Visiting Lyon under hot weather is not ideal, but thankfully, the city is filled with places where you can cool down and hide from the scorching sun! Take a look at my personal selection of activities in Lyon during the hot summer.
Taking a dive
The Aquatic Center of Tony Bertrand
8 Quai Claude Bernard, 69007 Lyon
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Recognisable by its four 30-meter columns, the Tony Bertrand aquatic center has a 50 x 21 meters olympic pool as well as 68 x 24 meters one with special water equipment for recreational activities.
This aquatic center is located in the heart of Lyon and will satisfy both athletes looking to exercise and regular people who are simply looking to take a dive and enjoy the benches, the water slides and the countercurrent river.
Information and reservation for the aquatic center of Tony Bertrand
The Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
Chem. de la Bletta, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin
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Only 20 minutes away from Lyon, the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage is the perfect place to practice a variety of nautical activities surrounded by nature.
Rowing, canoeing, kayaking, sailboarding, catamaran sailing, paddleboarding… the list goes on!
And it doesn’t stop there because the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage is home to no less than four wonderful beaches that surround the Eaux Bleues lake. it is perfect to take a dive with the kids under the watch of the safeguards.
Last but not least, all throughout summer, the park welcomes the Be FUN Aquapark, a series of water installations with water slides, a giant trampoline and an obstacle course.
Information and reservation for the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
The Public Swimming Pool of Jean Mermoz
12 Place André Latarget, 69008 Lyon
Water slides, water polo, jorkyball, ping-pong, volleyball, gym… the list goes on!
The Jean Mermoz public swimming pool is filled with fun installations, including, of course, its 25 meters basin as well as its recreational pool and its children’s pool.
Information and reservation for the Jean Mermoz public swimming pool
Going for a walk in the shade
The Tête d’Or Park
Parc de la Tête d’Or, 69006 Lyon
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The Tête d’Or Park is the biggest urban park of the city and it offers large shady spaces.
You can take a walk in the shade of century old trees, along the sinuous paths and enjoy the cool breeze of the park, especially near the shore of its lake.
There are also many picnic areas and benches that are hidden from the sun which are perfect for a rest.
You can even make your afternoon more enjoyable with a nice ice cream that you can buy from the many shops on site.
Information on the Tête d’Or Park
Ampl’yflore Outings
At Gabriella CARAMANNA’s, 9 B route de Tarare, 69550 Amplepuis
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Located only one hour away from Lyon, the outings that the Ampl’yflore association offers invite you to discover the local biodiversity through picking out wild plants, cooking workshops and herbarium making.
Under the trees and in the fresh breeze of the countryside, you’ll learn how to preserve biodiversity and how to reconnect with nature.
Information on Ampl’yflore (website in French)
The Traboules du Vieux Lyon
Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon
The traboules – covered passageways typical of the Vieux Lyon – make for an enjoyable walk in the shade.
You’ll discover the historical and one of a kind architecture of the traboules while away from the heat.
Information on the Traboules du Vieux Lyon
The Puces du Canal – Flea Market
5 rue Eugène Pottier, 69100 Villeurbanne
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The Puces du Canal is the second biggest flea market in France and it forms a true eco-responsible village that matches perfectly with today’s new consumption standards.
The market opens as early as 7am which is perfect to enjoy the numerous shops while the air is still cool, especially near the canal.
You’ll find shops that sell second-hand goods, antiques, vintage objects, clothing, furniture, arts, upcycled goods and more!
There are also a lot of bars and restaurants as well as fun events of all sorts.
Information of the Puces du Canal
Cooling down in the undergrounds
The Caves of La Balme
Rue des Grottes, 38390 La Balme-les-Grottes
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Located less than an hour away from Lyon, the Grottes de La Balme are caves that make for a unique outing away from the heat and far deep underground.
You’ll discover through a more than 1km long walk the extraordinary rock formations in the caves.
As for the underground river, it will bring you all the cool that you were seeking for.
It is even recommended to come dressed with a jacket as the temperatures can go down as low as 12° Celsius near the river. Well, you were looking to cool down, right?
Information on the Caves of La Balme
The undergrounds of the Fort de Vaise
27 Boulevard de Saint-Exupéry, 69009 Lyon
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The undergrounds of the Fort de Vaise make for a unique indoor activity while hiding from the scorching sun.
Under the candle lights, you’ll discover the undergrounds of this ancient fort in an immersive way.
Information on the Fort de Vaise
Profiting off the AC at the museum
The Fine Arts Museum of Lyon
20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon
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The Lyon Fine Arts Museum is air-conditioned! You have no more excuse to not visit this legendary place, especially when the entry is free of charge for minors.
With its many exhibitions that cover history, from Antiquity up to Modern Days, the Fine Arts Museum is a must-see.
If you feel thirsty, you can take a sip in the tea room while enjoying the view over the garden from the terrace.
The garden of the museum is truly a peaceful haven where you can enjoy the vegetation sitting on a bench.
Information and reservation for the Fine Arts Museum of Lyon
The Musée des Confluences
86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon
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Also air-conditioned, the Musée des Confluences is a museum of natural history, anthropology, societies and civilisations that will surely keep you busy for the day.
Entry is free of charge for minors making this museum the perfect place for a family outing.
You can walk through more than 3.000km² of permanent exhibitions that will tell you the origins of the world and its tales.
As for the temporary exhibitions, they tend to be more contemporary.
The plus: the nocturnes Confluences are night visits that are programmed on the first Thursday of each month that allow you to extend your visit up until 10pm.
It is perfect to visit a place full of history while enjoying the fresh breeze of the night.
Information and reservation for the Musée des Confluences
Cooling down with a sweet ice cream
Yaoz’s Frozen Yogurt
41 rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon
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Founded by two frozen yogurt enthusiasts who challenged themselves into creating their own yogurt recipe, Yaoz is a shop that sells sweet treats with flavors that change throughout the course of the seasons.
Their concept: light and chemical-free frozen yogurts with unlimited toppings!
A perfect option to stuff your stomach (and cool down) without feeling bad.
Information on Yaoz (website in French)
Único’s ice cream
91 montée de la grande côte, 69001 Lyon
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Founded by passionate artisans, Único’s ice-cream maker won’t fail to cool you down.
Their concept: unique flavors that follow the course of the seasons, using solely fresh and unprocessed products. What else can we ask for?
Their various flavors like the Fraise d’été [Summer Strawberry], the Raspberry / Basil and the Watermelon flavors are perfect for the summer.
Information on Único (website in French)
The Shady Terraces of Lyon
Le Sucre
50 Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon
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Le Sucre is an emblematic place in Lyon that plays an important role in the expression of the city’s cultural and musical scene.
But what matters most to us is its terrace located on the rooftop that offers a panoramic view of the city!
Up there, you can sip on a fresh cocktail while enjoying the shade and the animated atmosphere of the place.
Open from 11pm to 5am on fridays and saturdays, you can enjoy the concerts and the many other events Le Sucre has to offer accompanied by the cool breeze of the night.
If you’re not that much of a night owl, Le Sucre also opens as early as 6pm and up until midnight on sundays.
Information on Le Sucre (website in French)
Le Café Gadagne
1 Place du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon
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Located in the Vieux-Lyon, the Café Gadagne is home to a spacious and shady terrace under the trees, offering a charming place to relax.
You can sip on a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful hanging garden of this peaceful haven.
Information and reservation for the Café Gadagne
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
