The highlights of Lyon with an electric bike

Imagine cruising effortlessly through the streets of Lyon, the vibrant French city known for its Renaissance architecture, lush parks, and lively rivers. This 3-hour electric bike tour offers a great way to see some of Lyon’s top sights without the fatigue of traditional sightseeing. For $66 per person, you’ll cover notable neighborhoods like Vieux-Lyon, the Tête d’Or Park, and the trendy Confluence district, all under the guidance of a friendly local guide.

What we especially appreciate about this experience is how it combines comfortable electric biking with a thoughtful itinerary that includes both historical and modern highlights. Plus, the tour’s focus on the two main rivers, Saône and Rhône, offers a scenic perspective that’s often missed when just wandering on foot or by bus.

A potential downside is that the tour’s schedule may feel a little long toward the end, especially if you’re not a big fan of cycling in the heat or rain, as weather is not a barrier for these rides. Also, it’s important to know how to ride a bike and be comfortable with electric bikes—this isn’t the tour for complete beginners or those with mobility issues.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, scenery, and active exploration. It’s particularly ideal for those who want a manageable, scenic overview of Lyon in a relaxed 3 hours, especially if they’re interested in river views and parks.

Key Points

• Scenic route along Lyon’s two rivers, Saône and Rhône.
• Includes major highlights like Vieux-Lyon, Tête d’Or Park, and Confluence.
• Ideal for those comfortable on a bicycle, with options for child seats and bikes for kids.
• Efficient way to see Lyon’s main sights in a short time, with a mix of history and modern districts.
• Weather-resistant with ponchos provided, making it possible to tour in rain or shine.
• A balance of active and relaxing moments, perfect for travelers who want a laid-back but engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Lyon from the Seat of an Electric Bike

Let’s walk through what makes this electric bike tour stand out and what you can expect when you book. We’ll look at each part of the itinerary, informed by reviews and the detailed schedule.

Starting at Mobilboard Lyon in Vieux Lyon

The tour kicks off in the historic Vieux-Lyon, a neighborhood famous for its winding cobblestone alleys, Renaissance buildings, and lively markets. Here, you’ll meet your guide and get a quick briefing about your electric bike. We appreciated how this initial chat ensures everyone is comfortable before setting off, especially if you’re new to e-bikes.

Vieux-Lyon and the Quais de Saône

Within 15 minutes, you’ll be riding through the heart of old Lyon, taking in the medieval architecture and perhaps catching the scent of fresh bakery bread. Then, your route follows the Quais de Saône, a riverside promenade lined with cafes and colorful boats, offering a peaceful contrast to the busy city streets.

One reviewer noted, “The tour was good. But a snack break would have been welcome,” hinting at how relaxed and pleasant it is to stop and soak in the views, even if the itinerary is tightly scheduled.

Cross the Croix-Rousse Tunnel to the Rhône Side

One of the tour’s highlights is crossing the tunnel of Croix-Rousse, reserved solely for pedestrians and bikes. It’s a smooth, safe passage connecting the two sides of the city, and you’ll enjoy the change in scenery and atmosphere as you leave the Saône’s side to explore Lyon’s southern districts.

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Tête d’Or Park: Nature in the City

The Tête d’Or Park is a real gem — a sprawling green space with a botanical garden, a zoo, and a beautiful rose garden. We loved the way this part of the tour combines nature with city life, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy some fresh air. The 45-minute stop allows plenty of time to admire the African plain animals or just sit by the lake.

According to one review, “In the park, you can admire the botanical garden, enjoy the animals of the African plain or look at the beautiful rose garden,” highlighting how this stop offers a pleasant break and photo opportunities.

City Squares: Terreaux and Bellecour

Next, your guide takes you through Place des Terreaux — a lively square shadowed by the City Hall and the stunning Fountain of Bartholdi. Then, you’ll pedal to Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest open squares, where you can take in the views of the Fourvière Basilica and the Rhone river.

