Lyon Cruise Port

Lyon is one of France's leading river cruise destinations, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. The city serves both as a home port and a port of call for river cruises, with many itineraries beginning or ending here while others continue through Burgundy or Provence. River cruise ships berth along the city's waterfront, placing passengers within easy reach of Lyon's historic centre and many of its best known attractions.

Founded more than two thousand years ago, Lyon has long been an important commercial and cultural crossroads. Its location at the meeting of two major rivers helped establish it as one of France's principal trading cities, and today its historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow streets of Vieux Lyon, Renaissance architecture and hidden traboules offer a fascinating contrast with the city's elegant squares and modern districts.

Lyon also holds a special place in the history of cinema. It was here that the Lumière brothers developed the cinematograph, helping to pioneer motion pictures. The city continues to celebrate this legacy alongside a thriving cultural scene that includes museums, theatres and galleries. Each December, the Fête des Lumières transforms Lyon with artistic light displays that illuminate streets, churches and public spaces, continuing a tradition that dates back more than a century.

Food is central to Lyon's identity, and the city is widely regarded as one of France's culinary capitals. Traditional bouchons serve regional specialities alongside wines from nearby Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley, while bustling food markets showcase fresh local produce. Between meals, visitors can stroll along the riverbanks, relax in parks or take in panoramic views from Fourvière Hill.

The surrounding region offers equally rewarding discoveries, with vineyards, medieval villages and historic riverside towns found throughout the Rhône and Saône valleys. Whether you are embarking on a river cruise or visiting during a longer voyage, Lyon combines remarkable history, outstanding cuisine and an attractive waterfront setting. On The Cruise Globe, you can see exactly where your river cruise ship was docked during your visit.