Lyon, the city where every cobblestone whispers “eat more cheese” and every corner oozes charm like a perfectly baked Saint-Marcellin. But don’t be fooled, beneath its gastronomic glory lies a bold, adventurous spirit just waiting to be explored.
So, whether you’re a daredevil with a fork or an adrenaline junkie in hiking boots, Lyon’s got thrills tucked between its bouchons and basilicas.
Let’s get our adventure shoes on (or at least something more practical than espadrilles) and dive into the top 10 adventure activities you can enjoy in Lyon.
1. Hike (or Power Stroll) Up Fourvière Hill
🥵 Cardio + culture = the ultimate Lyonnais workout.
Skip the funicular and march your way up to the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, preferably with dramatic Rocky Balboa energy. The steps are steep, your thighs will scream, but the view at the top? Chef’s kiss. You’ll see the entire city stretched out like a croissant buffet.
📸 Bonus: Get a smug selfie with the whole of Lyon behind you. Hashtag: #WorthTheWheeze
2. Explore the Traboules Like a Time Travelling Ninja
🌀 Secret passages + creaky doors = urban explorer heaven.
Lyon’s traboules hidden Renaissance passageways—were once used by silk workers, Resistance fighters and probably at least one dramatic poet. Finding them feels like unlocking side quests in an old school RPG. You never know where they’ll take you.
🗝️ Hint: Start in Vieux Lyon or Croix-Rousse and look for discreet plaques and doorways. Pretend you’re in Assassin’s Creed if that helps (it will).
3. Kayak Along the Saône River
🛶 Because sightseeing is more fun when there’s a mild risk of falling in.
Trade pavements for paddles and glide through Lyon via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Float past historic buildings, peaceful quays and hopefully not into a tour boat. It’s serene, scenic and slightly soggy in the best way.
🌅 Top tip: Go at sunset for golden hour glory. It’s basically therapy on water.
4. Go Rock Climbing at Mur de Lyon (Europe’s Largest Indoor Wall!)
🧗 It’s massive. Like, “my arms are trembling just thinking about it” massive.
With over 2,500 square metres of climbing surface, Mur de Lyon is the Everest of indoor climbing gyms. There’s bouldering, top roping and even an area that lets you climb sideways like a very athletic crab.
💪 Ideal for: Climbers of all levels and people who secretly enjoy a controlled struggle.
5. Paraglide Over the Rhône-Alpes (Just Outside Lyon)
🪂 Because seeing Lyon is lovely… but flying over it? Glorious.
While not directly in the city, paragliding in the nearby Alps or surrounding countryside is a must do for anyone craving altitude with a side of “Wheeeee!” The views are beyond stunning and the adrenaline rush is 100% natural and legally encouraged.
🌤️ Side effect: You’ll never look at a desk job the same way again.
6. Cycle the Rhône River Trail Like a Lycra Clad Explorer
🚴 Whether you’re a casual cruiser or Tour de France wannabe, Lyon delivers.
Rent a bike and follow the ViaRhôna, a scenic path that runs right through Lyon and continues for miles along the Rhône River. It’s smooth, peaceful and your chance to say, “Oh this? Just my daily ride between two rivers and a UNESCO site.”
🍦 Pit stop: Grab a scoop at Terre Adélice mid ride. You’ve earned it. Probably twice.
7. Zipline Through Parc de la Tête d’Or (Nature, But Make It Zoomy)
🌳 The park is lovely. Add a zipline? Even better.
Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or is already amazing—think botanical gardens, a zoo, a lake—but with the nearby France Aventures Lyon Fourvière, you can take to the treetops like an enthusiastic squirrel. Swing, climb, zip and embrace your inner Tarzan.
🦥 Pro tip: Try not to scream like a banshee. Or do. It’s your adventure.
8. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Beaujolais Region
🎈 Floating with wine views? Yes please.
Not exactly in Lyon, but worth the 30-minute journey: Beaujolais offers stunning landscapes and viewing them from above in a hot air balloon is nothing short of magical. Add a glass of red and you’re basically a flying sommelier.
🥂 Moment: Toast to the good life while pretending you’re in a very classy perfume commercial.
9. Try an Escape Room in a Real Historic Setting
🔐 Because pretending to be a code breaking spy is way more fun in French.
Lyon has some très cool escape rooms, including ones set in actual old buildings and underground cellars. Themes range from espionage and time travel to “Help! The baguettes have risen up!” (OK, maybe not that last one, but they should).
🧠 Warning: May cause extreme competitiveness and mild arguments over padlocks.
10. Go Caving and Canyon Trekking in the Rhône Alpes
🧗♂️ Underground thrills with muddy boots and wide eyes.
Adventurous souls can venture just outside Lyon for spelunking and canyoning experiences, think rope descents, waterfalls and caves that make you feel like Indiana Jones (but with better snacks). Tours for all levels available, from “curious hiker” to “mountain goat energy.”
💦 You will get wet. You will feel heroic. You will want to do it again.
✨ Final Thought (With Mud on Your Shoes and Cheese in Your Bag):
Lyon might be France’s foodie capital (and oh boy, does it deliver), but it’s also a secret playground for adventure lovers. Whether you’re zip lining through treetops, paddling down the Saône or dangling from a cliff with the grace of a baguette loving ninja, this city has thrills at every turn.
So come for the gastronomy, but stay for the grit. Lyon’s not just a feast for your stomach, it’s a challenge for your spirit.
