Gently sloping summer on the banks of the Rhône

Paris is very proud of Paris Plage on the banks of the Seine one month a year, when nature is stolen from the cars and returned to pedestrians. But in Lyon, it is all year long that pedestrians can take advantage of the banks of the Rhône, without the slightest power-driven machine on the horizon.

There existed already the quais de Saône, restaurants and the incomparable Tuscan light which plays on their facades, there is now, since spring 2007, the Berges du Rhône and its 23 000 m² of green spaces and trees planted like a long ribbon, a green route starting from Gerland running to the Parc de la Tête d'or and back again.

It is a paradise for pedestrians; strollers, very young children, disabled people, lively teenagers and even animals, if they are on a leash. The banks are linked in several areas between the various bridges

of Lyon.

The inhabited banks and the garden islands between Pont Morand and Pont Lafayette; the long meadow which extends over 6 000 m² up to Pont Wilson; the Guillotière terraces up to Pont of the same name; the nautical landing stage alongside the swimming pool up to Pont de l'Université and the harbour and its picnic areas stretching up to Pont Galliéni. One can settle down on deck chairs, the students revise their examinations, spaces are reserved for volleyball, badminton and mini-football.

One can have a drink on the terrace of one of the eight barges; (restaurants, pubs, café with live theatre and discotheques), which are installed alongside the quay and the Vélo'v concept: city bikes to be rented are invading the city; they are pioneers showing a good example to other European capitals and circulating on good terms with everybody.

Knowing however that on the river banks, pedestrians are kings and always have priority and that the Highway Code is the rule. An excellent habit to have to live well together!