How long does it take to walk through the Confluence district?

A thorough self-guided walk through Confluence typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to stop for photos at the Orange Cube and admire the views from the Pont Raymond Barre.

Is the Confluence neighborhood in Lyon worth visiting?

Yes, Confluence is worth visiting for its striking contrast to Lyon's historic center. It offers a unique look at 21st-century urban renewal, riverfront culture, and some of the most daring architecture in France.

Can I see the Orange Cube and the Musée des Confluences on the same walk?

Absolutely. Both landmarks are located on the same peninsula along the Saône river. They are approximately a 15-minute walk apart, making them easy to see in a single neighborhood stroll.

Is the Confluence walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the Confluence area is one of the most accessible parts of Lyon. The entire route follows flat, wide, and well-paved paths along the river and through modern plazas, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs.

What is the futuristic building at the end of the Lyon peninsula?

The futuristic building is the Musée des Confluences, a science and anthropology museum designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au. Its deconstructivist design is a landmark of modern Lyon architecture.

When is the best time of day to explore Confluence?

Late afternoon is ideal as the setting sun reflects off the glass and metal facades of the modern buildings. The 'golden hour' provides the best lighting for photography along the Quai Rambaud.

Where do the two rivers meet in Lyon?

The Rhône and Saône rivers meet at the southern tip of the Confluence district, just behind the Musée des Confluences. You can see the point of convergence clearly from the museum's gardens or the Pont Raymond Barre.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Lyon is often celebrated for its Renaissance courtyards and Roman ruins, but to understand the city's modern soul, you must head south to the Confluence. This self-guided walk explores one of Europe’s most ambitious urban renewal projects, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Once a gritty industrial wasteland of warehouses and docks, Confluence has been reimagined as a futuristic eco-district that serves as a living laboratory for sustainable living and avant-garde architecture. On this walking route, you will witness how the city has successfully bridged its industrial heritage with a bold vision for the future. Starting at the serene Place Nautique, the route leads you past the 'Orange Cube,' a structure that redefined Lyon's riverfront, and toward the colossal La Sucrière, a former sugar warehouse turned contemporary art hub. You will discover the vibrant Euronews HQ and the gravity-defying Musée des Confluences, a building so unique it has been described as a 'crystal cloud.' This neighborhood stroll is more than just a sightseeing path; it is an exploration of how light, water, and steel can create a new kind of urban habitat. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a photography lover, or a curious traveler, this walk offers a perspective on Lyon that feels worlds away from the cobblestones of Vieux Lyon. Discover the innovative spirit of France's third-largest city as you wander through a landscape of deconstructivist shapes, eco-friendly housing, and reclaimed docks. This self-guided adventure allows you to move at your own pace, stopping to admire the reflections of neon facades in the river or to watch the modern trams glide across the sleek Pont Raymond Barre. It is a journey through the Confluence, where history ends and the future begins.

Highlights

The vibrant, perforated facade of the iconic Orange Cube

La Sucrière, a 1930s sugar warehouse reimagined for modern art

The lime-green 'eyes' of the Euronews Headquarters

The deconstructivist masterpiece of the Musée des Confluences

Panoramic views where the Rhône and Saône rivers merge

The sustainable design of the Pont Raymond Barre

Tour Stops (6)

Place Nautique

Start your self-guided adventure at Place Nautique, the heart of the Confluence eco-district. This man-made basin was carved into the former industrial docks to bring water deep into the residential neighborhood. Look around and you will see the 'Monolithe,' a massive block designed by five different architectural firms to showcase diverse styles within a single structure. This area represents the 'soft mobility' philosophy of the district, where pedestrians and cyclists take priority over cars. The basin itself acts as a natural cooling system for the surrounding buildings, reflecting the neighborhood's commitment to sustainable urban living.

Orange Cube

Stand before one of Lyon’s most photographed landmarks: the Orange Cube. Designed by the architectural firm Jakob + MacFarlane, this striking building was completed in 2010. Its vibrant lead-orange color is a nod to the industrial paint used in harbor zones. Notice the massive circular 'voids' carved into the side of the building; these aren't just for show. They allow natural light to penetrate deep into the interior and facilitate natural ventilation. This building serves as a showroom and office space, proving that functional urban design can also be a bold piece of public art.

La Sucrière

This massive concrete structure is La Sucrière, a former sugar warehouse dating back to the 1930s. Rather than tearing it down, the city preserved it as a symbol of Lyon’s industrial past. Today, it is a premier venue for the Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art and various cultural events. Look up at the silos integrated into the facade; they remind us of the building's original purpose of storing thousands of tons of sugar arriving by barge. The rooftop, known as Le Sucre, is a famous spot for Lyon's electronic music scene and nightlife, demonstrating how old industrial bones can support a new cultural heart.

Euronews HQ

A short walk further south brings you to the Euronews Headquarters, often called the 'Green Cube.' Also designed by Jakob + MacFarlane, this building features a lime-green perforated metal skin that mimics the movement of the river water it overlooks. The two large circular openings, or 'eyes,' provide views of the Saône for the journalists inside while allowing the building to breathe. It stands as a symbol of the Confluence’s transformation into a hub for media and innovation, anchoring the southern end of the reclaimed docks with its unmistakable silhouette.

Musée des Confluences

You are now at the tip of the peninsula, facing the Musée des Confluences. This deconstructivist marvel, designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au, is composed of three parts: the Base, the Crystal, and the Cloud. The 'Crystal' faces the city, acting as an open public forum, while the 'Cloud' houses the museum's vast collections regarding the origins of the world and humanity. Its complex geometry of steel and glass makes it look different from every angle. It sits precisely where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, a location that has been significant since Roman times, now topped with a building that looks like it landed from the future.

Pont Raymond Barre

The final stop on this walking route is the Pont Raymond Barre. Named after a former mayor of Lyon and Prime Minister of France, this bridge is dedicated entirely to 'soft' transport: the tramway, cyclists, and pedestrians. Its elegant, inclined arches were designed to be lightweight and non-intrusive to the river landscape. From here, you get a spectacular view back toward the Musée des Confluences and the meeting of the two rivers. It serves as a vital link connecting the new Confluence district to the Gerland neighborhood on the opposite bank, symbolizing the interconnected future of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Confluence district is the premier destination for modern architecture in Lyon. This self-guided walk takes you from Place Nautique to the Musée des Confluences, featuring iconic buildings like the Orange Cube and the Euronews HQ.