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. Gently, from industrial heritage to a soft, luminous modernity. Confluence is the story of an architectural, ecological and urban bend, where the rails of Perrache station meet the waters of the Saône and Rhône rivers.
And for you, travelers looking for a balance between the city, the river, museums and gourmet breaks? This is a district 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 popular place for strolling. Bordered by barges, art galleries, discreet cafés and some of Lyonnais’ favorite spots for a drink at sunset.
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, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
9€ full price – free for under-18s
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 shop by boat 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 a favorite spot for locals to escape to 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.