Confluence, the district that is reinventing Lyon
Follow the Saône and plunge into the Lyon of the of the future.
Just a stone’s throw from the Hôtel du Simplon, it’s sometimes dubbed “the little district on the way up” – but in Confluence, you don’t go up, you go down. Slowly, from industrial heritage to a soft, luminous modernity. Confluence is the story of an architectural, ecological and urban shift, where the tracks of Perrache station meet the waters of the Saône and Rhône rivers.
And for you, travelers seeking a balance between the city, the river, museums and gourmet breaks? This is a neighborhood not to be missed.
A walk between two waters
Less than a 15-minute walk from the Hôtel du Simplon, the Confluence district can also be reached by streetcar, river shuttle or bicycle. Here, at the southern end of the Presqu’île, architecture plays Tetris with the sky. Staggered buildings, green terraces, pixelated facades… Look up. Breathe in. Move forward.
The Quai Rambaud has become a place for strolling. Bordered by barges, art galleries, discreet cafés and some of Lyonnais’ favorite spots for a sunset drink.
What we (really) like about Confluence
At the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, this meteorite of glass and steel is home to one of France’s most audacious museums. Science, society, civilization – it’s all here. An exhibition on mummies one day, another on ants the next.
Every day except Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
9€ full price – free for children under 18
86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon
A shopping break (or a smart rain shelter), with its planted rooftop, varied shops and direct vaporetto access from Bellecour. Yes, you can go boat shopping in Lyon.
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm
112 Cours Charlemagne, 69002 Lyon
Former sugar factory converted into a temple of contemporary art. This is where the Lyon Art Biennial is held, as well as immersive exhibitions and cultural events. With a great rooftop!
📍 49-50 Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon, France
Away from the hustle and bustle, you can picnic by the water, read and stroll. It’s the locals’ favorite place to get away from it all in the heart of the city.
A neighborhood committed like us
Confluence is also an example of sustainable development. A positive-energy, eco-renovated district, it combines urban design and environmental awareness. No wonder it’s often cited as a model in Europe.
And as at the Hôtel du Simplon, comfort here is not a question of superfluity, but of the right balance.