Explore Confluence in Lyon
At the very southern tip of the Presqu'île, where the Rhône and the Saône meet, lies Confluence, Lyon's most modern and architecturally daring neighborhood. Over the past two decades, this former industrial wasteland has been transformed into one of the most exciting urban redevelopment projects in Europe, and it makes for a fascinating contrast to the historic parts of the city.
The Confluence district is defined by its bold contemporary architecture. The Musée des Confluences is the undeniable star of the neighborhood, a spectacular stainless steel and glass structure designed by the Vienna-based firm Coop Himmelblau. Inside, it houses an impressive collection dedicated to science, society, and the natural world, and the building itself is as much of an attraction as the exhibits within.
The waterfront promenades along both rivers offer fantastic walking and cycling paths, with great views of the water and the surrounding architecture. The area also has a large modern shopping center, the Confluence Mall, which is built with sustainability in mind and features an interesting mix of design stores and restaurants. On weekends, the outdoor spaces around the confluence point fill up with locals jogging, cycling, and relaxing by the water.
Confluence is particularly appealing to travelers who are interested in urban design, modern architecture, and sustainability. It shows a completely different side of Lyon compared to the Renaissance streets of Vieux-Lyon or the bohemian hill of Croix-Rousse. Combining a visit here with a walk or bike ride along the riverbanks back up through the rest of the city makes for a brilliant full-day itinerary.