Lyon to Introduce New Urban Swimming Spot in Confluence Darse by Summer 2027
Lyon, January 10, 2026 – The city of Lyon is moving forward with plans to establish a new urban swimming area in the Confluence darse, located in the 2nd arrondissement between Cours Charlemagne and the railway tracks. This initiative, set to open by Summer 2027, will be formally presented during the upcoming Municipal Council meeting on January 22nd, 2026.
Following the successful introduction of swimming in the Rhône last June, Lyon residents can look forward to another urban aquatic facility. The new Confluence darse swimming area is envisioned as a secure, 1,500 m2 space featuring three distinct basins. The SPL Lyon Confluence will oversee the project’s development.
Project Details: Recreational and Sportive Basins
The three planned basins will cater to different needs: two will be designed for recreational use, offering shallow depths and suitable for a broad audience, while the third will feature dedicated lanes for sport swimming. This diverse offering aims to accommodate both leisure seekers and serious swimmers.
The city of Lyon has indicated that a public consultation process will be initiated soon to gather feedback and understand the expectations and usage needs of the residents. This input will be crucial in complementing the forthcoming studies and ensuring the facility meets community demands.
Context and Broader Urban Swimming Initiatives
This project aligns with a broader strategy undertaken with the Métropole de Lyon to identify and develop potential swimming sites within the Rhône and Saône rivers. The goal is to enhance urban living by integrating more accessible recreational water spaces. The introduction of swimming in the Rhône last year marked a significant step in this direction, and the Confluence darse project builds upon that momentum.
The Confluence area, a district known for its modern architecture and urban regeneration, is an ideal location for such a development. The darse, a former industrial dock, will be transformed into a vibrant public space, offering a unique urban swimming experience.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
The city’s commitment to public consultation underscores its desire to create a facility that truly serves the local population. By involving residents in the planning process, Lyon aims to foster a sense of ownership and ensure the new swimming area becomes a cherished community asset.
The announcement has already sparked discussions among residents, with some expressing enthusiasm for the new recreational opportunities and the potential for improved water quality in the darse. The project is expected to further enhance Lyon’s appeal as a city that prioritizes quality of life and innovative urban development.
The opening of the Confluence darse urban swimming area in Summer 2027 is anticipated to be a significant milestone, providing a refreshing addition to Lyon’s public amenities and reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking European city.
Source: https://www.lyoncapitale.fr/actualite/lyon-un-nouveau-lieu-de-baignade-urbaine-prevu-dans-la-darse-de-confluence-pour-l-ete-2027