These central locations give insight into Lyon’s urban fabric, blending history, commerce, and local life. One traveler noted, “We loved the way the tour moved through different districts, each with its own character.”

Biking Along the Rhone and to Confluence District

The final stretch takes you along the Berges du Rhône, a popular riverside spot with cafes, bikes paths, and scenic views. Then, you’ll reach the Confluence district, a modern area with sleek architecture and innovative urban design. The 40-minute ride here gives a glimpse into Lyon’s future while also appreciating its current vibrancy.

Returning to Vieux Lyon

Your journey concludes back at the starting point, completing the circle. Many reviewers mention the well-paced nature of the tour, though one noted, “The end was a little long,” suggesting that some might prefer a shorter wrap-up or more variety.

The Experience: What It Means for You

This tour offers a balanced mix of cultural sights, natural beauty, and modern development, all accessible via easy-to-ride electric bikes. The guided aspect ensures you don’t miss the stories behind each landmark, and your guide’s local knowledge brings Lyon’s character to life.

The three-hour duration is generous enough to see key areas but not so long that it becomes tiring—especially important given the riding involved. You’ll cover a fair amount of ground, but the electric bikes help keep energy levels high, making it suitable even for those who aren’t regular cyclists.

What the Reviews Say

One traveler from France gave it a 4 out of 5, citing the tour as “good,” but mentioning that “a snack break would have been welcome,” which points to the potential for adding food stops. Another from the Netherlands gave a 3 out of 5, wishing for more city sights beyond the rivers, indicating that the tour’s focus on river and park scenery might feel a bit narrow for some.

Value and Practicalities

At $66, this tour strikes a good balance between cost and what’s offered. The inclusion of a guide, bike rental, and a safety briefing makes it straightforward, with no hidden costs. The weather isn’t an obstacle, as ponchos are provided, and the tour runs in all conditions, which is practical for travelers on flexible schedules.

Who Will Love This Tour?

It’s perfect for active travelers who want a relaxed, scenic overview of Lyon’s highlights. Families with kids (bikes and child seats available) will appreciate the safe, easy routes, and history buffs will enjoy the blend of old and new districts. However, if you’re craving a deeper dive into Lyon’s food scene or museums, this might be a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

The Sum Up

This electric bike tour of Lyon offers an excellent way to see the city’s most photogenic and meaningful sites in a manageable, eco-friendly manner. It’s a great choice if you want to embrace Lyon’s riverside beauty, parks, and lively squares without the fatigue of walking or the rigidity of a bus.

While it might feel a bit rushed at times and doesn’t dive deeply into Lyon’s lesser-known neighborhoods or culinary delights, it provides a solid, scenic foundation—the kind of experience that’s perfect for first-timers or those short on time. You’ll leave with a good understanding of Lyon’s layout and character, plus plenty of photo opportunities.

If you’re looking for a balanced, enjoyable, and well-organized way to get a taste of Lyon’s essential sights, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just bring comfortable shoes for the brief periods of walking, and be ready to enjoy some smooth riding along one of France’s most beautiful rivers.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to ride a bike?
Yes, you should be comfortable riding a bike since you’ll be on electric bikes, which are relatively easy to handle. Basic riding skills are necessary.

Can I bring children?
Yes, bikes for children and child seats are available on request, making it suitable for families.

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. Ponchos are provided if the weather turns bad, so be prepared for the elements.

What’s the age limit for riding?
You must be at least 14 years old to ride an electric bike, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a break during the tour?
The itinerary includes stops at key points but not designated breaks. The Tête d’Or Park stop is a good opportunity to rest and enjoy nature.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments. Also, riders under 4 ft 9 in (150 cm) aren’t recommended.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including a safety briefing, with the bike rental included. The actual riding time is about 2 hours, with stops along the way.

In summary, this Lyon electric bike tour is a practical, enjoyable way to get your bearings in the city, especially if riverside views and parks appeal to you. It balances scenic beauty with historical interest, making for a memorable three hours in one of France’s most charming cities.

You can check availability for your dates here: