Lyon: 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise

Looking for a unique way to experience Lyon? A Lyon 2.5-hour lunch cruise offers a delightful combination of sightseeing and fine dining. As you glide along the Rhône River aboard the Hermès Restaurant Boat, you’ll savour a gourmet three-course meal while taking in Lyon’s stunning landscapes and landmarks.

The cruise provides a welcome break from exploring the city on foot. You’ll enjoy informative commentary about Lyon’s history and attractions as you pass by iconic sights like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The boat’s large windows ensure you won’t miss any of the scenic views during your meal.

Your culinary journey includes a choice of starters, main courses, and desserts, accompanied by complimentary drinks.

The menu features regional specialities prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This relaxing midday excursion combines the best of Lyon’s renowned gastronomy with its picturesque riverfront scenery.

Booking Lyon 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise Experience

Planning your Lyon lunch cruise is easy with a few key steps. Here’s what you need to know about reserving your spot, costs, and cancellation options.

Availability and Reservations

You can book online through the cruise company’s website or trusted travel sites. When booking, you’ll choose your date and time slot. Lyon lunch cruises typically depart around noon.

Group bookings are available for special events. If you have dietary requirements, mention them when booking. The cruise can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs with advance notice.

Pricing and Payment Options

Prices for the Lyon lunch cruise vary based on the season and day of the week. Expect to pay around €60-80 per adult. Children’s rates are often available for ages 3-12.

Your ticket includes the boat trip, three-course meal, and drinks. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing:

Most bookings require full payment at the time of reservation. Major credit cards are accepted. Some sites offer a “pay later” option, allowing you to reserve now and pay closer to the cruise date.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel within 24 hours, you may be charged a fee. The exact amount varies but is typically around 50% of the ticket price.

In case of bad weather, the cruise may be rescheduled or cancelled by the operator. You’ll be offered a new date or a full refund in these cases.

Always check the specific terms when booking, as policies can change. Keep your booking confirmation handy in case you need to make changes.

On-Board Services

The Lyon lunch cruise offers top-notch dining and drinks. You’ll enjoy gourmet food and a range of beverage choices as you take in the sights.

Gourmet Dining

Your 2.5-hour cruise includes a delicious 3-course meal. The menu changes with the seasons to use fresh, local ingredients. You can pick from several options for each course to suit your taste. Vegetarian and other special diets are catered for – just let the staff know when booking.

Starters may include items like smoked salmon or a fresh salad. For mains, you might try a tender beef dish or fresh fish. Finish with a decadent dessert like chocolate mousse. The food is prepared on board by skilled chefs, ensuring it’s fresh and tasty.

Beverage Selections

A good meal deserves good drinks. You’ll find a wide range to choose from on the cruise. Wine lovers can sample local vintages from the Rhône Valley. Beer, spirits, and soft drinks are also on offer.

Water is provided free with your meal. Other drinks can be bought separately. The staff are happy to suggest wine pairings for your food choices. You can enjoy your drinks at your table or head to the deck to sip whilst taking in the views of Lyon.

The Gastronomic Exploration

The lunch cruise offers a delightful culinary journey through Lyon’s famous cuisine. You’ll savour a three-course meal featuring local specialities and seasonal ingredients.

Menu Highlights

The menu showcases Lyon’s gastronomic heritage. For starters, you might enjoy a creamy morel sauce over tender chicken. The main course often features regional favourites like quenelle de brochet, a light fish dumpling in a rich sauce.

Dessert is a true highlight. You’ll be treated to a praline tart, a local speciality bursting with sweet, nutty flavour. The tart’s crisp pastry and gooey filling perfectly balance each other.

Throughout the meal, you can sip on local wines or refreshing tea to complement your food.

Chef’s Specials

The chef takes pride in creating seasonal dishes using fresh, local ingredients. You might find a hearty coq au vin in winter or a light, herbed fish in summer.

Cruise Highlights and Landmarks

The Lyon lunch cruise takes you past stunning scenery and historic sites along the Rhône River. You’ll see charming neighbourhoods, grand monuments, and picturesque riverbanks as you dine.

Vieux Lyon

As you glide by Vieux Lyon, you’ll spot its colourful Renaissance buildings. This old town area is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and hidden passageways called traboules.

Look out for Saint-Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock. The Gothic church towers over the district. Nearby stands the Palais de Justice, an imposing 19th-century courthouse.

You might glimpse the funicular railway climbing up Fourvière hill. At the top sits the white Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This ornate church offers panoramic views over Lyon.

Sathonay and Surroundings

The cruise continues past the Sathonay district and neighbouring areas. You’ll see the grand Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest public squares. Its centrepiece is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV.

Keep an eye out for the Hôtel-Dieu. This former hospital has a striking facade stretching along the riverbank. It now houses shops and restaurants.

Further along, you might spot the modern Musée des Confluences. This science and anthropology museum sits at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

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Rhône River Views

The Rhône itself offers beautiful vistas as you cruise. You’ll pass under several bridges, each with its own character. The Pont Lafayette is known for its elegant arches.

Watch for the tree-lined banks and promenades along the river. These paths are popular spots for locals to stroll and cycle.

On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of the Alps in the distance. The snow-capped peaks form a stunning backdrop to the city’s skyline.

Customer Experience Feedback

Guests on the Lyon 2.5-Hour Lunch Cruise often share their thoughts about the trip. Many praise the food and views. Let’s look at what people say and how happy they are with the cruise.

Reviews and Ratings

Some guests mention the friendly staff and smooth ride. A few note that getting a window seat makes the trip even better. Not all reviews are perfect, though. A small number of people feel the cruise is a bit pricey. Others wish for more time to see the sights.

Customer Satisfaction

The cruise seems to make most guests happy. People often say it’s a great way to see Lyon. Many enjoy learning about the city from the audio guide. The food quality is a big plus for customer satisfaction.

Guests like that the cruise fits both sightseeing and lunch into one activity. This saves time for other plans in Lyon. Some customers suggest booking early to get the best seats. A few mention that the cruise can be romantic for couples.

The company seems to keep an eye on feedback. They often respond to reviews online. This shows they care about making guests happy. Over time, the cruise has kept its good reputation among visitors to Lyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about the Lyon 2.5-hour lunch cruise. Here are answers to some common queries about pricing, what’s included, dietary options, and more.

What is the price range for the 2.5-hour lunch cruise in Lyon?

Prices for the Lyon lunch cruise typically start around €60-€70 per person. The exact cost may vary based on the day of the week and season.

Booking in advance can sometimes offer discounts or special rates.

Can you provide details about what is included in the 2.5-hour lunch cruise?

The cruise includes a gourmet three-course meal with drinks. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lyon’s landmarks as you dine.

Live commentary in French and English provides information about the sights. The boat ride lasts 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax and take in the scenery.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options available on the Lyon lunch cruise?

Yes, vegetarian options are usually available on the lunch cruise. It’s best to inform the cruise company of any dietary requirements when booking.

They can often accommodate other special diets like gluten-free or vegan with advance notice.

How does the 2.5-hour lunch cruise in Lyon compare to the dinner cruise options?

The lunch cruise offers daytime views of Lyon, while dinner cruises showcase the city’s night-time illuminations. Lunch cruises tend to be slightly shorter and less expensive than dinner options.

Both feature gourmet meals, but dinner cruises may have more elaborate menus.

What are the boarding locations and times for the Lyon lunch cruise?

The typical boarding location is 2 Quai des Célestins in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. Boarding usually starts 15-30 minutes before departure.

Most lunch cruises depart around 12:30 pm, but it’s crucial to check your specific booking for exact times.

What sights and landmarks can be seen during the cruise along the Lyon waterways?

You’ll see iconic Lyon landmarks like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the historic Old Town. The cruise passes through the modern Confluence district.

Other sights include picturesque bridges, riverside parks, and the Ile Barbe island in the Saône River.