross to complete the circuit on the other bank, offering different views of the river landscape.

9. The Confluence district on the move

Lyon,,France,,May,15,,2024,:,Business,And,Commercial,New

A symbol of contemporary Lyon, the Confluence district is ideal for exploring by bike, thanks to its exemplary cycling facilities. This 12-kilometre urban cycle ride takes in the bold architecture of this new district where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. The route includes the Musée des Confluences (86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 12,000 reviews), an architectural gem designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au, floating gardens and innovative green spaces. Safe cycle paths allow you to enjoy this 21st-century urbanism with complete peace of mind. This modern discovery is the perfect complement to exploring historic Lyon, accessible via theNavaway route.

10. The Halles Paul Bocuse and Part-Dieu ring road

This 15-kilometre gourmet and contemporary walk links two emblematic facets of Lyon: gastronomy and modernity. The route starts at the famous Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 8,500 reviews), Lyon’s temple of gastronomy where you can discover the best local craftsmen and producers. The route continues towards the Part-Dieu business district, the economic heart of the city with its emblematic tower and shopping centre. The cycle lanes make it easy to navigate between culinary tradition and modern architecture. This urban loop reveals the diversity of Lyon, from the French art of living to the metropolitan ambitions of a city in constant evolution.

In conclusion, Lyon has established itself as a leading cycling destination, offering a remarkable diversity of itineraries to suit all tastes and abilities. From the landscaped banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers to the unspoilt natural areas of Miribel-Jonage, from the sporting challenges of Fourvière to the urban discoveries of the Confluence district, each ride reveals a different facet of this city of a thousand faces. The Vélo’v system and the 540 kilometres of cycle lanes make it easy to explore the city on two wheels, while respecting the environment and promoting soft mobility. To get to know the gastronomic capital even better, don’t hesitate to take the Navaway interactive guided tour, which will reveal all the historical and cultural secrets of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage city.

FAQ – Cycling in Lyon

Where can I hire a bike in Lyon?

Lyon has the Vélo’v system, with more than 400 stations throughout the city. You can also hire bikes from a number of specialist shops in the city centre, particularly near the Parc de la Tête d’Or and the banks of the Rhône.

How safe is it to cycle in Lyon?

Yes, Lyon has 540 kilometres of cycle paths, 450 kilometres of which are separate from car traffic. The cycle paths along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers are particularly safe and suitable for families.

When is the best time to cycle in Lyon?

Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions, with mild temperatures and fewer visitors. In summer, you can take advantage of bathing areas such as the Lac des Eaux Bleues in Miribel-Jonage, while in winter you can continue to enjoy the urban trails.

Can you cycle with children in Lyon?

Absolutely! The circuit around the Parc de la Tête d’Or, the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers and the trails in the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage are all perfectly suited to families, with safe trails and plenty of rest areas.