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Join de urbirun newsletterOn this flat route, exploring the Confluence and Old Lyon, will you cross the Rhône or the Saône more often, and will you get lost in the traboules? … Let’s find out…
The Rhone River
All honour to whom honour is due, the first bridge I cross spans the wide, calm Rhône River on its way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Once on the left bank, I head down to the quays for a long, pleasant, peaceful stretch along the river. I see the barges, run under bridges and enjoy different views of the city.
It’s a very pleasant warm-up, taking me to the Musée des Confluences at the very end of the peninsula where the two rivers meet.
The Saone River
The modern structure of the building foreshadows what is to come in this redeveloped, modern neighbourhood.
The architects have indulged themselves: colours, shapes, structures, everything you need to feast your eyes on, while enjoying the peaceful banks of the Saône.
Little by little, I find my way back to the city. A pretty footbridge over the Saône River, from which you can see the spires of Fourvière Cathedral at the top of the hill, and here I am in Le Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). Narrow, cobbled streets, shaded, until I come face to face with Saint-Jean Baptiste Cathedral, on Place Saint-Jean.
Exploring Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
I follow the instructions and go around it on the left, finding myself in the archaeological garden in front of the ruins of a 5th-century church.
I continue to let myself be guided through the narrow streets and dare to push open the door that is indicated to me. Here I am, in running shoes, in one of those famous Lyon traboules. A small, easy-to-follow labyrinth, secret stairwells, and just a few squares of sky if you bother to look up, until I reach another door and find myself in another street, after passing through several buildings. Quite an original running track.
I continue on to Place de la Baleine (Whale Square), then cross the Saône again via the Court House footbridge.
Finish in the heart of the Presqu’île
Just a little more effort, and I arrive at the huge Place Bellecour, where I can greet the Little Prince, and Louis XIV on his horse. It’s worth noting that neither of them bother to applaud me, even though I’ve just completed my tour…
No matter, I enjoyed myself and discovered Lyon in a different way…
How about you? When will you try the urbirun experience in Lyon or elsewhere?